Spring has arrived and summer vacation planning is well on its way. Along with this, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top mechanical shape. There is nothing worse than car problems to spoil a great summer vacation. A dead car battery has been the culprit many times. If neglected, your vehicle’s dependability is in question, including your long-awaited vacation. To add to your misery will be the inconvenience and the cost of a car battery replacement.
The following simple tips can assist you in keeping your car battery strong and reliable:
- Preventative Measures – In order to prevent a premature car battery replacement, check terminals and cables. Loose or dirty cables are common “no start” condition. Cable ends and terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sandpaper periodically to remove any corrosion build-up. Spray coatings for terminals are helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion. Dirty or corroded terminals can severely reduce the lifespan of the car battery and alternator.
- Periodic Check-ups - Have your auto mechanic check the load levels at every oil change interval if the car battery is over 2 years old. A weak battery that is not storing enough power will cause the alternator to work harder and possibly cause alternator failure.
- Load Restrictions – This is how much of a “load” or drain can be placed on the electrical system before the stored electricity in the battery begins to discharge itself and needs to be recharged. It is not uncommon for batteries to go completely "flat" without ever giving a warning signal. Be careful to not overload your battery.
- Car Battery Replacement – If a replacement is necessary, the new car battery should have the same dimensions, the same cable connections, and the same electrical capacity as the original. If you are in doubt, your mechanic can help you identify and install the proper battery for your vehicle.
Paying attention to these simple tips will get you on the right track for a fun and safe summer.
Need a quality car battery service? Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.
Spring has arrived and summer vacation planning is well on its way. Along with this, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top mechanical shape. There is nothing worse than car problems to spoil a great summer vacation. A dead car battery has been the culprit many times. If neglected, your vehicle’s dependability is in question, including your long-awaited vacation. To add to your misery will be the inconvenience and the cost of a car battery replacement.
The following simple tips can assist you in keeping your car battery strong and reliable:
- Preventative Measures – In order to prevent a premature car battery replacement, check terminals and cables. Loose or dirty cables are common “no start” condition. Cable ends and terminals should be cleaned with a wire brush and light sandpaper periodically to remove any corrosion build-up. Spray coatings for terminals are helpful in reducing the formation of corrosion. Dirty or corroded terminals can severely reduce the lifespan of the car battery and alternator.
- Periodic Check-ups - Have your auto mechanic check the load levels at every oil change interval if the car battery is over 2 years old. A weak battery that is not storing enough power will cause the alternator to work harder and possibly cause alternator failure.
- Load Restrictions – This is how much of a “load” or drain can be placed on the electrical system before the stored electricity in the battery begins to discharge itself and needs to be recharged. It is not uncommon for batteries to go completely "flat" without ever giving a warning signal. Be careful to not overload your battery.
- Car Battery Replacement – If a replacement is necessary, the new car battery should have the same dimensions, the same cable connections, and the same electrical capacity as the original. If you are in doubt, your mechanic can help you identify and install the proper battery for your vehicle.
Paying attention to these simple tips will get you on the right track for a fun and safe summer.
Need a quality car battery service? Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.
