With the cold weather upon us, be sure your battery is in adequate condition. As it gets colder outside, your battery becomes less efficient while your engine demands even more cranking amperage to start. All batteries will wear out with time, and a dead or weak battery can leave you stranded with no warning! Is there anything worse than the sound of your car trying to start on a cold winter morning, and it just doesn’t have enough power?? Modern vehicles have many more electrical components that depend on and strain your battery, such as power seats and seat heaters, sunroofs, power outlets for cell phones and DVD’s, or security and GPS systems. Don’t get caught with a weak or dying car battery – have your electrical system tested to determine the following:
- the voltage in your battery
- how much reserve power is available (cold cranking amps)
- if the alternator is recharging the battery properly
If your battery does need to be replaced, a reputable repair shop will safely change out the battery, and will dispose of your old battery in an environmentally safe manner. Cold weather decreases the amount of cranking amperage available to your electrical system --don’t get caught SHORT!
Next Article: Pre-Purchase Inspections –Buy with Confidence!
