Batteries And More

Your car’s battery is important. It provides the power it needs to start. It also stores electricity the alternator creates and powers accessories when the car is off. Obviously, you need your battery to function. Oftentimes, however, the battery wears out or “dies.” There are various reasons why car batteries die. Here are the most common: • Forgetting to Turn Off Headlights or Internal Lights. These days, most cars signal whenever the headlights or internal lights are left on and many modern vehicles automatically turn off the headlights. Yet, people still own older vehicles and there are still occasions when the headlights or internal lights remain on. • Not Fully Closing a Door. If a door is not fully closed, it will cause the interior lights and/or the dashboard lights to remain on, which will drain the battery. • Using Accessories with the Car Off. If you listen to the radio or put on the air conditioner or heater or use any other accessory without putting on t

When your car starts giving you trouble, it’s not easy to figure out why. It could be the battery or it could be the alternator. It’s a good idea to try and determine what’s happening early, before your car won’t start. Here are some tips to help you figure out where is the problem. Check the Battery If it’s cold outside, it’s most likely the battery. Check the battery after you shut off the car. If you see a dim flickering light, something is using the battery’s power. Check everything - windows, wipers, brakes, etc. When they are all off, try the battery again. Then check the battery voltage with a voltmeter (you can purchase one very inexpensively through Gumtree or Fragram). It should read around 12.6 volts. Turn on the engine and recheck. If the voltmeter reads between 14-15 volts, the battery is normal. If, however, the voltmeter reads over 15 volts or less than 13 volts, you have a problem with the wiring, voltage regulator, or the alternator. If it also won’t