As we head into the festive season, it’s crucial that your vehicle is in premium working condition. After all, how frustrating would it be to finally be ready to leave with your family for Christmas, only to discover the car won’t start? Therefore, there’s no time like the present to head to your local auto repair center to reduce the risk of that happening!
Aside from oil changes, radiator top-ups, and new tires, it’s essential that you don’t forget about your battery. Your battery doesn’t last forever, and even if everything else in your vehicle is working fine, one dead battery is all it takes to bring your travel plans to a complete halt. We’ve included five signs that may show it’s time for a new battery.
1. Corrosion on the battery terminals
Corrosion on battery terminals is a result of hydrogen gas being released from the acid in the battery. If the corrosion is occurring in the negative terminal, it will be undercharging, but if it’s in the positive terminal, it will be overcharging. When you notice the corrosion, head to your local auto repair center. They will be able to install a new battery to remove the source of the problem.
2. Your car is as excited about mornings as you are
If your vehicle is a little slow to get going in the morning, there’s a good chance your battery is in need of replacement. With little juice left to keep the car running, it might be struggling to power up the vital components your vehicle needs to run. A simple battery test can determine what the problem is. If the reading is lower than 12.4 volts, it’s certainly time for a replacement.
3. Your vehicle needs to be jumpstarted
If you turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens, your battery has given up. When you require jumpstarting just to get going, it’s essential you replace your vehicle battery immediately. There could be nothing worse than being stuck in a mall car park or the school pick-up zone while you wait for a family member to arrive with jumper leads! Avoid the nightmare and replace your battery as soon as possible.
4. It will only start occasionally
When you’re having problems with your car starting, then the next day it’s okay, there’s a chance your battery has shorted cells. A battery with shorted cells will only fire up your car intermittently and is not reliable in the slightest. This can be fixed by simply purchasing a new battery.
5. It’s aging
Most manufacturers don’t provide warranties for batteries for their products – and that’s because they have a limited shelf life. If your battery is three years old, or older, you should replace it. In fact, when you head to an auto repair center for an oil change, you should request it be volt tested there as well. With the Christmas rush fast approaching, you don’t want to leave your vehicle’s reliability to chance.
When it comes to the health of your vehicle, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. Therefore, you need a reliable, experienced team of technicians who care about your car as much as you do. That’s where AC Auto in Wakefield comes in. Locally owned and operated for more than 35 years, the team is dedicated to providing comprehensive auto repair service to see you traveling safely. From electrical, engines, and brakes through to AC, diagnostics, and suspension, there’s nothing they can’t do! Call 781-621-8151 to book your vehicle in today!