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Car Care

Ignoring car battery maintenance can leave drivers strandedWinter Requires Extra Maintenance

This information is provided courtesy of AAA New York

With winter approaching, AAA encourages all motorists to have their cars inspected before they get caught out in the cold in a disabled vehicle. Here are some other helpful reminders.

  • The average annual cost of owning and operating a new car is estimated at $7,533. This is nearly 15 percent of the average family’s annual income of $54,000, as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With that kind of money at stake, it’s imperative for motorists to protect their automotive investment with an annual maintenance and safety inspection. We recommend doing so during October, which is National Car Care Month.
  • Motorists with an appointment will usually need no more than 15 minutes to have their vehicle looked at by a professional technician doing a seasonal inspection. AAA’s more than 7,100 approved repair facilities also agree to provide AAA members with free inspections whenever they bring their vehicle in for maintenance or repair.

A complete winter inspection should include:

  • Check all fluid levels, vehicle lights, belts and hoses. Refill, replace or adjust as necessary.
  • Inspect and replace wiper blades if they are more than six months old. Windshield wipers should be changed twice a year to ensure that the rubber remains soft enough to efficiently remove water, snow and road grit. Also, check periodically, especially following extreme cold snaps, for tears in the rubber that could render blades inoperable at the worst possible time.
  • Look at the level and condition of the oil. Change the oil if it has been more than 5,000 miles since the last lubrication. Older vehicles will require more frequent oil changes.
  • Check the coolant. Flush and refill engine coolant if it has been more than three years since the last coolant change, or if the fluid looks brownish and cloudy rather than clear and clean. Coolant can be easily checked for effectiveness with a simple bulb-and-tube float tester.
  • Inspect tires, regardless of vehicle age or mileage, for wear and under-inflation. Not sure what to look for in tread wear? Try this simple coin test.
  • Check brakes if the vehicle has more than 30,000 miles on the odometer, or it has been more than 30,000 miles since the last brake job.

For reliable assistance with vehicle repairs and maintenance, AAA has identified a network of approved repair facilities that include new car dealerships and independent repair shops. These shops meet AAA’s strict quality standards and display AAA’s logo.

BATTERY BASICS

Probably the most common problem encountered by motorists in cold weather is a car that won’t start due to a dead battery. Not only aggravating, this problem can be costly and — if you’re far from help — even life-threatening. But you don’t need to experience this problem if you just take a few moments to learn what it takes to be prepared.

Despite warranties that claim an expected battery life of four, five or six years, most vehicle batteries will fail after three-and-a-half years. The constant chemical reaction inside a lead-acid battery, vibration caused by driving over irregular surfaces, and extreme changes in temperature all conspire to rob a battery of its ability to hold a charge.

Last year, AAA’s Emergency Road Service professionals responded to more than 5 million calls from members with cars that wouldn’t start. Many of these calls involved batteries that could not be recharged. In many other cases, car owners assumed their vehicle battery would be fine after a jump-start, only to experience a second battery failure the next time they tried to re-start the vehicle.

Years of experience and millions of calls for help have demonstrated to AAA that most vehicle batteries are allowed to fail by car owners. This is because car batteries are seldom tested as part of a regular vehicle inspection and maintenance routine, and because many owners assume their vehicle battery will last much longer than it actually will.

To end this frustration, motorists need to change their thinking about batteries. New technology has made it possible to reliably determine the condition of a vehicle battery in a few minutes, without removing the battery from the vehicle. This test should be requested every time you have your vehicle inspected.

The major functions of the battery are

  1. to supply current to the starter motor that starts the engine
  2. provide power to electrical components and accessories when the vehicle’s engine is not running, and
  3. to supply current when the electrical system load exceeds charging system capability.
  4. The battery also acts as a voltage stabilizer.

Before replacing a battery, have the battery, electrical and vehicle-charging systems checked for problems. Look for an automotive service facility that’s part of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program. They will have the parts, tools and training needed to determine why a vehicle’s electrical system is not performing properly. Most AAA approved shops will also sell and install replacement batteries.

Some important things to look for and tips for proper battery handling:

  • Signs of a weak battery are slow engine cranking, dim headlights and illumination of the battery/charging system warning light on the dashboard.
  • Keeping the battery case clean by wiping it down with a moist paper towel and mild detergent will help reduce any current drain caused by dirt or grime.
  • Corrosion around the terminal connections can be cleaned with a small stiff brush and a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse the battery with water, but work with a piece of disposable cardboard or other scrap material underneath to avoid staining floors or driveways.
  • If the battery has removable vent caps, check the electrolyte fluid level. It should be above the tops of the plates inside the battery. If fluid is needed, add distilled water, but don’t overfill.
  • Battery terminal connections should be tight. Adjust loose fittings or replace those that have cracked.
  • When working around automotive batteries, always wear proper eye protection and gloves.
  • Never smoke when working on a battery or work near an open flame — explosive hydrogen gas is present.
  • Instructions for jump-starting a failed battery can be found in vehicle owner’s manuals. However, jump-starting can be dangerous and motorists uncertain about battery maintenance and safety should seek professional assistance from a certified technician or a qualified Emergency Road Service provider.
  • When selecting a new battery, always choose one that is of the same physical size as the original battery. This will ensure proper fit and avoid excessive vibration, which can shorten battery life.
  • Never install a battery with a rating lower than the vehicle manufacturer recommends. For the do-it-yourself consumer, the best location to purchase a battery is a professional auto parts retailer, such as a NAPA store, which offers discounts to AAA members. Mass merchandise retailers often do not have trained sales staff to advise consumers, and their stock may not be rotated frequently enough to ensure freshness.