Batteries

If you’re comfortable under the hood of your vehicle, some battery
maintenance tasks are not that difficult, such as cleaning off
corrosion or tightening the clamps. Corrosion can appear as white or
green chalk around the posts and terminals. If you spot any, give it a
good cleaning with a soft bristle brush like an old toothbrush. Make
sure the fasteners are all secure and then add a good measure of
dielectric gel to the posts and terminals to prevent corrosion.
However, replacing a car battery can be complex, even for
professionals, and doing it improperly can damage your vehicle.

Car battery replacement can typically take as little as 20 to 30
minutes with a qualified auto mechanic. This may include resetting
the onboard computer and registering the battery.

Our certified technicians use top-of-the-line battery testers called multimeters that test the charge to see if it falls within the normal operating range specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Unless you have the tools and knowledge to do so correctly, it’s recommended to bring in your vehicle for a free battery check.

The more obvious signs include needing a jump start or a slow
crank. However, there are more subtle signs, such as your headlights
dimming while idling, the initial startup sounding unfamiliar or any
glitches in the electronics, including door locks and windows. If you
experience any of these with your vehicle, it’s much easier to bring in
your vehicle before the battery dies completely. Schedule your free
battery check now.

Keep your car battery charged, either with regular driving or with a
trickle charger, and keep the terminals clean. A knowledgeable
technician can also check your car’s voltage, tighten fasteners, clean
the battery and apply anti-corrosion dielectric gel. Avoid frequent
short trips. The repeated start, stop, start cycle strains your battery
without giving it much time on the alternator to recuperate. Also,
avoid leaving lights on or accessories plugged in and when the
vehicle is off.