Is it Time to Have Your Battery Replaced

It may be surprising to you that it’s the heat of summer that’s harder on your battery than the cold of winter. Yep that’s right, everyone thinks the winter cold kills your battery which it does (your battery works harder in winter to start your car) but only after the heat of summer has weakened it. High heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery so when it gets cold the battery often will not have enough juice to start your vehicle. 

There can be several other reasons for a dead battery or a shortened battery life. The reason may be your battery is overcharging due to a dead cell in the battery, alternator issues or the voltage regulator. Also a battery that is being overcharged can cause damage to your alternator. All these possible issues need to be checked out when you bring your vehicle in for a weak battery or charging problems.    

Batteries today are usually maintenance free (other than keeping the connections clean) however most batteries have caps that can be removed with a screwdriver. If low on water they can be refilled with distilled water if necessary. We recommend that if you believe your battery needs help, please have one of our technicians check it out.

It is a good rule of thumb that if your vehicle's battery is 3 years or older you should consider purchasing a new battery soon. 

We’re finally getting a taste of winter this week so I thought I would resend this email as a reminder. You don’t need to let your vehicle “warm” up like we used to.

Back in the day everybody would idle their vehicle to get the engine warm while waiting in the house. That’s when all cars had carburetors and needed to warm up before moving. However it’s been 30 years since that was commonplace. With today's fuel injectors, computer systems and thinner oils you don’t need to warm up your car’s engine like in the good old days.

The best way to warm up your car is to start it up, wait no more than a minute and go. It takes 3-5 minutes to warm your engine so just don’t gun the engine at the start. I know on these cold mornings before I get to the first red light by the QT my car is already blowing hot air and that's less than 1 mile away.  

When your engine becomes warmer the computer sensors in your car will adjust the fuel mixture to be less rich until your car’s engine heats up to 40 degrees. Idling your car for more than a minute wastes gas, causes excessive wear to cylinders, piston rings, spark plugs and can even harm your exhaust system. 

So to be clear with the point, idling your car is not an effective or wise way to warm up your car.

So unless you're driving a 1980’s vehicle which we assume your not, dress warm get in your car and go.

A Dead Battery Left Me Stranded

Warm weather is the time for car battery problems. The summer’s extreme heat can destroy a car's battery. I found that out yesterday. I gathered my things and was going to head to Cumming to see my doctor (that I had been putting off forever) and upon entering my car and turning the key and nothing happened.

Yes there I am sitting in my car feeling frustrated that I was not going anywhere. I write about different thoughts and ideas on vehicle maintenance and there I was a victim of my not doing what I suggest.

My battery was exactly 3 years old and I know that when a battery is 3 years old it’s usually a good time to have it replaced. Oh me oh my, I felt like a real dummy especially since I had noticed some corrosion around the terminals just last week.

Please note that summertime is the battery killer not wintertime so if your battery is in the 3 year old range I highly suggest that you replace it sometime in the near future. (You’ve been warned so don’t be a dummy like me)

Don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is equipped to handle all your Toyota and Lexus service needs. (Gas powered and hybrids welcome). Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call for appointment at 770-492-7437

Regular preventive maintenance is the best single thing you can do as a car owner to keep your car running safer, longer and save money on major repairs in the future.

Is it Time to Have Your Battery Replaced

Just a few thoughts on batteries

It may be surprising to you that it’s the heat of summer that’s harder on your battery than the cold of winter. Yep that’s right, everyone thinks the winter cold kills your battery which it does (your battery works harder in winter to start your car) but only after the heat of summer has weaken it. High heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery and when it gets cold the battery often will not have enough juice to get your car started.

There can be several other reasons for a dead battery or a shortened battery life. The reason may be your battery is overcharging due to a dead cell in the battery, alternator issues or the voltage regulator. Also a battery that is being overcharged can cause damage to your alternator. All these possible issues need to be checked out when you bring your vehicle in for a weak battery or charging problems    

Batteries today are usually maintenance free batteries (other than keeping the connects clean) however most batteries have caps that can be removed with a screwdriver. If low on water they can be refilled with distilled water if necessary. We do recommend that if you believe your battery needs help, please have your Atlanta Hybrid Repair Technician check it out.

It is a good rule of thumb that if your vehicle's battery is 3 years or older you should consider purchasing a new battery before winter.