NRV Rides
Battery Smarts
Your vehicle is a vital piece of transportation for moving from point A to point B, and normally it is operated enough not to have to think much about the battery. While the average American used to spend plenty of time behind the wheel, there are now longer periods of time where cars and trucks are parked in the garage or on the driveway. Not only can weather impact a vehicle’s performance, but so can its usage. A battery not in use will eventually lose its charge. If a car hasn’t gained a lot of mileage over a period of three weeks or longer, the likelihood of a dead battery increases by roughly 50%, according to a study by Interstate Batteries, making it one of the leading causes of car trouble. In fact, nearly one in four vehicle batteries will need to be replaced on the road this year, a major inconvenience. More than half of consumers do not test their car batteries every year or know if their batteries have been tested, according to the same study. Many more do not check the battery terminals. “That’s perhaps 40
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the main reason people come to us,” remarks Josh Larrick of Advance Auto in Blacksburg. He’s worked there seven years and can attest to the high number of battery issues for car and truck owners simply not brushing off the battery terminals a couple times a year. “They’ll get the oil changed routinely but not check the connections or battery charge on a regular basis.” Maintain your battery and your vehicle overall with these tips for optimum performance and safety considerations: • At regular intervals, have your car battery tested at a professional service or repair shop. From phone chargers to built-in security systems, a car battery may power more than you think, and it can place a strain on the alternator. If the alternator can’t keep up, a car, SUV or pick-up truck relies on the battery to make up the difference, which can cause further stress on it. Having an external battery charger on hand can help maintain your car’s power during its off time.
• Regularly check fluid levels, including coolant and oil, replace air filters and ensure that tires are properly inflated. • Check to make sure the owner’s manual is in the vehicle all the time or it is bookmarked on your smartphone. • Replace jumper cables with a road trip kit containing more practical items, such as a jump box, LED flashlights, first aid kit and duct tape. Jumper cables require another car to power a dead battery and the right positioning to make the cables reach. A jump box containing a battery and permanently attached jumper cables can be an easier alternative for getting a vehicle back up and running. Especially when a vehicle is not used regularly, it’s important to practice routine maintenance so the auto is ready when you need to go out locally or take a road trip.
May/June 2020
