Published by admin at December 20, 2016 The way the vehicle is powered is from the electric energy that the battery creates. With a poor battery, your vehicle starts to become unreliable. There are signs that the battery may need to be recharged or replaced fairly soon. If there are slow starts, you may want to bring it in so we can test the charge power of the battery. It is important to note that when the battery is not being used, is can still lose energy. Even without the battery being used, it will self discharge over time. The rate of the battery discharging can vary based on the temperature it is kept at. By using your vehicle on a regular basis you can help preserve the life and condition of the battery. The most important part for the battery is to supply power to start your vehicle, and keep it in operation. If the battery is low or weak, it will not be able to provide enough power to the starter. This is an issue because the engine will not have enough power to start, and you will need to have the battery jumped or repaired in order to drive. The battery also powers the electronics and accessories in your vehicle. The interior lights, headlights, radio, and other accessories all run off power that the battery supplies. If you notice the battery becoming weak, turn off as many accessories as you can so you can help the battery power the vehicle. The battery also powers the control module that operates your vehicle. If the battery voltage drops too low, it can cause issues and problems with the vehicle’s electronic components. You can help preserve the life of your battery by simply keeping it clean. Visually inspect the battery on a regular basis. While looking at it, make sure to check for any signs of corrosion. If it has corrosion, it can eventually lead to a weak battery. It may also cause the battery to wear out quicker than it should. Also check for any dirt or debris buildup that may be on the battery or terminals. This can affect the connection of the battery supplying the power. The frequency of which you start your vehicle can affect it too. The more times each day the vehicle is started, the shorter the battery’s life will be. Try to make trips all at once, rather than several short drives. It is better to drive longer distances than shorter ones. Also make sure to bring your vehicle in, and we can inspect the battery on a regular schedule to ensure it is in the best condition possible.