Servicing Your Car Battery With A North Center Chicago Auto Repair Shop

By Elinor Fowle


Dealing with a failed car battery is never convenient. It can give out without warning. Bringing your vehicle to an auto repair shop regularly to have the battery serviced increases the likelihood that you can repair or replace it before it reaches the end of its lifespan.

Consult your owner's manual to find out the manufacturer's recommendation for having your battery inspected. An auto repair shop may be able to check the battery in the course of performing other routine maintenance services, such as oil changes.

Auto repair technicians can determine if your batter is still able to hold a charge. They can also look for signs of corrosion at battery terminals and can clean this away. Letting this chalky and whitish substance build up can have a negative impact on electrical conduction.

There are times when batteries appear to be defective or dead when the problem is simply loose connections. Technicians should check the battery contacts before making any moves to replace the actual battery.

Auto care companies regularly offer strategies and tips for limiting the likelihood of your being stranded by a bad battery. The typical battery lifespan is three to five years. If you are aware of the age of your car's battery, it could be possible for you to replace this component before the end of its expected lifespan is actually reached. If you are unsure of how old your batter is, take the time to verify the date code that is listed on your battery or try guessing its age according to its all-around condition.

Additionally, look for warning signs that could indicate that your battery is on its last legs. If the engine cranks slowly, or the headlights look dim when you turn them on without the engine running, it might be time for a new battery.

Leaving the lights or other electrical devices on can drain the battery, too, so consider that possibility if the electrical system makes a clicking or buzzing noise when you try to start it, and the car won't turn over.

It's often difficult to predict when a battery will give out completely, but having it inspected regularly can get you back on the road with minimal disruptions.




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