It's generally wintertime when motorists are most concerned about the state of their vehicles battery and charging system. Cold temperatures, thickened engine oil and heavy electrical drain on the vehicle can all take their toll- though the summertime poses its own set of challenges for the electrical heart of your car.
It's important to remember that hot weather can be just as hard on your vehicle's battery and charging system- and that it's still important to have them checked out and serviced occasionally, even when it's warm. Remember that unmaintained components will tend to make themselves apparent on the hottest days when you're travelling with a car-full of passengers and gear.
Your battery consists of a solution of sulfuric acid and water that cover plates of lead and lead dioxide. When called upon, a chemical reaction between the various elements of the battery generates current, which is transferred from posts at the top of the battery to the wires and off to their destination. The entire battery is generally arranged into six 'cells' and all sealed within a polypropylene casing.
It's not an incredibly complicated device- though it's arguably one of the most important parts of your car. If it doesn't charge, discharge or operate properly with the various systems that rely upon it, you'll be going nowhere, fast.
In summer, excessive heat can cause evaporation of the water inside of the battery, which can alter the ratio of dilution with the sulfuric acid. If you're vehicle uses a type of battery that needs to be topped off, be sure to do this often when it's hot out- and use distilled water, not tap water.
"An average of one out of four vehicles gets a new battery every year," says Marc Brazeau of Car Care Canada. "Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, but having to so prematurely can involve more than the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient as well."
It can't hurt to have your battery and charging system checked out next time your car is in the shop for an oil-change or tune up. Your technician can quickly hook the vehicle up to a computer that can scan and report on the state of the battery and charging system, alerting you to any potential problems early on.
There are a few items you can check for yourself as well. Look at the battery next time you're under the hood, paying attention to the top where wires connect to the metal battery 'terminals'. Any dirt, corrosion or scale should be brushed away, as they can contribute to battery run-down or a faulty connection.
Sometimes, a dirty battery connection can be enough to prevent a vehicle from starting. It's not a bad idea to spray the terminals with some high-temperature grease as well, to help prevent corrosion from forming.
Remember- don't wait until your vehicle becomes hard to start or shows you a warning light before attending to the battery. If you do, your ride is more likely to leave you stranded. When buying a new battery for your used vehicle, be sure to check with your owner's manual or dealership for the exact size and amperage your vehicle needs.
That charging system check is a great idea for added peace of mind on summertime travels- and it may be included as part of an affordable summertime-maintenance special at your service centre.
photo:Jupiter images
It's important to remember that hot weather can be just as hard on your vehicle's battery and charging system- and that it's still important to have them checked out and serviced occasionally, even when it's warm. Remember that unmaintained components will tend to make themselves apparent on the hottest days when you're travelling with a car-full of passengers and gear.
Your battery consists of a solution of sulfuric acid and water that cover plates of lead and lead dioxide. When called upon, a chemical reaction between the various elements of the battery generates current, which is transferred from posts at the top of the battery to the wires and off to their destination. The entire battery is generally arranged into six 'cells' and all sealed within a polypropylene casing.
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It's not an incredibly complicated device- though it's arguably one of the most important parts of your car. If it doesn't charge, discharge or operate properly with the various systems that rely upon it, you'll be going nowhere, fast.
In summer, excessive heat can cause evaporation of the water inside of the battery, which can alter the ratio of dilution with the sulfuric acid. If you're vehicle uses a type of battery that needs to be topped off, be sure to do this often when it's hot out- and use distilled water, not tap water.
"An average of one out of four vehicles gets a new battery every year," says Marc Brazeau of Car Care Canada. "Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, but having to so prematurely can involve more than the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient as well."
It can't hurt to have your battery and charging system checked out next time your car is in the shop for an oil-change or tune up. Your technician can quickly hook the vehicle up to a computer that can scan and report on the state of the battery and charging system, alerting you to any potential problems early on.
There are a few items you can check for yourself as well. Look at the battery next time you're under the hood, paying attention to the top where wires connect to the metal battery 'terminals'. Any dirt, corrosion or scale should be brushed away, as they can contribute to battery run-down or a faulty connection.
Sometimes, a dirty battery connection can be enough to prevent a vehicle from starting. It's not a bad idea to spray the terminals with some high-temperature grease as well, to help prevent corrosion from forming.
Remember- don't wait until your vehicle becomes hard to start or shows you a warning light before attending to the battery. If you do, your ride is more likely to leave you stranded. When buying a new battery for your used vehicle, be sure to check with your owner's manual or dealership for the exact size and amperage your vehicle needs.
That charging system check is a great idea for added peace of mind on summertime travels- and it may be included as part of an affordable summertime-maintenance special at your service centre.
photo:Jupiter images