Battery woes

Summer's here, the sun is shining, the kids are whining, and the beach/lake/water park is sounding PRETTY good!  Everyone gets their stuff together and hops in the family car for a day of sun and fun.  Excitement is in the air, it's going to be a great summer day.

*Tick Tick Tick*

The car wont start. 

Thankfully, you were able to get a jump from your neighbor.  It was just drained overnight, right?  You and your family drive to your recreation destination and have a good time.  When it comes time to leave, everyone is exhausted and can't wait to get home. 

*Tick Tick Tick*

Car wont start again.  This is a bigger problem than just a little battery drain.

After having your battery inspected by a trusted mechanic, it is indeed a dead battery.  Thankfully, it was only the battery and not anything else.  Having your battery checked regularly can help avoid these problems.

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Replace When Necessary

In summer, the heat can be even more damaging to a car's battery as the extreme cold we sometimes see in winter months.  Most motorists tend to think that battery failure happens due to cold weather, but the heat is even more taxing on a battery, affecting the life of the battery more directly.

Of course, this isn't the only thing that can cause a battery to fail.  There are a number of factors in what causes your vehicle's battery to suddenly drain or die altogether.

Other causes for battery failure (either draining or complete failure) are:

• Aging batteries - As a battery gets old, it slowly loses the ability to hold a charge.
• Inactivity - Inactivity can drain a battery of its power.  Regular use will allow the alternator to charge the battery.
• Lights or other systems inadvertently left on - Dome lights, that little light in the glovebox that didn't turn off when it wasn't closed all the way, headlights, radio...the list goes on.  Leaving these things on can slowly, but surely, drain your battery.
• Short circuits - Some faulty wiring can create loops in the circuit that will cause electricity to be continuously pulled from the battery, draining it completely.  Higher gauge wire means faster drain.  Even if your battery was recently replaced, you could be looking at blown fuses.
• Bad alternator - The alternator is the component that generates electrical charge to supply the battery as the vehicle uses up battery power.  Your alternator could be overcharging the battery, or even undercharging.  Having the alternator tested will let you know if the alternator is the culprit.

Like all systems in your car, the battery is a vital component to keeping your vehicle operating.  If you're worried about your battery, or anything else in the electrical system, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle down to any of Rob's Automotive Repair centers!