Do You Need a New Battery?

Today’s vehicles have more electrical components than ever before: electric seats, seat heaters, power locks, windows, sun roofs, all the power outlets for our cell phones, computers, and DVD players, navigation systems and powerful stereos, and all the engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors etc. This really strains your vehicle’s electrical system, making it hard for the battery to keep up. Even the security system is running off the battery while the vehicle is turned off. Today’s driving habits of lots of short trips around town also strain your battery and don’t give it time to charge up properly. Summer heat can also take a real toll on battery life.

Fortunately, battery technology has given us resilient batteries that are able to meet these strenuous requirements. But the fact is; batteries just wear out over time. Eventually, every battery gets to the point where it cannot hold enough of a charge to start your vehicle. Sometimes car batteries need to be replaced because they have developed a leak.

Replacement batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Some vehicles have limited space that requires a specially shaped battery to fit. Larger engines require more powerful batteries to get them started. If you live in a cold climate you will need a more powerful battery because engines are harder to start when it is cold.

Batteries come in “good”, “better” and “best” grades. High end auto batteries may have a longer warranty and are guaranteed to last longer. As with most things, paying a little more up front saves money in the long run. Ask your DOWNTOWN AUTOMOTIVE service advisor to test your battery and advise you on how much life it has left.

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