AAA Advises Motorists Not to Skip Battery Maintenance
TAMPA, Fla. — October is Car Care Month, an ideal time to remind motorists that seasonal changes can have an overwhelming effect on a battery’s performance. Batteries typically last three to five years and failures are common in winter and extreme heat conditions. According to AAA-The Auto Club Group, over 20 percent of service calls in the last year were battery related.
“It is important that motorists keep their vehicles operating safely,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Neglecting your battery can lead to a vehicle break-down, leaving you stranded on the side of the road with an unexpected repair bill.”
To avoid battery failure, AAA recommends motorists test their vehicle’s battery when it reaches three years of age, then on an annual basis thereafter.
Warning signs of a weak battery
- The starter motor cranks the engine slowly
- The headlamps are dim, particularly at idle
- The battery/charging warning lamp is illuminated
Eventually, every car must get its battery replaced. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” battery that is suitable for every vehicle. Physical size, terminal location, and cranking power are all important factors to ensure the proper fit and function of the right battery.
AAA offers the following tips for your car battery
- Battery and charging system – Although batteries seem uncomplicated, they can be hazardous to service if you are not careful. To avoid injuries, observe any warnings on the battery and in your owner’s manual.
- Battery inspection and service – Whether you have a battery with removable vent caps or a sealed “maintenance-free” battery, regular inspections and service are required to ensure the battery works safely and effectively.
- Battery replacement – Choosing the wrong battery can adversely affect the entire electrical system of your vehicle. For maximum convenience, AAA’s Battery Service (available in most areas) can install a proper replacement battery in your vehicle at home or at work.
- The jump-start procedure – Always check your owner’s manual for vehicle-specific instructions and precautions before attempting to jump-start your vehicle.
AAA helps take the guesswork out of finding a trusted repair shop with its Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities. Each AAR facility must adhere to a stringent set of standards for certifications, technical training, cleanliness, insurance requirements, and customer service set forth by AAA. Shops with the AAR designation signal to drivers a vetted facility, inspected annually, that will offer fair pricing and quality service. To locate an AAR facility, drivers can visit AAA.com/AutoRepair. Additionally, AAA offers a free repair cost calculator, also found at AAA.com/AutoRepair that provides drivers the ability to estimate the cost of a repair or to verify a quote received for their vehicle.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.6 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 59 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.