Car Battery Service Rochester Hills

Simply put, a battery translates chemical energy into electrical energy to power the car. Inside most car batteries are six cells containing the chemical energy that gets converted into electricity when electrical energy is requested. Non-hybrid vehicles use what is called an SLI battery, standing for starting, lighting, and ignition. An SLI battery gives the vehicle a short burst of energy to crank the engine. When the engine begins running, the alternator takes over and provides the engine with electricity. When you put your ignition in accessory mode by either turning the key two clicks or pressing the start button twice with your foot off the brake pedal, the battery alone will power the air conditioning, radio, and lights. So it's essential to be wary of how long you leave your car in accessory mode, as it will deplete the battery faster.

In addition to avoiding leaving the car in accessory mode, there are more ways to preserve your car's battery life. Another way is to avoid short trips as often as possible. Your battery loses a little power every time you start your vehicle, but once the engine is running, the battery powers down and is recharged by the engine. So when you take a short trip, your battery won't have enough time to recharge before you start the engine again. Also, it's crucial to keep your battery securely fastened. Vibrations can damage your battery's internals which is why all car batteries come secured with a clamp. To ensure this clamp is tight, instead of over-tightening it using all your strength, turn the bolt until you feel some resistance and then turn it one more half-turn. Additionally, you should have your battery's voltage checked once a month. Most healthy car batteries should read somewhere around 12 volts. The Rochester Hills CDJR service center can quickly test your batteries voltage. Lastly, be sure to keep your battery clean and free of dirt and grime, as the battery can discharge on the grime, causing a mild short circuit. To keep it clean, be sure to keep the terminals free from corrosion with an old toothbrush and a baking soda and water mixture. The service team here at Rochester Hills will be happy to help keep your battery clean.

Typically, car owners can get roughly four or five years before replacing it. When a car battery is nearing the end of its life, the car will tell you in a few different ways to keep you from getting stranded with a dead battery. For example, if the battery light comes on, this typically means that the engine isn't charging the battery correctly or at all, meaning it could be getting depleted faster. Another way you can tell is when the engine takes longer to turn over. In the winter, cars take longer to turn over if they've been sitting in the cold. But if the weather is warm or your vehicle was recently turned off, and it still takes a bit longer to turn the engine over, it's most likely due to low battery power. If you notice any of these signs, you should bring your car to a trusted service center like the one here at Rochester Hills CDJR to have your battery checked and replaced if necessary.

The technicians in the service department here at Rochester Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram have the tools, skills, and knowledge to help diagnose and fix any issue your car's battery might be having. So if you notice any of the symptoms listed above or have any concerns about your battery, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment using our online scheduler right here on our website.