Auto battery questions
Q: Why won’t my car start?
A: There are numerous reasons why a vehicle won’t start. If it’s related to the battery, the starter will generally not crank the engine. This is the telltale “click, click, click” when you turn the key. This could be an alternator not charging the battery properly, a loose battery or starter cable, or a battery that needs to be replaced. Because batteries only crank for 3 seconds, in most cases, there may be no “slow crank” warning. That is why it is important to get your battery tested by a Chevrolet Certified Service professional such as Ron Westphal Chevrolet.
Do I need to charge my auto battery after I jump-start my vehicle?
A: In most instances, normal driving will recharge the battery unless there is an issue with the vehicle. If your vehicle does not start after driving it, it’s recommended that you take your vehicle to your nearest Certified Service experts to have a diagnosis performed.
What are the main causes of auto battery failure?
Batteries wear out over time, but there are also issues that impact battery failure, for example, unusual “parasitic drains” such as adding accessories but not properly grounding them, infrequent startup, and discharged batteries freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What should I consider when buying an auto battery?
A: ACDelco recommends the right balance of Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Reserve Capacity (RC). A higher CCA battery will not start your car faster. This is due to gear reduction starters, lower viscosity oils, fuel injection, etc. The average car cranks no more than 3 seconds and as a result does not need more CCA than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends. With the addition of vehicle electronics, RC is becoming more important. Select a battery that has the right amount of CCA, found in your Owner’s Manual and as much RC as you can.
Q: What kind of preventative maintenance can I perform for my auto battery?
A: The best thing that you can do is have your Certified Service technician perform a conductance test on your battery when you get your oil changed. This helps to monitor the status of the battery and helps prevent you from being in a situation where your vehicle won’t start.
Need a battery? Have a car or truck questions? Call Ron Westphal Chevrolet at 630-898-9630 or visit our website or our Service Specials Page today.