Today’s vehicles are quite sophisticated with computer controls that it sometimes makes it difficult for the average car owner to notice a problem… that is, until the car won’t start. When it comes to a vehicle that won’t crank, more often than not, an electrical system problem, like an older car battery, is the reason. The worst part is that any breakdown because of an electrical system failure is always an inconvenience and usually requires a call to someone for a jumpstart or tow. With some preventive maintenance, this could have been avoided. Read on to learn about the car battery and electrical system in your vehicle and how you can take care of it.
What makes up your vehicle’s electrical system and how does it work?
The electrical system does more than start your vehicle and keep it running. It actually powers everything from the heating and air conditioning system to the lights, locks, windows, radio, etc. Here are the main parts:
- The Car Battery – Without the car battery, nothing will work. It operates in conjunction with the starter to crank over the engine. Once started, the alternator takes over. When the battery is weak or dead, there won’t be enough electrical current to start the vehicle. You may hear a “click-click-click” or a very weak sound of the engine cranking and then nothing happens. The thing that is pretty cool about the battery is that it is rechargeable. That’s why it can last up to 4 or 5 years before it needs to be replaced.
- The Starter – When you turn the key in the ignition, the battery delivers an electrical current that engages the starter. The starter then spins the crankshaft that provides air to engine so it can be used in the combustion process
- Alternator – Now that the engine is running, the alternator takes over and provides the power for all the electrical components. The alternator also recharges the battery so it can produce the proper electrical current the next time you need to start your car.
The steps to maintaining your car’s electrical system…
Follow these tips to keep your vehicle’s electrical system in good working order:
- Periodically inspect and clean the battery and battery cables. If you ever looked under the hood of your car, you may have noticed some white build-up (or corrosion) around the posts and cables of the battery. It’s normal, but the corrosion should be cleaned off the battery. There are special battery cleaning fluids you can use to clean off the corrosion. You can also create a homemade mixture of baking soda and water. The steps to clean the battery are really quite simple. Though we list them below, if you are concerned about doing this on your own, you can ask us to do it for you:
Remove the negative terminal from the battery post.
- Remove the positive terminal from the battery post.
- Apply the cleaning fluid to the posts and terminals and then use a wire brush to clean off the corrosion.
- Rinse off the cleaning fluid and corrosion from the posts and terminals with water.
- Re-connect the battery terminals, this time starting with the positive terminal first.
- Take a look at the drive belt to see if there are any signs of cracks, dryness or glazing. While you are inspecting the drive belt, you will also want to make sure the tension is right. Not sure where the drive belt is located? Don’t know how much tension it should have? Don’t worry. When you bring your vehicle to us for its regular maintenance, we will take a look at all the belts and hoses. If we find one that needs to be replaced, we will let you know.
- Be proactive about replacing the battery before it won’t crank the engine. Your vehicle’s battery is designed to last between 3 and 5 years. The actual amount of time will depend on the amount of load that’s placed on the battery. An older car battery will typically fail in the middle of summer or dead of winter, when the temperatures are the harshest. If the battery on your vehicle is approaching 4 years of age, we can test it for you. Anything older, and you should replace it before your car, truck or van won’t start.
- When you turn off your car, make sure you also turn off the lights, radio and the air conditioner or heater. These components place a load on the battery when you start the vehicle.
The signs of a car battery or an electrical system problem…
A new battery or electrical system repair will be needed if you notice any of the following:
- The car won’t start, sounds weak when turning over the engine or you have difficulty cranking the engine.
- The dashboard lights and the interior lights don’t light up properly.
- When driving at night, you notice that the headlights or brake lights dim when driving slowly or you are idling.
- When you turn on the blower for the air conditioner or heater and nothing happens.
- You notice a burning smell from plastic or electrical insulation. Note: If this happens, give us a call right away to schedule an appointment to have the electrical system checked.
Let the certified auto technicians at Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ, take care of your vehicle’s electrical system
We have the equipment and expertise to properly diagnose and fix car battery and electrical system issues. Give us a call today to purchase a new car battery and/or schedule your electrical system maintenance or repair.