Bad News Battery

Your car battery keeps your vehicle running properly by working in conjunction with the alternator to provide ignition. Even in a diesel automobile which uses no spark for ignition, the engine isn’t designed to run without a battery.

If you drive in extreme weather conditions or you take numerous short trips you’re driving conditions are considered harsh and your battery may need to be replaced more frequently. Think about getting stuck at the office or even worse, in the cold, and you'll begin to realize the importance of monitoring your battery's performance. The next time you bring your car in for maintenance, ask your professional mechanic in Lawrence to perform a battery test. If there is a problem, he or she will be able to suggest a new battery that will best fit your automobile and driving conditions.

It’s likely that you will experience a battery problem at some point in your lifetime. This is why it is always good to keep a pair of jumper cables in the car. Remember to connect the positive terminals first in both cars and to avoid touching the leads to any other surface. Negative leads may be connected to the car's chassis or the negative terminal on the battery. Make sure the car with the charged battery is running before starting the car with the drained battery.

Another option is an emergency battery that connects to your car's internal lighter/electricity outlet. These work well in a pinch, but remember that they may not hold their charge long and must be maintained to be useful. After you've successfully started your vehicle, be sure to drive it on the road to ensure a good charge. If you have any doubts about your battery's condition at all, be sure to check its condition or obtain a replacement right away.

Other starting problems might occur that are not related to the battery, including a failing alternator or starter. An ASE Certified Technician at your reliable automotive shop in Lawrence will be able to diagnose any problems and offer suggestions that will help keep your car on the road for years to come.