HEAT IS A BATTERY'S WORST ENEMY!

Here's some hot news for car owners: Summer is the season for major car-battery problems.

Virtually everyone who's been through a harsh winter is familiar with the annoyance of a "dead" battery and the need for a jump start. So it may surprise many to know that it's heat, not cold, that shortens battery life.

According to the Car Care Council, the average life of a battery is 31/2 years-even shorter in warmer climates. That's because excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That's slow death for a battery. 

What the heck is a wheel alignment and why is it important for my car?

A Wheel alignment is the adjusting of the angles of your car's wheels relative to the ground to achieve maximum tire life. A properly aligned vehicle with good tires should drive straight along a level, straight road.

 

An alignment is recommended once a year for a couple of reasons:

 

1. There are various moving joints and rubber bushings in your vehicle's suspension system that wears very slowly over time. As these parts wear, the wheel's angles change and need to be re-adjusted to compensate. These parts should be routinely inspected and replaced if they are worn beyond a normal threshold.

 

2. Running through a good size pot hole or even hitting a curb can very well knock your car's alignment out of whack - ouch! I think we're all guilty of that!

 

It is also recommended to align your car when you install new tires; that way your new tires get a fresh start for the longest life possible! 

 

A Wheel alignment is often confused with wheel balancing. Both can affect the quality of your ride, but in different ways. If your wheels are out of balance, then you may feel a vibration at highway speeds through the steering wheel and/or the seat. If your alignment is out, it can cause premature tire wear, poor tracking and an off centered steering wheel.

Why is it important to have your battery checked before the winter months?

While the average automobile battery can last several years, drastic weather conditions harm the performance of your battery and increase the chance of battery failure. No automobile battery will last forever. With the proper type of battery and regular maintenance, you can avoid a dead battery during the cold winter months. 

-DV-