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3 TIPS TO AVOID COMMON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS
American Pride Automotive • May 19, 2014
Electrical system problems are quite common for all makes and models of cars and trucks. Here are a few tips to keep your electrical system in good working order. Of course if you suspect a problem with your battery, alternator or spark plugs, give us call or stop by so one of our certified mechanics can take a look.
1) Dead battery
We’ve all experienced a dead battery, and it’s usually at an inconvenient time! Batteries will wear out, but you can extend the life of the battery by avoiding short trips (20 minutes or less) as this doesn’t allow your battery to reach a full charge while driving. Also, don’t let the radio/lights/other accessories run for extended periods of time while the engine is off. To prevent being stranded with a dead battery, have us check your battery every time you’re in for an oil change. When it begins to test weak, get it replaced preemptively.
2) Alternator
A bad alternator can leave you stranded too. While there’s not much you can do to prevent your alternator from failing, you can keep an eye out for warning signs so you can replace it before you’re left stranded. Watch out for dim headlights, a growling or whirring sound, or the smell of burning wires or rubber. If you experience any of those symptoms, come in to have your alternator checked ASAP.
3) Starter
Starter problems can be hard to distinguish from a dead battery. If you turn the key and the dashboard lights come on but the engine doesn’t start, it may be the starter. When a starter begins to go bad, it will often make a grinding sound, or it may take more time than usual for the car to start. If it takes longer than usual for the engine to roar to life, bring your car or truck in and have the starter checked.
If your car is experiencing any of the problems listed above, call American Pride now to schedule an appointment. We’ll get your car back to tip-tip shape and safely on its way.
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You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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