Car & Truck Batteries

All about Car Batteries

We can help you choose the right car battery for your vehicle and lifestyle. Our staff will safely and professionally install your battery and get you back on the road.

Battery Car, Testing & Replacement

We can help you choose the right battery for your vehicle and lifestyle. Our staff can safely and professionally install your battery and get you back on the road.

Even if you have the most meticulously maintained vehicle on the road, without a well maintained battery, your vehicle may not start or even allow you access to the vehicle. From power door locks to auto start systems, today's vehicles rely on correct voltage and clean connections to allow today’s technology dependent vehicles to perform and take you to your destination.

Your car's electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your radio, headlights and wipers. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine.

The following is a brief overview of the electrical system that makes transportation possible:

Battery

When your car's engine is off, the battery provides the required power to the rest of the system, as well as during start-up (cranking). It also supplements the power from the charging system during periods of high demand. Composed of a series of lead plates submerged in a 35% sulfuric acid/65% water solution, your 12-volt battery houses a chemical reaction that releases electrons through conductors, producing electricity which is then channeled into your vehicle's electrical system.

Charging System

The charging system is the life force of your vehicle's electrical system, It consists of three main components: the belt-driven alternator, various electrical circuits, and a voltage regulator. The alternator supplies power to the electrical system and recharges the battery after your car has started. Just like it sounds, the voltage regulator controls the voltage, keeping it within the operating range of the electrical system.

Starting System

This system consumes more electrical power than any other component in your car. The starting system consists of three components which work in tandem: the ignition switch, the starter relay or solenoid, and the starter motor. The ignition switch controls the starter solenoid, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine until your car starts.

Here's how it works:

Turning the ignition causes a small amount of current to pass through the starter relay, causing a stronger current to flow through the battery cables and into the starter motor. The starter motor cranks the engine, forcing the piston to create enough suction that draws a fuel and air mixture into the cylinder. The ignition system creates a spark that ignites the mixture and your engine starts.

Summer Can Be Tough on Cars

The dog days of summer can be tough on vehicles as high temperatures can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.
Battery check, testing and replacement
Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car’s battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

Jump start

To safely jump start, follow these steps:

1. Take out your jumper cables. It's a good idea to buy a set of jumper cables and keep them in the trunk compartment. If you don't have jumper cables, you'll have to find a Good Samaritan who not only is willing to assist you but has jumper cables as well.

2. Place both cars in Park or Neutral, with their ignitions shut off and their emergency brakes on.

3. Connect the cables. The positive cable has red clips (+) at either end, and the negative cable has black clips (-). It's important to attach them in the following proper order:

jump starting your car battery A. First, attach one of the red clips to the positive terminal of your battery (it has "POS" or "+" on it.

B. Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the Good Samaritan's car.

C. Attach one of the black clips to the negative terminal on the Good Samaritan's battery.

D. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn't near the carburetor (if your car has one) or battery.
Figure 1 shows how both the positive and negative cables should be connected.

Figure 1: Make sure to connect jumper cables in the proper order.

5. Try to start your vehicle (Do not have the Good Samaritan's car running. If your car has electrical issues it could damage their car as well). If it won't start, make sure that the cables are properly connected. Then try to start your car again. If it still won't start, your battery may be beyond help.

6. Disconnect the cables, thank the Good Samaritan, and resume your life.
Don't shut off your engine; drive around for a while to recharge your battery.

NOTE: Improper Connection of Cables can damage either or both vehicles charging system.