"Love Your Car Battery" this National Battery Day

THORNHILL, ON, Feb. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - This National Battery Day (February 18), CAA South Central Ontario reminds all vehicle owners to give their car batteries the attention they need with five "Love Your Car Battery" tips.  These care and maintenance tips will help drivers protect battery lifespan and ensure their vehicle is running at optimal efficiency.

"Car batteries are a critical tool in our vehicles we often take for granted – it's a case of 'out of sight, out of mind'. But they are the heart of any vehicle and their health is important," said Kaitlynn Furse, manager of public relations, CAA SCO. "This National Battery Day, CAA CSO wants to remind all motorists that regular car battery checks and maintenance are an important 'health check' for your vehicle to help ensure your car is running smoothly and safely."

CAA South Central Ontario recommends the following five "Love Your Car Battery" tips:

1.	Car batteries have a lifespan too and need additional care in their later years. The average lifespan of a battery is three to five years, but driving conditions, weather and lack of care can shorten it. Vigilance and regular checks are necessary as the battery reaches its average life expectancy. Drivers are encouraged to have their car battery checked regularly to avoid potential power failure without warning.
2.	Signs and symptoms can point to a car battery on the fritz. Here are some warning signs your battery may need to be replaced:
	Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start You hear a grinding, clicking or buzzing when you turn the ignition on Your vehicle has previously stalled Your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine
3.	Car batteries need care and protection and should be kept dry and clean. To avoid discharge and corrosion on the surface of your battery, its surface should be cleaned by ensuring oil and grease do not stick to the top during fluid changes.  Here are some important steps for caring for your battery:
	Check battery terminals for dirt or corroded terminals, and clean where necessary using bicarbonate baking soda Clean the mating surfaces of the battery with a metal or brass wire brush Ensure terminals are dry before reconnecting
4.	Extreme weather can impact the health and lifespan of your battery. Hot summers can wreak havoc on batteries as they approach winter. Heat wave-level temperatures like last summer can cause extensive damage to batteries, but the effects may not be seen until it is cold outside. Extreme heat can cause water in the battery's acid to evaporate, which can drain the power necessary to start the car in cold winter temperatures.
5.	Overcharging and vibration are bad for your battery. Vibration is caused when a battery is not secure, which can cause internal damage and result in shortened battery life expectancy. Additionally, overcharging a battery can produce corrosion and lead to rapid deterioration and reduced lifespan. It's important to ensure batteries are properly fastened in place and to avoid overcharging.

CAA SCO recommends that National Battery Day is also a good time to search for and replace old batteries throughout the home found in detectors, appliances and other electronics.

To ensure your car battery is in top working condition, visit one of our CAA Approved Auto Repair Service facilities.  To find one closest to you, visit: http://www.caasco.com/Auto/Auto-Repair/Find-a-CAA-Approved-Vehicle-Repair-Facility.  Additionally, CAA's Mobile Battery Service will test, replace and recycle your old car battery where you are, such as your home, workplace or other location. Visit CAA Battery Service to book an appointment at: https://www.caasco.com/Auto/Auto-Maintenance/Battery-Service.aspx.

About CAA South Central Ontario
For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. CAA South Central Ontario is one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance services and member savings for our 2 million members.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Kaitlynn Furse, PR Manager, P: [phone], C: [phone], E: [email protected]; Tammy Bender, Communications Consultant, C: [phone], E: [email protected]

Related Links

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