Its Battery Time

Don’t get stuck in the cold with a dead battery.   Batteries age just like we do.  Some days we discharge and other days we recharge.  The average battery is designed to last up to 5 years only, especially with the extreme temperature fluctuations in Canada.  The longevity of a battery can also be affected by the user.  For example, if you are a heavy accessory user it won’t last as long.  Road conditions can also affect performance as rough roads and vibrations can cause damage to your battery.  With heavy vibration some of the materials can fall off the internal plates, which in turn means less power generated.   Also, if your battery is not fully charged and is forced to run without ever receiving a full charge, it can cause the battery sulfates to lose their ability to generate power.  Batteries become weak and damaged if they are left to sit and will discharge over time, making it impossible to make or hold a charge.  It is important to give your vehicle a good, smooth drive at least once a week to ensure you are fully charging it.   When you take your vehicle in for service ask your dealer to perform a conductance test.  This test will measure the amount of surface area the battery plates have left to generate power, and can determine how much life is left in your battery.