Car Service: Electrical System Maintenance Tips
A major car problem that offers a challenge to vehicle owners in today's vehicle is the electrical system. They are more intricate than ever before, even though they are basically the same design as 30 years ago. However, a good quality car repair requires the use of a higher level of technology than decades ago. Car problems associated with day-to-day operability are caused by variations in voltage due to the use of computerized controls. Even the smallest change in voltage can alter the controls in an electrical system. If regular car service is neglected, car problems can start from poor electrical connections due to losing connections and the buildup of corrosion around the battery posts.
The average car repair "do-it-yourselfer" does not have the appropriate test equipment for the electrical system. A complete and thorough auto repair involves much more than sticking a voltmeter on the battery. Schedule an inspection by an electrical technician who is familiar with your specific vehicle so that any issues can be diagnosed and corrected properly.
Follow these car service tips and you're on your way to extending the life of your vehicle's electrical system:
- Keep the car battery and its connections clean. This will avoid clogged cover vents and allow for proper ventilation of dangerous, explosive gases from the battery.
- To ease the load on your battery and starter, start your car with the major electrical units turned off (i.e., A/C, stereo, etc.).
- When it's time to replace your car battery, make sure to purchase one of the same or higher CCA rating (cold cranking amps) as the original and that it's the same or compatible "group size" to fit your battery tray and cable connections.
- If needing to jumpstart your car, check the voltage running your system with the voltage running the other car's system. If possible, jump start only from another battery with the same voltage. For example, a 14.5-volt running system can seriously damage a 12.6-volt system due to the overvoltage.
- Have the electrical system completely checked and tested about every two years, or whenever you schedule a car service for any other problem.
Need a quality car repair? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair by calling 507-625-8005 for more information about our car service. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
A major car problem that offers a challenge to vehicle owners in today's vehicle is the electrical system. They are more intricate than ever before, even though they are basically the same design as 30 years ago. However, a good quality car repair requires the use of a higher level of technology than decades ago. Car problems associated with day-to-day operability are caused by variations in voltage due to the use of computerized controls. Even the smallest change in voltage can alter the controls in an electrical system. If regular car service is neglected, car problems can start from poor electrical connections due to losing connections and the buildup of corrosion around the battery posts.
The average car repair "do-it-yourselfer" does not have the appropriate test equipment for the electrical system. A complete and thorough auto repair involves much more than sticking a voltmeter on the battery. Schedule an inspection by an electrical technician who is familiar with your specific vehicle so that any issues can be diagnosed and corrected properly.
Follow these car service tips and you're on your way to extending the life of your vehicle's electrical system:
- Keep the car battery and its connections clean. This will avoid clogged cover vents and allow for proper ventilation of dangerous, explosive gases from the battery.
- To ease the load on your battery and starter, start your car with the major electrical units turned off (i.e., A/C, stereo, etc.).
- When it's time to replace your car battery, make sure to purchase one of the same or higher CCA rating (cold cranking amps) as the original and that it's the same or compatible "group size" to fit your battery tray and cable connections.
- If needing to jumpstart your car, check the voltage running your system with the voltage running the other car's system. If possible, jump start only from another battery with the same voltage. For example, a 14.5-volt running system can seriously damage a 12.6-volt system due to the overvoltage.
- Have the electrical system completely checked and tested about every two years, or whenever you schedule a car service for any other problem.
Need a quality car repair? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair by calling 507-625-8005 for more information about our car service. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
