Wondering about How Often Should You Replace A Car Battery?

As one of the most vital parts of a vehicle, the battery powers a multitude of tasks and devices, from starting the engine to powering in-car computers.  Auto shop owners state that one of the top causes for roadside assistance is a dead car battery.  Most of the time, the battery is too old for the job it’s supposed to perform.

After 4 or 5 years, most car batteries will be almost completely untrustworthy.  It’s may be shocking to hear, but many batteries become inefficient within just 3 years in usual everyday conditions, even with correct maintenance.  This time of year it’s good to know that cold weather adds a two-fold strain on the battery by reducing its power output and by increasing the amps wanted to crank a cold engine.

So are you left wondering how often should you replace a car battery?  Consider these four problems when deciding if a car battery replacement might be compulsory:

• Accessories that have important power demands, like headlights, may not function as well as they should.
• Newer cars have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the car is turned off.  These computers can draw energy from the battery at a slow, stable rate. 
• A battery could go from 90% performance to 20% over the course of a few months so have frequent inspections of your charging system.
• Cars with stop-start technology often want a special battery as it ensures a greater strain than usual vehicles.

Note to Remember:  A car battery replacement is relatively cheap to avoid the stress and hazards of a roadside breakdown.

Do you need to know how often should you replace a car battery?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Do you know How Often Should You Get An Alignment?

You may be wondering about the purpose of a wheel alignment?  The purpose is three-fold—to keep the steering at the original manufacturers’ settings; to aid inconsistent and even tire wear, and to assist in correct braking of your car.

It’s not a hard fast rule, but under usual driving conditions, a wheel alignment is suggested once or twice a year. Though, this recommendation is very flexible. If you drive often on particularly rough roads or are habitually hitting curbs, then you should possibly have your wheel alignment inspected more often.  Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed length of time that your vehicle will stay in alignment. It can be simply put off with a single bump of a curb or the jolt of a large pothole.

Is a wheel alignment necessary when you get new tires?

The mounting of new tires can be a good opportunity to address alignment – especially if your old, dismounted tires are showing signs of uneven wear. Getting a wheel alignment will produce correct tire wear and longevity.

Do you want a front or four-wheel alignment?

This depends on your vehicle, and whether there are rear adjustments available on your vehicle.  If the front and rear alignment adjustments are probable, then you'll want a four-wheel alignment. The price difference between front and four-wheel alignment services is not significant.

Maintaining proper car alignment, along with regular tire rotations, will keep your vehicle aligned within O.M.E. specifications; will offer correct vehicle handling; and ensure optimum tire wear and longevity.

Money spent on a wheel alignment is money well invested incorrect car care, preventative maintenance, and vehicle safety.

Do you know how often you should get an alignment?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about our car alignment services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.