HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-10-19, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017. PAGE 15.
Watch for tell-tale warning signs for a dying battery
Be prepared
Few things can derail a road trip faster than a dead battery.
Be ready with the right equipment, like jumper cables. (MS
photo)
Adjusted speed, gear
needed for off-roading
Continued from page 14
vulnerable parts under the hood
and under the vehicle may need to
be treated for muddy or especially
dusty conditions.
SKILLS
Choosing the right off-road route
is key, especially for novices. This
means avoiding obstacles such as
trees or rocks. The presence of
existing tire tracks may help, but
drivers should still anticipate muddy
ruts or slippery conditions in areas
that were already traversed.
Climbing hills can be tricky, and
crossing deep water, descending
hills and crossing ditches is also
challenging. Knowing to cross
ditches at an angle, avoid braking
when descending hills and skip fast-
moving water until you are more
experienced comes with time and
probably some trial and error.
SPEED
One thing that can take some time
to adjust to when off-road driving is
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slowing down. Navigating tricky
terrain means slowing down
considerably. Speed can be the
enemy because reaction time is
greatly diminished when off-
roading. Slowing down means being
able to guage obstacles and focus on
surroundings — including wildlife —
more readily.
According to Popular Mechanics,
much of off-roading takes place in
low gear. Use four-wheel drive or,
for AWD vehicles, lock the center
differential early on for maximum
control.
EXTRA GEAR
Off-roaders are bound to get stuck
from time to time. Recovery gear,
such as towing straps, mats to place
under stuck tires, hiking survival
gear, and flares, can help in
emergency situations.
A day off-roading on trails or in
rural terrain can be an enjoyable
way to spend time, but such driving
requires skill and practice.
MS — Many drivers have
experienced the misfortune of
getting into their vehicles only to
realize their engines won't turn over.
Although there may be plenty of
reasons why a car will not start, quite
frequently a dead battery is to blame.
Car batteries can last for five years
or more when properly cared for, but
many batteries wear down and
become inefficient within three
years of daily use. According to the
UK -based company Warranty Wise,
car batteries deteriorate with every
charge from a vehicle's engine.
Naturally, drivers who are stranded
by dead batteries wish they had done
more to prevent their battery dying
while they're on the road. Certain
factors might offer clues as to how
much life vehicle batteries have left.
• Longer start time: A dying
battery may cause the engine to
crank, but it can be slow to start or
not seem to exude a lot of power.
• Cranks but doesn't start: You
may turn the key to hear the engine
trying to turn over, but it won't. Even
if the vehicle eventually starts, have
the battery checked and, if
necessary, replaced by a mechanic.
• A jump start has been
necessary: Batteries that have
required a jump or multiple jumps
are on their last legs and should be
replaced immediately.
• Dim lights or check engine
indicator: Batteries power the
electric components in a vehicle, so
dim lights could be indicative of a
loss of power. Having the "check
engine" light come on also can be a
clue.
• Extreme temperatures:
According to Firestone, hot or cold
temperatures can shorten a battery's
life. If you live in an extreme
climate, your battery may not last as
long as the manufacturer suggests it
should.
• Short driving trips: People who
take many short trips (less than 20
minutes each) may find their
batteries do not have enough time to
fully recharge, shortening their life
expectancy.
• Pungent aroma: Leaking and
corrosion around the battery
terminals can cause battery issues. If
there is a rotten egg smell under the
hood, it may be a leaking battery on
its way to dying.
Drivers can have their vehicle
batteries tested by mechanics.
Batteries can be replaced at home or
at a garage. Servicing the vehicle
frequently can prevent performance
inefficiencies and help determine if
any components are straining the
battery and causing premature loss
of battery life.
lg# 1 And We
Still Try
Harder!
Recent circulation figures show
The Citizen has the
highest circulation in the
northern part of Huron County,
#3 in the entire county.
The Citizen
Proudly
Community -
Owned
Since 1985
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