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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2011-04-14, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011. CCC –Summer is the season for major car-battery problems. Heat, not cold, shortens battery life, says Car Care Canada. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That’s slow death for a battery. True, there are more road service calls in cold weather for dead batteries that cause starting failure. That’s when a battery’s output is diminished because of sluggish electro-chemical action that gives the battery its power. Also, colder temperatures increase the thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over. These factors lead to harder starting. “An average of one out of four vehicles gets a new battery every year,” says Marc Brazeau of Car Care Canada. “Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, but having to so prematurely can involve more than the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient as well.” To get the most life out of a battery, Brazeau suggests the following: Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging. If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary. Always replace a battery with one that's rated at least as high as the one originally specified. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow. Heat more harmful to car batteries than cold 87 North Street W., Wingham 519-357-4495 Lyle’s Auto Repair Quality Automotive Service ~ Engine Repairs ~ Brakes ~ Exhaust ~ Electrical Diagnostics Come on in for a Spring Tune Up A battery of problems From inhibited flow due to corrosion to under- or overcharging caused by faulty systems, there are a plethora of problems that can shorten the lifespan of batteries. To prevent a premature battery purpose, be sure to have your electrical systems checked by a professional. (MS photo) Warm weather revitalization needs to be felt by autos as well as owners MS –With spring just around the corner, that familiar anticipation of warmer weather and long Sunday drives with the windows down has returned. After a long winter of cold temperatures and likely snowfall, getting outside and driving in the warm sun is a luxury drivers across the country have earned. But as enjoyable as that first Sunday drive can be, it can also prove disastrous for vehicle owners who don’t prepare their cars or trucks before hitting the open road. Here are some tips to drivers about to ready their ride for that first warm weather road trip of the season. • Give your car a fresh start. Many men, women and children feel rejuvenated once the warm air of spring finally arrives. Vehicle owners can give their cars and trucks a similar fresh start with a few simple changes to their vehicle maintenance routine. One way drivers can make a profound impact on their vehicles this season is to address the lubricants they use to keep their car running strong. Unbeknownst to many vehicle owners, conventional motor oils slow starting RPM while restricting oil flow to critical engine parts and increasing wear on bearings and rings. However, synthetic motor oils provide significant performance benefits over their conventional counterparts thanks in large part to their superior resistance to varnish and sludge development. That superior resistance enables engines to run cleaner with synthetics, providing better fuel economy for those long Sunday drives while offering more wear protection in the meantime. • Routinely check tire pressure. Poorly inflated tires are often a silent assassin. While nearly everyone can hear a clunky engine or notice smoke coming out from underneath a vehicle’s hood, few people ever recognize that their tires are poorly inflated. That’s unfortunate, as poorly inflated tires force the engine to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency and tax the engine as a result. But keeping tires properly inflated is a snap. Simply consult your vehicle manual for recommended tire pressure, and keep the tires at the recommended level. Though it might not seem like much, drivers will instantly notice a difference in their vehicle’s performance, particularly when they hit the open road and put the pedal to the metal. • Stick to your maintenance schedule. Vehicle owners can keep their cars running strong this spring by strictly adhering to their vehicle maintenance schedule. This has even gotten easier in recent years, as many vehicle manufacturers are suggesting longer intervals between tune-ups and oil changes, resulting in less trips to the mechanic. Sticking to the maintenance schedule can also make those Sunday drives more enjoyable. • Give your car a good wash. Every vehicle owner wants their car to look good, especially when warm weather arrives and jaunts to the beach become the norm. But a car wash can not only benefit a car's appearance, it can also help boost its performance. Over the course of a typical winter, salt, slush, dirt, and grime tend to buildup the more a vehicle navigates its way through snow or ice-covered roads. A thorough car wash can remove these unwanted deposits, while also clearing away brake dust that can erode the wheel surface. Removing these uninvited guests can also help a car run more smoothly, improving fuel efficiency and saving drivers money along the way. Highway 86 East, Wingham 519-357-3460 www.lesliemotors.com SS pp rr ii nn gg CC ll ee aa nn uu pp SS pp ee cc ii aa ll • Exterior Wash • Vacuum Interior • Clean Windows • Clean Dash and Trim Panels • Clean Rims and Tires $6995