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Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

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Give Your Car Battery a Little TLC Before Winter Weather Is Here

November 21, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Winter can mean a lot of things: 

  • Heading to the mountains for skiing
  • Building a fire in the fireplace
  • Snuggling up with hot chocolate
  • Snowshoeing through a park

While you may have it all on your calendar to experience this year, the one thing you shouldn’t face is a dead car battery. Winter weather takes a toll on car batteries. Here’s what you should do now before the winter weather sets in. 

Why do car batteries die?

What do car batteries do? One of its biggest jobs is to provide a jolt of electricity necessary to run all of the electrical components in your car. If the battery doesn’t start, your car won’t start. You won’t be going anywhere. 

When you first get into your vehicle and turn the key, a chemical reaction moves your car into action. When the battery receives a signal from the car’s engine, the chemical energy stored deep inside converts to electrical energy, which powers your car. That sudden voltage moves the starter into action. 

The battery also works to keep the electrical current steady. Not only does a car battery start your vehicle, but it also provides a stabilizing voltage to keep the engine running. It operates many of the accessories you rely on each day. 

Give Your Car Battery a Little TLC Before Winter Weather Is Here

Batteries die for many reasons: physical damage, temperature fluctuations, corrosion, discharge, or general wear and tear. 

It’s cold outside … take care of your car battery

Outside weather also plays a vital part in battery health. While summer heat has its own damaging effects, winters can slow down the chemical reactions and cause the battery to discharge frequently. 

When it’s cold outside, everything we do slows down. We bundle up more. We look for ways to retain heat. 

Cars work similarly. The colder it gets outside, the longer it takes for your vehicle to warm up. Coolant takes longer to heat, meaning it takes longer for the engine to warm. This impacts the car’s heater, which creates a colder environment in the passenger compartment. The longer it takes to heat, the lower response time your battery delivers. It takes a while for it to fully charge. 

And if it’s weak before you turn the key, it takes even longer. If it starts at all. 

Car batteries have a short lifespan

A car is made up of about 10,000 parts. Different components have different lifespans depending on age and use. 

Car battery life varies anywhere from 3 to 6 years, depending on climate, upkeep, corrosion buildup, and battery manufacturer. Regular maintenance significantly affects how long a car battery will last. 

Warning signs your car battery may be failing

Like other parts, your car battery rarely fails without a few telltale warning signs. If you notice any of these, it’s a sign to bring your car in for inspection sooner rather than later. 

Flickering or dimming headlights – because a battery powers your car’s accessories, it’s one of the first places you’ll notice weakness. If your headlights, taillights, or interior lights seem dimmer than before, there’s a good chance your car battery is slowing down. Another sign is if the lights flicker when you rev the engine. Their brightness depends on how much power the battery generates. If all of its resources are moving to the engine, that means less output in things like lights. 

Slow car turnover – a vehicle’s engine requires the battery to start and stay running. It requires electrical power during the startup process. This is one of the most power-driven moments for a batter. If it’s not up for the job, you’ll notice it in the way your car cranks over and starts. A slow cranking engine is a surefire sign of a weak battery. 

Clicking sounds – when you turn the key, the battery sends some power to the car’s starter solenoid as it works to turn on the engine. The solenoid converts this power into energy that the engine uses during startup. If the battery isn’t working properly, the starter solenoid won’t receive the necessary power to start the engine and keep it running. This produces a clicking sound as you turn the key. Any unusual sounds as you try to start the vehicle should be inspected sooner rather than later. 

Jumpstarts – many drivers carry jumper cables in their trunks for the “just in case.” As winter brings in cold weather, not only will they protect you, but they can also help a friend in need. But jumpstarting a battery will only work for so long. If you do this once to your car’s battery, it’s a sign of a weakening battery. It’s your notification that it’s time to invest in a new battery. If you jumpstart your battery more than once, you risk reaching a point when that will no longer work. You risk being stuck with a dead battery that can no longer be revived. 

Corrosion – like other car parts, you should inspect your battery from time to time. Corrosion is often noticeable at the connecting terminals on your battery. You’ll notice it as a bluish-green deposit, a white powdery deposit, or as a transparent film. You can clean it up to gain more life, but it is a warning sign of a bigger problem. Consider its age; as they reach the end of life, replacment is the only assurance to prevent a dead battery. 

Damage – over time, a car battery can experience damage inside or out. Weak cells may experience frequent discharge, which can cause damage. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the battery to contract and swell. Depending on where the battery is, it can experience damage from external sources. If you see anything that looks suspicious, schedule an inspection to have it checked out. 

It’s time to give your car battery a little TLC

Winter is coming. You can’t stop the temperatures from diving past freezing. 

Will your vehicle be ready for it? 

Before the cold sets in, schedule an inspection to ensure your car is ready for the season. Checking the battery early will tell you whether it’s in good condition for the upcoming season, or if it’s time to replace it. It’ll help you make an informed decision rather than waiting for a problem at the most inopportune time. 

Filed Under: Car Maintenance, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Car Battery

How Long Should a Car Battery Last

January 7, 2022 by Denver Express Car Care

Without a car battery, your engine wouldn’t start, and you’d be stuck where you are. 

Of course, your car battery does more than start the vehicle. It also creates the power necessary for both the ignition and electrical systems. Think of your battery as your car’s lifeline. Without it, your car won’t function. 

How long should a car battery last?

How a battery works

A lot of things around your home run off of battery power. From your smartphone to a smoke detector, batteries ensure you have enough power to the device to make it function. 

When you turn the key in the ignition, it’s the car battery that provides the jolt of power needed to power up the electrical components in your vehicle. The car battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy, and provides enough force to send voltage to the starter. It also provides a steady stream of electrical current to stabilize this energy and keep the engine running. 

That’s a lot of work for one little box underneath the hood of your car. 

Depending on the make and manufacturer, a car battery is designed to last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. How long your battery will last depends on things like:

Driving habits

Short trips of 20 minutes or less can actually shorten the lifespan of your car battery. Each time you start your car, it uses battery power. When you make short trips around your community, it doesn’t give the charging system enough time to fully recharge the battery. By integrating short and longer trips throughout the day, it works to keep your car battery healthy and in good working condition. 

How Long Should a Car Battery Last

Don’t think that leaving your car parked for extended periods of time won’t impact the battery. They naturally self-discharge over time. It’s better to disconnect the battery and remove it, or use a trickle charger designed to keep the battery at a constant charge level as it sits.

Also be wary of allowing your car battery to completely wear down through the use of electronics. Various car accessories like headlamps, interior lights, and the radio drain power from the car battery. That’s why if you forget to turn the lights off, it can impact your car starting the following day. Avoid using accessories for extended periods if you aren’t operating your car. 

Weather

Here in Colorado, we can have widely changing temperatures within a short period of time. Throughout the year, your car may deal with below zero temperatures, followed by heatwaves in the triple digits in the summertime. That’s a lot for your batter to deal with. 

Protecting your car battery from these extreme fluctuations will extend its life. If you have a garage, keeping your car inside during extreme weather will protect the battery from deterioration. 

Maintenance

If you pop the hood and look underneath, you may discover corrosion around the battery box. Corroded batteries weaken the battery’s charge, which can impact its lifespan. You can keep corrosion at a minimum by scrubbing it with a mixture of baking soda and water, then wiping away the residue including dirt or grease. 

Batteries won’t go bad overnight. By regularly testing it, you can watch how much amperage it’s putting out. We can test it when you come in for regular maintenance to ensure it’s operating well. 

Is your car telling you it’s time for a new battery?

While you can give your car battery a long lifespan with proper maintenance and paying attention to your driving conditions, eventually it will wear out. It doesn’t suddenly fail without warning signs first. 

Corrosion

When you see corrosion building up around the positive and negative battery terminals, it’s a sign the battery is weakening. You can clean it, but be aware it’s showing signs of age. 

Slow engine crank

When your battery is working well, your car should gain power immediately upon turning the key. If it’s slow to react, that’s a sign your battery is weak. 

Check engine or battery light

Today’s technology is designed to warn you of potential problems long before they cause you an issue. At the first sign of a dashboard light, bring your car in so we can use diagnostic tools to determine what’s wrong with your vehicle. 

Bloated battery case

Swelling usually happens when the battery has overcharged. Heat and hydrogen gas build up faster than the battery dissipates, which can lead to the battery casing warping and expanding. 

Leaks

When a car battery leaks, it can be from several things. Leaks can form through the cell caps at the top of the battery, or through damage to the battery body. Overcharging can also damage the battery, or if it is subjected to extreme cold for a length of time. This may be noticeable from the rotten egg smell it produces. 

Low battery fluid

While not a regular maintenance item, your car battery can run low on fluid. As a battery recharges, electricity flows through the water as it’s converted from original gasses of hydrogen and oxygen. This can sometimes lead to water loss, which will need to be replenished to keep it in good working condition. 

Age

The older your battery is, the greater chance it has of not working at its best. 

If you’re not sure how old your battery is, there’s an easy way to tell. It has a creation date printed on it. This creation date is listed as a code with a letter and number. The letter corresponds to a month – A is January, B is February, and so on. The number gives you the final digit of the year – 8 would be 2018, 9 would be 2019, etc. 

If your battery is more than four years old, it’s a good idea to plan on replacing it soon to avoid future issues associated with a weak battery. This gives you a chance to replace the car battery on your time rather than deal with an emergency situation somewhere away from home. 

If you’re having battery problems, bring your car in and let one of our technicians test it to find out where the issue lies. We can service it as necessary, or suggest a new battery that will ensure your car’s safety.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance Tagged With: Car Battery

How Old Is Your Car Battery? It Might Be Time For a New One

December 4, 2021 by Denver Express Car Care

On average, you can expect your car battery to last anywhere from two to five years. Of course, that depends on the battery you install, driving conditions, and the environment in which you drive. 

Here in Colorado, a lot can impact your car battery even if all you do is drive to work and run a few errands each day. Your vehicle is subjected to:

  • Intense summer heat
  • Bitter cold winters
  • Ice, snow, and slush
  • High altitude driving
  • Short distance driving

And those are just for a start. Every time you take your car out, it impacts your car battery. Even leaving it at home and not starting your car can take its toll over time. 

How a car battery works

Our lives are filled with devices that run off of batteries. Take a fully charged battery, pop it into your device, and you’ll have hours, days, or even weeks of use. 

Some batteries you must replace every so often; when they die, it’s time for a new one. Other batteries you can charge over and over again. 

A car battery is the latter. When you turn the key or press the button to start your car, that process sends a signal to the battery that starts a chemical reaction inside the battery box. This reaction creates electrical energy that activates the motor running and the engine cranking. 

How Old Is Your Car Battery? It Might Be Time For a New One

Car batteries are designed for starting, lighting, and ignition. It sends short bursts of energy to your lights, accessories, and engine. The energy is transferred to the alternator once the battery powers up the engine. As it runs, it will fill up the car battery and ready it for the next use. 

How long a car battery will last

Think about how often this process occurs throughout your day. You start the vehicle to take the kids to school, drive to work, head out for lunch. You stop and start your car over and over again. 

While the average car battery will last between 2 to 7 years, there are several ways you can increase the likelihood your battery will have a long life:

Short rides – when you start your car, the battery drains power as it provides energy to kick everything into action. As you drive, that energy is replaced, so the battery will be ready to operate when you start the car up again. If you limit your driving to short rides, it never has a chance to build power back up. Plan longer drives periodically to ensure your battery receives the full charge. 

Turn off lights – do you flip on interior lights frequently? Do your headlamps stay on even after you turn off the engine? Lights can be a big drain on the battery, especially if they stay on for hours or days at a time. Build a habit of checking to ensure lights are off before walking away from your car. 

Battery check – what does your daily drive look like? Do you take rough roads? Do you navigate potholes and speed bumps that can jar anything loose? It’s a good idea to check underneath the hood from time to time to ensure everything is in its place. The battery might come unfastened, which can cause damage or short circuit. Watch for corrosion around the battery terminals; you can clean it with a simple mixture of baking soda and water. 

Turn off electronics when the engine isn’t running – you wait for the kids after practice. You’re early for a meeting. There are a lot of reasons we sit inside our vehicles and wait – why not use things like the radio, lights, or air conditioning while we do so? Because it adds wear and tear to your battery. If you find yourself doing this regularly, look for ways to change your patterns. It’ll help extend the life of your car battery. 

Signs your car battery may be dying

No matter how well you take care of your car battery, it will need replacing every few years to keep your vehicle running well. Luckily, a weak car battery alerts you with a few telltale signs before it dies. 

Trouble starting – as the components of the battery begin to wear, they won’t operate at the same level as when the battery was new. You’ll notice it as your car has trouble turning over. 

Electrical problems – because it’s the battery’s job to power the vehicle’s electronics, you’ll notice a change in the way they function. If your headlamps seem dim, it could be a sign of a weak battery. 

Check engine light – the check engine light is one of the most frequent dashboard icons to light up. If you pay attention to how your car operates, you can usually deduct what might be wrong and make the necessary adjustments. When in doubt, bring it in, and we can help pinpoint the problem. 

Bad smell – when a battery is damaged or not functioning correctly, it can cause the battery to leak. If you smell rotten eggs, a leaking battery may be the culprit. Replace it as soon as you can. 

Corrosion around the connectors – pop the hood and glance over the various components from time to time. A white substance on the metal parts of the battery is a sign of corrosion. Corrosion can lead to voltage issues, which means you’ll have trouble starting your car. 

Damaged battery case – Colorado’s weather can do funny things to a battery case. Intense heat, bitter cold, and everything in between can sometimes cause a battery case to swell and crack. This can lead to a variety of harmful effects. If you notice anything unusual, bring it in for us to inspect. 

Age – when did you last replace your battery? Pay attention to dates, and you can start recognizing weaknesses in the way your battery is operating. If it’s been three or four years, it might be worth replacing your battery before it leaves you stranded. 

Is it time to replace the battery in your vehicle? 

Filed Under: Car Maintenance Tagged With: Car Battery

How Long Can a Car Battery Last? 5 Answers You Need Right Now

April 30, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

When was the last time you drove your car?

For most of us, that question would have been comical a few short months ago. But moving past a month of stay in place, that question now may take some thought. A week ago? A month ago?

Your wallet may be thanking you for not spending a lot on gas these days. But if you don’t pay attention to caring for your car the proper way right now, you may pay for that as we come out of lockdown. Cars are meant to be driven. The more they sit, the more problems can arise.

Which is why we’ve put together a series of questions and answers about one of the first things that can happen to your vehicle the longer it sits: problems with your car battery.

How long can a car sit before a car battery dies?

A car battery isn’t like a battery you put into your phone or your remote control. It isn’t fully charged, dropping down ever so slowly as it sits or is used.

Instead, a car battery is typically a lead acid cell battery made up of 6x 2V cells or piles. A lead acid battery is bigger and heavier than other batteries, and is designed to produce high current over short durations. Alkaline batteries produce low current over longer durations, and are in general safer even when leaking, as they won’t eat through what’s around it the way the sulfuric acid from a lead acid battery will.How Long Can a Car Battery Last? 5 Answers You Need Right Now

With this set up, a car battery is designed for short spurts of energy. It’s designed to jolt the car engine to life as the key is turned or button is pushed. This charges the alternator, which is what continually powers a variety of things in your car, such as the lights or radio.

To stay in good function, the car battery needs that jolt periodically to recharge the cells. Without it, the power continues to drain until the battery no longer works.

How long a car can sit before the car battery dies depends on a variety of things:

  • How old the battery is
  • Under what circumstances the car battery has been used
  • Temperatures and road conditions
  • The make and model of the battery
  • Driving conditions

Predicting how long a car battery will last if it isn’t used is difficult at best. A month? Two months? Longer?

Your best takeaway is to realize the importance of operating your car regularly, even when you’re staying in place.

How do you change a car battery without losing your settings?

What’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen when you replace a battery? Having all of your presets disappear. And in today’s modern cars, that can be a wide variety of details.

That’s why it pays to watch your battery carefully, and change it for a new one long before it dies and leaves you stranded. If you replace a battery while it’s still holding a charge, you can do so and keep all of your presets in place.

To do so, you’ll need a secondary power source. You can use a secondary battery, or a jumper/booster pack. After attaching the secondary battery to your car, you can disconnect and replace the main battery. This will hold the charge in place during the process. With the new power supply in place, test the system and make sure it’s working.

You can also attach a memory saver, which is a small device you can plug in that will provide just enough power to hold your presets in place while the battery is changed.

How long can you play the radio before the car battery dies?

Have you ever sat with the engine off and the radio on, listening to your favorite tunes? Of course. We’ve all done it.

Did you know that’s one of the heaviest drains on your car battery?

How long you can play depends on a variety of things. How old your battery is. Temperatures. The power of your radio.

We Googled this question to find out what some of the answers were, and had to laugh. Some were very specific – how would anyone know you can get exactly 125 minutes of radio time before your car dies? The general consensus is: it depends.

Is your radio standard equipment? Does your radio have a digital screen – this will require more power from the battery.

The bottom line is, if you aren’t using your car regularly, find another way to play your tunes. Keep all listening to a minimum if you aren’t operating your car.

How do you reconnect a car battery safely?

If your car battery is dead, you’ll have to replace it. For safety’s sake, remember that this is an electrical device. “Dead” isn’t really dead, and it can still be harmful – fatal – if not handled properly.

Even if a car battery is dead, you should never let any metal object touch both the negative and positive posts on the battery at the same time. This can cause a current to spark, even to explode.

When removing a battery, identify the positive and negative posts – the positive will have a red plastic cover, while the negative will have black markings. Remove the black/negative cable first, followed by the red. When you reattach, reverse the order – attach the red first, followed by the black. It’s always in this order for safety.

Remove the battery carefully to ensure you don’t spill acid from the battery. They can weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.

Clean all the connections before you insert the new battery. Then reinstall the cables, red/positive before black/negative. Carefully double check all connections and ensure the battery is secure.

Of course, to ensure this process runs smoothly, we recommend never doing this as a DIY project unless you have been trained in auto mechanics. Because you’re dealing with dangerous chemicals and electrical current, it’s important to know what you’re doing before you try it.

What else happens to the car if the battery dies and isn’t replaced right away?

Car batteries die for a variety of reasons. And in some cases, it might not have to be replaced right away.

When you jump a car battery, be sure to keep it running for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it regains its charge. Don’t take it far from home; remain in a location where you can have access to another jump if you need it.

If it holds its charge, you should have nothing to worry about. If it needs a second charge, it’s time to replace the battery.

The key to good car maintenance is being aware. Watch for signs. Evaluate how well your car is working.

How long a car battery lasts is all about knowledge. Knowing how old your battery is, the conditions it’s operated in, and how well it’s been treated since it was installed.

Do you have any questions about replacing your car battery? We’re here to help.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Car Battery

How Do You Know If Your Car Battery Is Dead?

February 21, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s never a good time for a problem with your car, is there? Yet it always seems to happen at the worst time. Maybe you’re running late for a meeting, or picking up the kids. Or perhaps it happens on the coldest day of the year.

Then you’re left stranded, wondering what to do. And trying to think if there was a clue somewhere, telling you something is wrong.

That can happen easily if something is wrong with your vehicle’s battery. How do you know if your car battery is dead?

The car battery 

How Do You Know If Your Car Battery Is Dead?Like tires, car batteries are one of the most recognizable parts on your vehicle. That’s because you can find them almost anywhere, even on the shelves of your favorite membership stores.

A car’s battery is designed to provide electrical current to the motor. It feeds the starter, which in turn starts the engine. Once the car is running, power is continuously recharged through the alternator.

Today’s car batteries haven’t changed all that much since they were first introduced decades ago. Unless you have an electric car, hybrid, or another special performance vehicle, you have a “wet cell” battery installed underneath the hood. This is a plastic cube filled with sulfuric acid and lead. It has two terminals on the top or side, depending on the way it was installed.

Most car batteries on the market today are designed to last about five years. Of course, that number is entirely dependent on the way you drive. A driver that spends a lot of time driving in cold arctic air is going to have different results than someone who spends most of their time driving in the desert. It also depends on use. A city driver who turns their cars on and off all day long will have different results than someone who rarely takes their car out of the garage.

In your car, the battery ranks up there with one of the most common parts that fail. Luckily, it’s also one of the least expensive parts you have to replace.

Signs your car battery is dying

Think of your battery as the heart of the car. If you want to have a reliable car, there for you when you need it, the battery has to be working well.

And like other parts on your vehicle, the battery rarely dies without a few warning signs. Paying attention can help you avoid being stranded with a dead battery. Here’s what to look for.

The car battery signal on your dashboard

This is the easiest, and most apparent. When lights come on your dashboard, pay attention to them. They are designed to give you ample time to bring your car in for service.

The engine cranks, but won’t start

Have you ever turned the key, you can hear your car engine trying to start, but as it turns over, it just won’t catch? That’s a sign your battery is dying. Occasionally, it can be one of several other problems with the starting system, such as your starter. But in almost all cases, it’s about the quality of your battery.

Because your car still has power, it’s just not catching, this is a time you can use jumper cables to start your engine. Once your car is running, let it operate for at least 30 minutes to allow your alternator to charge the battery fully again. Then turn off your vehicle and let it sit for a few minutes. Start it. Start it again. If it turns over, you’re okay to continue driving it.

In a lot of cases, this charge is enough to keep your battery running for a while. But don’t be fooled into thinking your battery is back to normal. Instead, consider this to be time for getting into the service station and replacing your battery.

Your car battery works one day, not the next

If your battery isn’t that old, and your car seems fine one day, won’t work the next, it might be the connections. If the car battery terminals are loose, broken, or corroded, it can cause a problem with the power being supplied to the rest of your vehicle.

Check the battery cables first. This is usually the cause of the problem. Check to ensure they are connected and haven’t wiggled loose. You can also look at the cables and ensure they are in good condition, aren’t frayed, or show evidence of leaks. If you see any problems, it’s time to bring your car in and let one of our mechanics take a look at it.

The car won’t start, no crank, no lights

If your car is completely dead, it’s easy to diagnose: your car battery is at fault. Your battery’s job is to power all of the accessories in your vehicle. If your car won’t turn over, and lights won’t illuminate, it’s a sign your battery is no longer supplying power.

Be aware that if your battery doesn’t even have the power to supply energy to the lights, you might have a bigger problem than just your batter. It might also be a problem with the alternator. The best way to tell what’s wrong is to bring your vehicle into our service station and let us diagnose what’s wrong.

The size of the battery is wrong

Because car batteries are available just about everywhere, they are an easy DIY project, especially for people attempting to save a little money. Do you have a new-to-you car you’ve recently purchased, and are starting to have problems with the car starting? It could be the wrong battery was installed.

You’ve jumped your battery more than once

If your battery dies and you jump it to bring it back to life, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you a problem might exist. Of course, you might have a lot of life left. But it would help if you watched closely for other symptoms.

If you have to jump your car more than once, and the episodes get closer together, you can no longer ignore the warning signs. Your battery is failing, and if you keep ignoring it, it could fail at an inopportune time. Like on a cold, dark night, when nobody is around.

Is it time to replace your battery?

Manufacturers will tell you a car battery has an expected life of five years. Depending on your driving conditions, two to three years may be the maximum life.

As you near the end of life, watch for little signs that tell you your battery is failing. Bring it in and let us inspect it. We can help ensure your car is working correctly, keeping you safe and on the road without a problem.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance Tagged With: Car Battery

Car Batteries

April 23, 2014 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

Car BatteriesBatteries are a huge part of modern life in Denver and across the country.  I mean, how many battery chargers do you own?

But our purpose here is to talk about your car battery.  When people come into our Denver service center and need a new battery, they’re really not that happy about having to spend the money.  But the fact is that 70 percent of batteries don’t last four years.

There are some things that you can do to extend the life of your battery.  First, keep it clean.  If you see it getting dirty or greasy, let us know at Express Car Care and we can clean it off.  A dirty battery runs hotter and that shortens its life.  If your battery terminals are corroded, let us take a look at that too.  We can clean them, and if the corrosion has gotten into the battery cables, we can replace them.

Also running your battery way down is not good for it:  Things like running the headlights or watching a DVD player when the car is turned off can deeply deplete car batteries.  The typical battery can only take about 10 of those deep cycle depletions before it gives up the ghost.

Because we often take short trips around town with lots of stops for errands, our batteries can end up not getting fully recharged just by driving around.  That also shortens battery life.  You can hook up a good quality automatic battery charger at home from time to time.  We recommend charging once a month during hot months and every three months during cold months.

Now when it’s finally time to get a new battery, we can help you find the right replacement.  We’ll always make sure to meet your manufacturer’s recommendations.  And if you have special needs – like living in a very cold climate or running a lot of electrical accessories, we can look at an upgrade that will give you the power you need.

Filed Under: Engine Tagged With: Car Battery

Summer Heat Can Take Its Toll On Your Car Battery

July 11, 2013 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

Summer Heat Can Take Its Toll On Your Car Battery

The 90 degree days are back once again. When your car sits outside all day in the baking sun, if the battery was weak to begin with, you may find yourself stranded with a car that simply won’t start.

One of the most basic parts to your car is your battery. Yet its also one of the easiest things to assume “out of sight, out of mind”. If it works, why worry about it?

Excessive heat shortens the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then will damage the internal structure of the battery. And when the components of the charging system start to malfunction, it could allow an excessive charge rate, which eventually destroys the battery all together.

To get the most out of a battery:

  • Be sure your electrical system is charging at the correct rate. Overcharging your battery can damage the internal components, weaken the system, and damage the battery until the point of non-function.
  • Always replace a battery with the same or higher quality than the one you are currently operating with. Look for one that has a CCA (cold cranking amps) rating at least as high as your current battery.
  • Always keep the top of the battery and the battery terminals clean. Dirt and corrosion can accumulate, which will inhibit current flow.
  • Check your car’s battery and belts on a regular basis, and replace when they show wear or are cracked.

Don’t put off your car’s maintenance schedule. If you keep up with regular maintenance on a regular basis, you’ll have a car you can depend on at any time of the year.

Filed Under: Denver Auto Repair Tagged With: Car Battery, car maintenance, Summer Heat

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

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Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

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