Many important aspects make up your vehicle—working together to keep it running. One of those important aspects is your car’s battery. The battery supplies the necessary current to the starter motor and ignition system, getting the engine going. Because of this, it’s integral to pay close attention to the condition of the battery in your car. Our Avondale area Volkswagen service center has some tips on how to keep your battery in top condition, and what to do if it fails.
Open up your vehicle’s hood and take a look at the battery; make sure that each connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. The battery cables act as veins that attach the battery to give it what it needs to operate. Clean corrosion, dust, and rust from around the cables. Regularly test the electrolytes in each cell with a hydrometer; if you get a reading that differs from the others by .05 or more, it may be time for a replacement. Finally, a loose cap or plug can wreak havoc; make sure all of the caps and plugs on the battery are tightly secure and fastened so that battery acid and other fluids don’t leak.
Follow the steps below to test your battery.
- Make sure the ignition key and all of your vehicle’s lights are off
- Connect the red (or positive) voltmeter test lead to your battery’s positive terminal
- Connect the black (or negative) voltmeter test lead to your battery’s negative terminal
- Compare your reading to the following chart
Keep Your Volkswagen On the Avondale Area Roads By Taking Proper Care of the Battery
Unfortunately, car batteries don’t always give a warning before they fail, so it’s important to get them inspected regularly, and replace them about every three years; take a look at your owner’s manual for a more precise interval for your specific Volkswagen model. If you find yourself in a situation with a car that won’t start, follow these steps:
- Grab the jumper cables from your trunk
- Find another driver who is willing to help you out with the jump
- Make sure that both cars are in “park” or “neutral” with the ignitions turned off and emergency brakes on
- Remove the caps from each vehicle’s battery and connect the cables
- Attach one red clip to the positive terminal on your vehicle’s battery, and attach the other to the positive terminal on the other vehicle’s battery
- Attach one black clip to the negative terminal on the other car’s battery, and attach the other black clip to an unpainted, metal surface on your vehicle—away from the carburetor and the battery itself
- Try starting your vehicle
If your vehicle still fails to start, it’s time to get a new battery. If your Volkswagen is in need of a battery inspection or replacement, look no further than Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen. Our service facility features highly-trained technicians that can take a look at your current battery, and even help you find the right replacement should your vehicle need one. Our skilled service technicians also have the tools and knowledge required to take care of the new battery installation for you. We even offer service specials, so you can take advantage of great savings on Volkswagen service at our Avondale area dealership.
For more information about taking proper care of your vehicle’s battery or to schedule a service appointment at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, contact us at (602) 714-3968.
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