Car Service: 5 Electrical System Maintenance Tips
A major car problem that poses a challenge to vehicle owners in today's vehicles is the electrical system. They are more intricate than ever before, even though they are basically the same design as 30 years ago. However, a good quality car repair requires the use of a higher level of technology than decades ago. Car problems associated with day-to-day operability are caused by variations in voltage due to the use of computerized controls. Even the smallest change in voltage can alter the controls in an electrical system. If regular car service is neglected, car problems can start from poor electrical connections due to loose connections and the buildup of corrosion around the battery posts.
A complete and thorough car service involves much more than sticking a voltmeter on the battery. The average car repair "do-it-yourselfer" does not have the appropriate test equipment for the electrical system. To accurately diagnose an issue, schedule an inspection by an auto electrical technician who is familiar with your specific vehicle.
Follow these car service tips and you're on your way to extending the life of your vehicle's electrical system:
Tip #1: Keep the car battery and its connections clean. This will avoid clogged cover vents and allow for proper ventilation of dangerous, explosive gases from the battery.
Tip #2: When it's time to replace your car battery, make sure to purchase one of the same or higher CCA rating (cold cranking amps) as the original and that it's the same or compatible "group size" to fit your battery tray and cable connections.
Tip #3: If you need to jumpstart your car, check the voltage running your system before jump-starting your car using another one that is running. For example, a 14.5-volt running system can seriously damage a 12.6-volt system due to overvoltage. If possible, jump-start only from another batter with the same voltage.
Tip #4: To ease the load on your battery and starter, start your car with the major electrical units turned off (i.e., A/C, stereo, etc.).
Tip #5: At least every two years, have the electrical system completely checked and tested, or whenever you schedule a car service for any other problem.
Need a quality car repair? To keep your car "rolling" down the road, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go online at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
A major car problem that poses a challenge to vehicle owners in today's vehicles is the electrical system. They are more intricate than ever before, even though they are basically the same design as 30 years ago. However, a good quality car repair requires the use of a higher level of technology than decades ago. Car problems associated with day-to-day operability are caused by variations in voltage due to the use of computerized controls. Even the smallest change in voltage can alter the controls in an electrical system. If regular car service is neglected, car problems can start from poor electrical connections due to loose connections and the buildup of corrosion around the battery posts.
A complete and thorough car service involves much more than sticking a voltmeter on the battery. The average car repair "do-it-yourselfer" does not have the appropriate test equipment for the electrical system. To accurately diagnose an issue, schedule an inspection by an auto electrical technician who is familiar with your specific vehicle.
Follow these car service tips and you're on your way to extending the life of your vehicle's electrical system:
Tip #1: Keep the car battery and its connections clean. This will avoid clogged cover vents and allow for proper ventilation of dangerous, explosive gases from the battery.
Tip #2: When it's time to replace your car battery, make sure to purchase one of the same or higher CCA rating (cold cranking amps) as the original and that it's the same or compatible "group size" to fit your battery tray and cable connections.
Tip #3: If you need to jumpstart your car, check the voltage running your system before jump-starting your car using another one that is running. For example, a 14.5-volt running system can seriously damage a 12.6-volt system due to overvoltage. If possible, jump-start only from another batter with the same voltage.
Tip #4: To ease the load on your battery and starter, start your car with the major electrical units turned off (i.e., A/C, stereo, etc.).
Tip #5: At least every two years, have the electrical system completely checked and tested, or whenever you schedule a car service for any other problem.
Need a quality car repair? To keep your car "rolling" down the road, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go online at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
