car battery – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Tag: car battery

The Warning Signs of a Bad Battery

Car battery problems are not uncommon. Most of the time, they leave car owners helpless, because the vehicle can be immobilized due to a faulty battery. However, recognizing the warning signs of a bad battery can save you from unexpected breakdowns and inconvenience. In this blog post, we will discuss the warning signs that indicate your battery may be nearing the end of its life.

Dimming Headlights and Interior Lights

One of the first telltale signs of a bad battery is the dimming of headlights and interior lights. If you notice that your lights are not as bright as they used to be or they flicker every now and then, it could be a sign that your battery is losing its charge. These electrical issues such as a bad alternator usually occur when the battery is struggling to provide enough power to the electrical systems of your vehicle.

Related: Learn more about how to troubleshoot your car’s light issues here.

Slow Engine Crank

When you turn the key in the ignition, a healthy battery should provide enough power to start the engine quickly. However, if you notice that the engine takes longer to crank or if there is a delay before the engine starts, it may be a sign of a weak battery. This slow cranking is an indication that the battery is losing its ability to deliver sufficient power.

Related: Learn more about what to do if your car won’t start here.

Frequent Jump-Starts

If you find yourself needing to jump-start your vehicle frequently, it is a clear indication that your battery is not holding a charge as it should. While jump-starting can get you going temporarily, it is important to address the underlying battery issue to avoid being stranded in the future.

Swollen or Bulging Battery Case

A swollen battery case is a visible sign that something is wrong with your battery. High temperatures or overcharging can cause the battery case to expand or bulge. If you notice any abnormalities in the shape of your battery, it is essential to have it checked by a professional to prevent any further damage or potential hazards, such as battery leakage, corrosion, or electrical malfunction.

Conclusion

A failing battery can leave you stranded at the most inconvenient times. To ensure your safety and avoid unexpected battery failures, trust the experts at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. Call us today at (817) 834-2725 or visit mikesautospa.com to schedule a battery inspection. Let us help you stay on the road with a reliable and well-maintained vehicle.

What to Do If Your Car Won’t Start

October 17, 2023 / admin / 0 Comments

There’s nothing more frustrating than being ready to go, only to find that your car won’t start. Whether in the parking lot after dinner, in your driveway before work, or at the rest stop after you’ve stopped for snacks, a non-starting car can throw a wrench in your plans. To help give you some insight, we’ve put together steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue, allowing you to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Identify the Possible Causes

Most people don’t keep a set of mechanic’s tools in their trunk. Therefore, when your car won’t start, you feel pretty helpless. But don’t give up. Try to pinpoint the possible causes before attempting any repairs. Several factors could be at play, such as a dead battery, or even a power steering problem. Take a moment to observe any dashboard warning lights or unusual noises that occurred before the car stopped running. This information will be helpful when communicating with a professional mechanic.

Perform Basic Checks

Before calling for professional assistance, there are a few basic checks you can perform. First, ensure that the car is in the park (or neutral for manual transmissions) and that the parking brake is engaged. Check the battery connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. If you suspect a dead battery, try jump-starting the vehicle using a set of jumper cables and another working car’s battery.

Related: Learn more about how to jump start a car’s battery here.

Check the Key Fob

A defective key fob can cause issues with starting some modern cars that feature keyless entry and ignition systems. These systems rely on a coded signal from the smart key fob to start the engine. If your car fails to recognize the key, it will not start.

In such situations, the most straightforward solution might be to replace the battery in the key fob. You can identify this as the issue if the central locking system also fails to function.

If the basic checks don’t solve the problem, it is advisable to consult a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and address these problems effectively.

Rely on Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop!

If you have exhausted all troubleshooting steps and your car still won’t start, it’s time to seek professional help. At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing automotive issues. Our certified ASE technicians are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible. Contact us today at (817) 834-2725 for reliable and efficient car repair services.

How to Jump Start a Car’s Battery

August 23, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Eventually most car owners have to face jump starting other vehicles or needing their vehicle jump started due to battery issues. Oftentimes when car batteries die all they need is a quick electrical recharge from another vehicles battery to return to normal. Reasons for dead car batteries range from leaving on interior and exterior lights to extreme temperatures. Follow along below this month as we describe step-by-step how to jump start a car’s battery.

Items You Will Need

Jumper Cables
Gloves
Owner’s Manual

Important Tips

Read your owner’s manual first. Your manufacturer may advise against jump starting a vehicle due to sensitive electronic circuitry.
Don’t try to jump a frozen battery.
Do NOT jump a battery that is cracked or leaking. This is very dangerous. You will need to purchase a new battery at this point, so call a tow truck or a friend that can help you out.

Step 1: Park vehicles close together so that the jumper cables will easily reach both batteries. Turn off both engines, put on gloves, and properly lock both vehicle’s engine hoods in their upright positions. Remove any tangles from the jumper cables and be sure to not let any of the four metal ends touch one another.

Step 2: Once you’ve located the batteries (check owner’s manual if not sure), identify the two post “terminals”. One is positive (+) and usually red while the other one is negative (-) and usually black. Remove any plastic or rubber protecting the terminals so that you expose the metal beneath.

Step 3: Grab one of the POSITIVE (red) clamps on the jumper cables and attach it to the dead car’s positive terminal post (+ or red). The clamps should have metal teeth that help them grip the terminal post.

Step 4: With both vehicles still turned off, take the POSITIVE (red) clamp at the opposite end of the cables and attach it to the positive terminal post of the good, working battery.

Step 5: Take the NEGATIVE (black) clamp on that same end and attach to the negative terminal of the good, working battery.

Step 6: Take the final NEGATIVE (black) clamp and attach it to negative terminal of the car that is being jump-started.

Step 7: Triple check that all negative and positive terminals are correctly connected before starting the vehicle of the car with the good, working battery. Allow the vehicle to run this way for 3-5 minutes. You can now try to start the dead car as normal. If the engine does not start allow the battery to charge for several more minutes before trying again. At this point both cars should be on and running successfully.

Step 8: Working in reverse order, unhook each of the clamps from the terminals without ever letting the ends touch one another. Safely store jumper cables, remove gloves, and return engine hoods to their normal positions.

Final Thoughts

Engine and battery issues are almost always unexpected and tend to occur at the most inconvenient times. The next time your vehicle won’t start or produces an odd noise or smell, call on the local mechanics at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, TX. We are committed to making sure all of our customers are happy with our work and safe on the road.

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