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1. Summer Battery Tips
Check your vehicle's battery and electrical system before summer arrives to avoid being stranded on the side of the highway without air conditioning!
It's often said that you don't buy batteries in Arizona, so much as you rent them from the parts store. The scorching Arizona heat causes electrolyte to evaporate at an alarming rate, and can also cause the formation of battery-killing compounds within the cells.
Unfortunately, battery replacement is a matter of "when", rather than if. The average lifespan of a car battery in Arizona is 2-3 years, after which they fail, often with little warning.
[Top]2. Testing
While the home mechanic may be able to identify blatant physical problems with the battery and charging systems, further testing will often reveal faults in the electrical system before they turn into real problems. At Phoenix German Autobahn, we run a complete diagnostic on these systems, including:
Fault Scanning
Battery Calibration and Configuration
Load Testing
Circuit Probing
3. When to See a Pro
Warning signs of a weak battery include:
Slower than normal cranking speed
Dim headlights, especially when activating fans or other high current draw devices
Random or occasional loss of presets (radio, seat, etc.)
Requiring a jump-start after sitting overnight
Failure to "turn over", instead making a clicking noise when you turn the key
Moss-like green corrosion on the battery terminals
Swollen battery case
Battery warning light (though this tends to point to the charging system)
4. Conclusion
If you notice any of these signs, give us a call straight away! When temperatures reach 115
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