NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
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After a record breaking snowfall, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is advising members to try their cars tonight before tomorrow’s morning rush. Because many school boards will be resuming in person learning tomorrow, and cars have been stationary over the last few days, CAA expects high call volumes for battery-related service.
Our top tip: Don’t wait until tomorrow to find out if your car needs a boost. Test your car tonight before you head out tomorrow. While the average car battery lasts between 3 to 5 years, when exposed to extreme temperatures and used for more advanced automotive technology, battery lifespans can become even shorter.
How do you know if your car battery needs boost?
- Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start. It takes 175 to 250 amps of battery power to get a car going. If your car is slow to start, you might be dealing with an insufficient charge.
- Your headlights dim while idling. When idle, a car may draw more power than the alternator alone can produce, so your battery kicks in. If your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine, it could mean a drained battery.
- Your digital systems power down quickly. Electronics like the radio, GPS, dash cams and other accessories, especially in modern cars, use battery power when the engine is off. If they stop functioning properly, it could suggest a weak battery.
- You hear a grinding, clicking or buzzing noise when you turn on the ignition. It’s important to be able to distinguish the reason why your vehicle may be making noises, usually these sounds mean your battery has lost its charge but if you’re still unsure, get your vehicle checked by a professional.
- Your vehicle has stalled. The stored energy in your car battery is essential for starting the engine, without its juice, you won’t be going very far.
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