auto IQ
Your batterY Is at the heart of your
vehicle: Its stored energy is essential for
starting the engine. After that, it complements
(and is recharged by) the alternator as a
power source for everything from lights to
infotainment systems. Treat it with care—
and heed these warning signs so you
know when to get a new one.
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By Craig Moy
By Craig Moy
Need a New Battery?
“There are a lot of factors to
consider to make sure you
get the right battery for your
vehicle,” says regIna batterY
DePot manager Terry Potter. For
example, you don’t want a battery
that has too little—or too much—
power for your make and model.
Depot experts can help you choose
from a stock of more than 5,000
batteries for all manner of vehicles,
as well as for power tools, cell
phones, computers and more.
Potter increasingly recommends
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
batteries, which cost more than
standard lead acid batteries, but
perform better and last longer.
Skilled technicians install your new
battery or service an existing one.
They even do other vehicle repairs
at the on-site CAA Car Care
Centre, and offer repairs on cell
phones, including screen and
battery replacements.
Save Now!
CAA Members save 10%
on all Regina Battery
Depot merchandise. Visit
reginabatterydepot.com
or call 306-522-2221
signs Your Battery May Need testing
let’s get started
It’s more than three years old.
Batteries lose capacity over
time. In Saskatchewan, a typical
battery lasts three to five years.
engine is slow to turn over.
It takes 175 to 250 amps of
battery power to get a car
going. A sluggish start could
mean an insufficient charge.
headlights dim while idling.
When idle, a car may draw more
power than the alternator alone
produces, so the battery kicks in.
Dim lights could mean an alternator issue or a drained battery.
Digital systems power down
quickly. Radio, GPS and other
accessories use battery power
when the engine is off.
Performance issues suggest
a depleted battery.
cOld care
Batteries lose
juice even when not in use.
Consider a battery tender if you
don’t expect to drive for long
periods of time. It ensures the
battery’s charge is maintained at
its proper storage voltage. Buy
one online at caask.ca/shop
or at regina battery Depot.
Battery tlc
Freezing
temperatures
limit starting power. Plug in
your block heater at -15 C.
Your battery will have
an easier time starting a
warm engine. CAA-branded
batteries are built to
withstand harsh
Canadian winters.
CAA SASKATCHEWAN
FALL 2016
19