48 » OpenRoad Driver
4. BATTERY
5. GLASS CLEANER
W H Y R E P L A C E T H E B AT T E R Y ?
W H Y C L E A N YO U R C A R W I N D O W S W I T H G L A S S
CLEANER?
It is much easier for the battery to start your car in warm
temperatures. Colder temperatures put much more demand on your
vehicle’s electrical system, and a battery that does the job in warmer
weather may leave you stranded during lower temperatures. The only
way to know for sure is to service your vehicle regularly and test your
battery.
H O W O F T E N S H O U L D I R E P L A C E T H E B AT T E R Y ?
On average we recommend that your battery be replaced every 3-4
years. The need for replacement depends on various factors, such as
how often you use your vehicle, weather, or even how long you may
have run the radio or lights without running the engine. That’s why
we recommend regular service. Be well-informed on the condition
of your battery, as well as other important issues.
KEEP IN MIND:
Always have your full electrical system tested before replacing
the battery. A weak battery is often just a symptom of another
problem. For example, you may have a charging system
problem that damaged the original battery, that will very
quickly damage the new battery.
When shopping for a replacement battery make sure the one
you buy is specifically designed to fit your vehicle. Batteries
come in all shapes and sizes. Just because it “fits” physically
does not mean it will do the job. Batteries are rated by reserve
capacity, amp hours and cold cranking amps. Every vehicle has
different electrical demands and therefore needs a very specific
battery designed to handle your vehicle’s demands.
Also consider the warranty when buying a battery. Warranties
can range from several months to seven or more years. In
most cases the warranty is prorated after a certain time period,
which means you will have to pay for a percentage of the
replacement cost as the battery ages. Make sure you check
the warranty before you buy. A cheaper battery is not always
cheaper in the long run.
Use the chart below as reference for a typical 7-year
(84-month) battery warranty:
1 – 24 months
Free replacement (incl. parts, labour & sublets)
25 – 36 months
40% of replacement cost (100% labour & sublets)
37 – 48 months
50% of replacement cost (100% labour & sublets)
49 – 60 months
65% of replacement cost (100% labour & sublets)
61 – 72 months
80% of replacement cost (100% labour & sublets)
73 – 84 months
90% of replacement cost (100% labour & sublets)
A common winter complaint is that vehicle windows take too long
to defrost/defog, or they are never fully clear. Make sure you clean
the INSIDE of your vehicle’s windows. Even though they may
look clean, there is usually a fine layer of dust and grime that has
built up on the inside of your windows. With this built-up layer,
the condensation has a much easier time sticking to the glass. Use a
good-quality glass cleaner and clean paper towels to clean the inside
of all your windows for a better, clearer vision of the road.
WHICH GLASS CLEANER SHOULD I USE?
Be sure to use an automotive-specific glass cleaner. They are
designed to clean off the types of things that get on vehicle
windows. They also leave a streak-free finish.
KEEP IN MIND:
Don’t forget to clean the outside of the glass as well. Car
washes frequently use drying agents and waxes mixed in with
the water and soaps that leave a film on your glass. This causes
stronger glare from oncoming headlights, and will also make it
harder for your wipers to do their job properly.