Starting Issues
When the vehicle doesn’t start, your first thought is likely to be a bad battery. However, the battery is only one of three main components that starts the engine. The other two are the alternator and starter. All three components work together to cause the ignition to start the engine. Any of these parts can stop working, which could leave you stranded. However, the most common issue is the battery.
Common Battery Problems
If your vehicle fails to start and no lights come on, the most likely culprit is that the battery needs to be replaced. Batteries generally last between three and seven years. When they die, they can fail right away or start having problems, such as it taking longer to start the engine when you turn the ignition.
If your battery isn’t old and still healthy, the problem could be with the connections. When the cables get corroded, they can lose connectivity. Once they’re cleaned, the cables will have a strong connection again, and your battery should start.
Service Your Battery
When your battery isn’t functioning as it should, you can bring it to the Service Center at ALM Chevrolet South. We’ll test the battery to see how much charge it has and how much life is left. We use a voltmeter to do the testing. If the battery shows that it’s healthy, we look for other issues, including checking the alternator and starter. If the battery is near the end of its life, we’ll recommend replacing it with a new battery.
You can find a selection of batteries in our Parts Center. We carry several brands, and our parts team will help you choose the right size of battery for your vehicle. If you can’t get the battery to start the engine, you may need to have the vehicle towed to our Service Center.
If you need to jump the battery more than once or the engine is sluggish when it starts, you should schedule service to have your battery tested. It’s also a good idea to have it tested once a year even if you aren’t having issues. To schedule service, you can give us a call or set up the appointment online.
