Today's vehicles are so advanced in computer systems that it can be impossible for a car owner to pinpoint a problem...until the car won't start. When it comes to an automobile that won't start, a problem with the electrical system, such as an aging car battery, is the most common cause in Lesotho. Worse still, any breakdown caused by a power outage is always inconvenient and frequently requires a call for a restart or a tow. This could have been avoided with preventative maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about your vehicle's battery bank and electrical system, and how to maintain them.
Signs of a disturbed car battery and electrical system:
If you notice any of the following, you will need a new battery or electrical system repair:
- For example, the car won't start, the engine seems weak when cranked, or you have trouble starting it.
- The dashboard and interior lights do not work properly.
- When driving slowly or idling at night, you may notice that the brake lights and headlights are dim.
- When you turn on the air conditioner or heater fan, nothing happens.
- A burning smell comes from electrical or plastic insulation. Note: If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible to make a reservation to have the electrical system inspected.
Steps to maintain a car's electrical system:
To keep your vehicle's electrical system in good working order, follow these guidelines:
- Evaluate and clean the battery and its wires regularly. If you've ever looked under the hood of your car, you may have observed white construction (or rust) around the battery terminals and cables. This is normal, but the battery needs to be cleaned of rust. To remove corrosion, you can use specific battery cleaning chemicals. You can also prepare your baking soda and water solution. The battery cleaning steps are simple.
- Remove the positive and negative terminals
- Using a wire brush, clean the rust from the bollards and post after applying the cleaning fluid.
- Use water to rinse the terminal and terminal cleaning fluid.
- Starting from the positive terminal first, reconnect the battery from its terminals.
- Examine the drive belt for symptoms of cracking, dryness, or glazing. As you inspect the drive belt, verify that the tension is correct. Don't worry about questions like, where's the drive belt? How much tension should it have? When you bring your automobile in for routine maintenance, the mechanics perform a complete inspection. Then we'll let you know if a repair or replacement is needed.
- Before the battery dies and the engine won't start, be proactive and replace it. Your vehicle's battery should last approximately 3-5 years.
When you stop your automobile, make sure the lights, radio, air conditioning or heating are also turned off. When you start the vehicle, these components strain the battery.