Make Sure Your Vehicle Has The Juice To Keep It Running (NAPSA)—Being stranded because of a dead battery can be a nerve-wracking experience. To avoid this type of situation easily, have your battery tested. Just as your own heart pumps blood to keep your body going, your car’s battery supplies the electrical current needed to keep it going. There are simple measures you can take to keep your battery in top shape. The first is to have it tested, but when? The following symptoms could indicate your car’s battery might need servicing or replacing: The vehicle cranks slowly, often failing to turn over immediately There is a large amount of corrosion on the battery terminals e Any of the cables are frayed or severed The battery casing is cracked or swollen There is leakage coming from the battery The lights flicker or seem dim * Indicator lights are lit on the dash There is a rotten egg smell coming from underthe hood Bruce Chidsey, vice president of service operations for Pep Boys, the nation’s leading automotive parts and service chain, says that if you notice any of these warning signs, you should immediately make an appointment with an automobile service provider to have your battery and electrical system looked over. “People tend to think that the onset of cold weather kills car batteries, when in reality, it’s the transitional period from warm to cold weather, and vice versa, that can drain them,” said Chidsey. “Checking up on the strength of a car’s battery when the weather changes is the number one pre- ventative measure consumers can take to ensure that their vehicles will start.” The battery is the “heart” of your car, so it pays to keep it healthy. Pep Boys offers a free battery test as well as a large assortment of batteries to choose from, should you need a replacement. When purchasing a new battery, make sure you choose one that comes with a dependable warranty. The ProStart Plus offers a 12 month free/60 month pro rata warranty; the ProStart Premium offers an 18 month free/72 month pro rata warranty; and Energizer offers a 24 month free/84 month pro rata warranty and a three-year free emergency jumpstart. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you should know auto supply stores offer a wide selection of tools and cleaning solutions that you'll need to service a battery yourself. Always remember to wear a pair of rubber gloves and goggles when you handle your battery, as this will protect your hands and eyes from theacid. If you suspect that you have a problem with your battery or electrical charging system, or you would like a Pep Boys’ professional to do a complete Battery Starting and Charging System Service, stop in or call to set up an appointment. To find the nearest Pep Boys location, call 1-800-PEP-BOYSor visit pepboys.com.
