About National Battery Day
This day is observed on the birthday of Allesandro Volta (1745 - 1827).
Alessandro Volta was an Italian physicist, chemist who was a pioneer of electricity and power. He is credited as the inventor of the electric battery and the discoverer of methane.
February brings changing weather patterns across many parts of the US. Battery-related service calls increase during frigid temperatures. In fact, on an average February day, battery-related needs account for 24% of local service calls.
Motorists should be aware of signs that a car's battery is nearing the end of its life. A few things to look out for:
- Vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
- Grinding, clicking or buzzing when the ignition is turned on
- Vehicle has stalled
- Headlights dim when idling, but brighten when the driver revs the engine
- Battery is more than 3 years old
Motorists can also adopt some common practices to avoid a battery breakdown:
- Test your battery if it’s 3 years or older – it could be on the brink of dying and leaving you stranded!
- Inspect your car battery at every oil change – there could be visual signs of damage or corrosion. Another indicator that your battery may be close to dying!
- Make sure cable connections are clean and tight – corrosion could compromise the electrical connections and cause your car not to start.
- Check the mounting hardware – excessive vibration from a loose battery is a detriment to battery life.
- Purchase batteries from high-volume sellers with fresh stock like AAA or NAPA – old batteries that sit on a shelf too long may need replacing much sooner than expected.
- Install the right battery for your vehicle – installing an incorrect battery can cause major damage to the car’s electrical system.
- Choose a reputable and trusted auto repair shop
