Electrical Systems Go!
Your car’s electrical system consists of the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides juice to the starter, the starter turns and then the alternator gives that battery the energy it needs to power your car. If one of these parts is not working properly, your car won’t start or run correctly. Our expert technicians can perform an electrical system check to ensure everything is working properly. It pinpoints any problems that may occur with your electrical system. If our technicians find a problem, they’ll let you know what they can do to fix it. We can curb any problem before it starts, so you won’t be left stranded on the side of the road.
Starter
While the battery supplies the power to start your vehicle, the starter is really what gets the engine going. The battery supplies a small amount of power to the starter motor. The starter then rotates the flywheel, which turns the crankshaft and begins the movement of the engine’s pistons. This intricate process is why it’s key to make sure the starter works.
It’s difficult to determine when a starter will fail exactly, but an electrical system check at Firestone Complete Auto Care can help recognize the warning signs. We check if the starter is drawing the proper amount of current. An excessive current draw will indicate a worn starter and a low current draw indicates corroded cables or connections. Too much or too little current exposes the problem. Not to worry, this is a problem our expert technicians can fix.
Alternator
When your engine is running, the alternator keeps the battery charged and the electrical system going. Your car can start with a faulty alternator, but it won’t be able to run for an extended period of time. If the alternator requires replacement, your vehicle’s electrical system will perform erratically, its battery will discharge, and eventually your engine will lose power. A complete electrical system check from Firestone Complete Auto Care will tell you whether the alternator is generating the proper amount of current and voltage, to let you know before your alternator fails.
Battery
Your vehicle’s battery is considered the heart of its electrical system. Your battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy to make your car run. Not only does your battery provide energy to start your car, it also helps stabilize voltage to keep your engine running. When your battery is low on juice or its cables or terminals are loose, your car won’t start. Unfortunately, your vehicle doesn’t always give you warning signs that your battery is about to die. However, there are some ways to keep your battery running newer, longer.
- Avoid leaving on lights and accessories when the engine is not running – this will drain your battery
- Take fewer short trips to prevent inconsistent battery charge levels
- Make sure your vehicle’s battery terminals are kept clean and free of corrosion
- Always have a qualified professional maintain your electrical systems
- Have quality replacement parts installed when existing electrical system parts fail
The last thing you need is your battery to unexpectedly fail. We’ll check it before that happens, so you don’t get stuck. Our techs can give your battery a free check-up the next time you bring your vehicle in for maintenance, tires or other repairs. This quick test lets you know if your battery is providing adequate power and at what temperature it could potentially fail. We’ll give you a printout with one of three possible results:
- A “Good” result gives you the confidence that your vehicle’s battery is functioning properly.
- A “Marginal” test result indicates that your battery is functioning properly, but its life expectancy is compromised. A close monitoring with follow-up battery health-checks is encouraged.
- A “Replace” test result indicates that the battery, even though it’s starting your engine, fails to meet the original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.
If your battery gets a “marginal” or “replace” on its battery test, we make it easy for you to find a battery that fits your vehicle and wallet. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we carry Interstate Batteries — a nationally recognized, high-quality battery brand — that come with a 65, 75, or 85-month warranty. Use our battery selector to find pricing and a complete list of the features and benefits for each Interstate Battery we carry.
Preventative Measures
Firestone Complete Auto Care can help keep your vehicle running newer, longer by providing you with a number of electrical system maintenance and replacement options. With our Corrosion Protection Package, Battery Terminal cleaning service, and quality replacement parts like Interstate Batteries, we can help you get the most out of your existing electrical system parts and provide you with quality replacement parts when original components fail.
See It In Action.
So you turn the key and your vehicle’s electrical system goes into action. The battery provides juice to the starter, the starter turns and the alternator gives the battery the energy it needs to power your lights, defroster, wipers and accessories. It’s your car’s melody; one worth seeing rather than hearing. Here’s a look:
Battery Life
Battery quality, driving habits and driving region have an impact on a battery’s life. Driving for less than 20 minutes doesn’t give your battery enough time to fully recharge, which can shorten your car’s battery life. Exposure to extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — can also shorten its life span. This map gives an indication of how long a car battery should last in different climates.
Try our Virtual Battery Tester to get an idea of how long your original equipment battery might last. If your battery is near the end of its estimated life, Firestone Complete Auto Care offers a variety of Interstate Batteries to fit your vehicle.
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