Start your engines - even in the coldest winter

Racing fans are very familiar with the excitement at Indy or Daytona, when the words, “Start Your Engines” are heard over the PA system. However, we’d rather you didn’t feel a different kind of anticipation when you turn the key on your car in the middle of a frigid winter night, hoping, but not really sure, that your car will start.

One way to reduce the anticipation is to ensure your car’s engine is properly tuned. A car with worn plugs and wires, or with engine timing that isn’t set right any longer, will test your car’s ability to start in warm weather. Add sub-freezing temperatures to that equation and you’ve seriously upped the ante.

Even if your car is properly tuned, that’s not an absolute guarantee that it will start. There are other factors to consider, such as: how is your batter, does the alternator provide an adequate charge, does the starter draw too much?

You should check your batter. Is it more than four-and-a-half-years old? If so, probably best to replace it. Does it have enough electrolyte (acidic water) inside. How does the electrolyte rate in terms of specific gravity? You can purchase another inexpensive tester to check this. However, there are some batteries these days that are sealed. Best to leave them that way. Chiseling a hole in the top of your battery may allow access to the electrolyte, but it won’t do your battery any good in the long run.

Take a look at your battery and it’s cables. Are the cables cracked, frayed or are the ends covered with a white powder. Are the connections firm and clean (you may need to disconnect the cables to see if the connections are clean - but be careful - making conductive contact between battery connections and other conductors can cause sparks and, in some cases, cause the battery to explode). Is the battery clean. Interestingly enough, a battery can actually discharge across a grease covered surface.

In terms of your alternator and starter, there are electrical testers you can purchase at auto parts stores. However, this is another area where you may want to turn to an expert. Here at Performance Unlimited, 5415 Austin Ct., Ringwood, we not only have state-of-the-art equipment to check your entire charging and starting system, our certified mechanics also attend regular classes to stay up to date on the latest industry standards related to these topics. But, whether you come to us or someone else, make sure you’re bringing your car to someone you trust. We provide parts and repairs when they’re needed and only when they’re needed.

We’ll test your alternator, your starter and your batter, to ensure it will hold a charge, and guarantee that your electrical systems are up to par.

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