Hey! We Test Batteries

 
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Why does my battery wear out so fast?

Modern vehicles have more electrical components and gizmo’s than ever before. This puts a lot of strain on your electrical system, making it hard for the battery to keep up. Think about it: electric seats, seat heaters, power locks, windows and sun roofs; add to that all the power outlets for our cell phones, computers, DVD players, navigation systems and powerful stereos… whew. Plus there are all the vehicle engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors (getting the picture?). Even the security system is running off the battery while the car is turned off. After all that, summer heat and winter’s chill can take a real toll on battery life. Be sure to check with your auto repair professional at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA  for more info about your battery.

Napa Replacement Battery

Fortunately, battery technology has produced resilient batteries that are able to meet these strenuous requirements; but the fact is, vehicle batteries will wear out over time. Eventually, every battery gets to the point where it cannot hold enough of a charge to start your car. Sometimes batteries need to be replaced because they have developed a leak and sometimes it is simply a result of age.

Napa replacement batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Some cars have limited space that requires a specially shaped battery to fit. Larger vehicle engines require more powerful batteries to get them started. If you live in a cold climate you will need a more powerful battery because engines are harder to start when it is cold. Batteries come in “good”, “better”, and “best” grades. More expensive batteries may have a longer warranty and are guaranteed to last longer. As with most things auto owners need to purchase to keep their cars in good condition, paying a little more up front saves money in the long run.

How can I know if my battery is still good?

Did you know that all of the service professionals at Town Hill Auto service in Bedford PA are ASE Master certified mechanics? These dealer trained technicians really know their cars. Certified in all makes and models these professionals can easily diagnose and repair anything; from the smallest leak to a major repair. Back that with being a Napa Certified Service Center you can have peace in mind that every repair uses the highest quality parts with industry-leading warranties. If you are having problems starting your car or simply want to have peace of mind that your battery is not going to leave you stranded, Town Hill Auto Service Center in Bedford PA would love to run a simple test on your battery that can quickly determine how much life is left in your battery. If your battery is low, one of our friendly, professional service advisors would be glad to discuss with you the different types of batteries and work with you to discover which one would best meet your budget and needs. 
  

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Why do car batteries fail in cold weather?

At one time or another, we’ve all been there; in fact if you’re reading this article you probably ARE there! You go out to your car on a cold Bedford PA. morning, turn the key… nothing, then you start thinking; “didn’t I replace the battery during winter a few years ago?”

Which naturally leads to the question: Why do car batteries fail in cold weather?

Extreme Temperatures in Bedford PA.

Trust me when we say that Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. has seen its share of cold weather battery replacements, but if we sit down and look at repair tickets and compare it with national averages, we will find that cold weather battery replacements are just as frequent as hot weather battery replacements. Extreme temperatures are the leading cause for battery failure, both hot and cold; but that’s not the only reason.

The internal components that make up a lead acid battery, commonly used in most passenger vehicles, is a marvel of technology; but 19th century technology. While battery manufacturers have produced ways to better insulate batteries and create a better designed structure; batteries are still susceptible to the degradation of natural materials that makes up your average battery. Extreme temperatures cause the additional expansion and contraction of the lead-based materials and slow the chemical reactions needed for a battery to work properly.

To understand this better let’s get a brief understanding of:

What makes a battery work?

A battery is a series of lead plates placed in a solution of acid that creates a chemical reaction transferring electrodes during a charging and discharging process. The energy discharge capacity and ability to store energy over an extended period of time (reserve) is determined by the space and density of the plates. Simply adding acid to this layered plate structure will create a chemical process that will produce levels of chemical energy that can be translated through positive and negative connection points and measured; however when an electric current is added this process also allows for the storage of electric energy that can be discharged very quickly (such as starting a car).

What makes a battery in Bedford PA. fail?

As previously discussed, extreme temperatures in Bedford PA. will cause the expansion/ contraction of the soft metal plates, as well as, the deterioration of the barriers between each of the “cells” them making them less effective for the rapid discharge of chemical to electric energy. At Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA.  we also see age and use of a battery will also add to the battery’s speed of decay. When a battery is rapidly discharged without being recharged it creates a buildup on the plates that significantly slows the chemical process making it less effective for the rapid release of electric energy.

When a vehicle’s charging system is not properly restoring a battery’s electrical capacity it can cause this build-up to be very rapid; this is also why battery manufacturers recommend to never run a battery all the way down, because it can effectively build-up enough contaminants to keep the battery from allowing the chemical process to take place.


Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford, PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221


You get what you pay for in Bedford PA.

The different prices for different batteries and their level of quality (silver, gold, platinum) are standard identifiers of what’s inside each battery. The more lead, the stronger the battery and the greater its capacity to release the chemically stored energy into electric energy. Smaller, cheaper batteries will typically go “full old-school”, using battery technology that hasn’t changed much in 20 years.

Some manufacturers such as: Napa’s legend series batteries, institute an internal structure that promotes a stable chemical process but also allows for a larger deposit area for sedimentary contaminants and stronger barriers between the cells. Higher quality batteries also allow for better “breathing” of the battery through tiny holes around the posts. Lesser quality batteries do not allow for proper ventilation when a battery gets hot causing excessive acid to form on the battery posts.

When Experience Matters

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your local expert for everything dealing with your automotive electrical needs. Whether it’s routine replacement such as batteries, tires and oil changes or more in depth services such as electrical system diagnosis and repair, head gasket replacement, water pump replacement and transmission repair; we handle it all! The ASE, dealer trained, master technicians at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. can help keep your vehicle running its best, saving money along the way. As a Napa certified repair facility we also backup all of our workmanship with high quality Napa parts and a nationwide warranty.

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