Battery Service

If you are experiencing any of these potential battery warning signs, we encourage you to stop in for a FREE Battery Diagnostic test. We'll test your battery and electrical system and provide you with a printout of the results with details about the battery test.

Top Warning Signs You Need a New Car Battery

We all rely on our vehicles to get us where we need to go on a daily basis. One of the things we take for granted is the battery. We simply expect our cars to start when we turn the key. While hopefully your vehicle starts on the first try – there are some warning signs that can indicate your car battery is nearing its end.

Slow or no engine crank

When you turn your key in the ignition, the battery alone starts the engine. If the battery is running out of power, you may notice that the engine cranks more slowly than usual. If the engine does not crank at all, the vehicle will generally just make a clicking sound. This could be an indication that the available power is too low to crank the engine or you have a dead battery. In either of these situations, you should have your battery tested immediately and replaced if needed.

Check engine/battery light is on

If the battery symbol on your dashboard is lit up, it could mean a couple of different things. It may indicate that your battery has low power. It might mean that your battery cannot receive a charge from the alternator because it has a bad cell which causes the voltage to drop. It could also indicate a faulty alternator or perhaps faulty wiring. If the check battery light comes on, the best course of action is to have your vehicle's battery and electrical system inspected by a certified professional to determine the root of the problem.

Age

If you've had your vehicle for over three years with the same battery, it might be time for a replacement battery. As with many car components, the actual life of the battery will vary depending on a number of circumstances including driving habits, usage, mileage, other electrical components, weather conditions, etc. If you're not sure how old the battery is, we encourage you to stop any of our stores. We can run a free battery diagnostic to determine the condition of your battery.

Electrical components

The battery in your car is used to power all of the electrical components including inside lights, power windows, power seats, radio, wipers, dashboard, headlights, blinkers, etc. If you notice the lights are not as bright as they should be or if any of the electronic components function abnormally, it may be time for a new battery. The best way to troubleshoot this type of issue is to bring your vehicle in and let us run a free diagnostic to determine the cause of the problem.

Low battery fluid level

Most car batteries have a part of the casing that is clear so you can keep an eye on the fluid levels in your battery cells. Otherwise, you may need to pry off the cell caps to check. If the fluid level is low (below the lead plates), this could be a warning sign of an issue with the battery or charging system. You should have your battery tested.

Battery leak

Over time you may notice a buildup of debris around the battery terminal connectors. Corroded battery terminals can lead to problems starting your car. At minimum, you should properly clean the corroded car battery terminals with water and baking soda. You should also examine the battery for any cracks that may be leaking acid. If you are unsure about this process or would like to test your battery, we encourage you to stop by for a free battery test.

Foul odor

Batteries can sometimes emit a foul smelling gas if they have been frozen or overcharged. It may smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. If you notice this type of odor from your vehicle, have your battery inspected as soon as possible. The sulfuric acid can cause corrosion or damage to other parts of your engine.

When should I replace my car battery?

On average, car batteries last for about three years with normal care and maintenance. If you've had your vehicle for over three years with the same battery, it might be time for a replacement battery. As with many car components, the actual life of the battery will vary depending on a number of circumstances including driving habits, usage, mileage, other electrical components, weather conditions, etc. If you're not sure how old the battery is, we encourage you to stop any of our stores. We can run a free battery diagnostic to determine the condition of your battery.

What factors affect the life of my car battery?

In addition to general vehicle usage and driving, there are a number of factors which can impact the life of your battery. Is the battery going through full charge cycles? In other words, is the vehicle being driven long enough to replenish the power it took to start the engine? Is the vehicle frequently subjected to extreme hot or cold temperatures? Is the battery connected to a reliable charging system (alternator)? Are there too many accessories draining the battery (phones, GPS, music devices, etc)? If the vehicle sits idle for an extended period of time, it may have trouble starting. Is there excess corrosion build up on your battery terminals? All of these can contribute to shortening the life of your battery.

My car battery needed a jump. Does it need to be replaced?

Jump starting your car battery doesn't necessarily mean that it is dead. For example, if you left the car lights on, it may temporarily drain the battery power. In many cases – either having your battery charged up or after a long drive will restore the battery. If your batter is a few years old, it may need to be replaced after a jump start or two. If you are unsure about the useful life left in your battery, we encourage you to stop in for a free diagnostic test.

How often should I check my car battery?

In general, car batteries are low maintenance. You may want to periodically check the cable ends and terminals for corrosion. If you see a buildup of debris around the connectors, you should clean those surfaces to maintain a good contact. Excess corrosion can reduce the current following from your battery, making it harder to start your vehicle. Some causes of corrosion are loose terminal connections and cracks from the battery casing or battery cap. These cracks allow gas to leak from the inside of the battery. You will find corrosion where these gases contact the lead battery posts and terminal connectors. You should also check the fluid levels in the cells to ensure they are at the proper levels. Other than these visual inspections, you can always bring your vehicle in to our shop to have a complementary battery diagnostic performed. This will help determine the useful life remaining in the battery.

My car battery light is on, but it's not the battery. What could it be?

It might mean that your battery cannot receive a charge from the alternator because it has a bad cell which causes the voltage to drop. It could also indicate a faulty alternator or perhaps faulty wiring. If the check battery light comes on, the best course of action is to have your vehicle's battery and electrical system inspected by a certified professional to determine the root of the problem.

Inspection extensions

You can receive an inspection extension if you buy or get a vehicle from an out-of-state source. After you register the vehicle in NYS, you are allowed ten days to complete the vehicle inspection. Any inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid after you register the vehicle.

If you become a New York state resident

If you become a resident of NYS and register your vehicle in NYS, your out-of-state inspection remains valid. The out-of-state certificate or inspection sticker issued in your name is valid until it expires, or for one year after the vehicle is registered in NYS, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get the vehicle inspected in NYS.

What items does NY State Require be checked for the Safety Inspection?

Seat Belts
Brakes
Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame and Wheel Fasteners
Tires (Except spare)
Lights
Windshield and Other Glass
Windshield Wipers and Blades
Horn
Mirrors
Fuel Leaks
Tinted Windows (effective Jan.17)

See full details of the requirements here.

What are the Emissions Inspection requirements?

(Excerpt taken directly from NY State DMV Website)

The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.

On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) Inspection. Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.

Low Enhanced Inspection. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1995 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.

Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.

The following emissions control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them:

Catalytic converter (CAT)
Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
Air injection system (AIS)
Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)

You can help your vehicle pass an OBDII emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.