Page 16 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – November/December 2020

Automotive
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a driver faster than seeing a dreaded dashboard light illuminate. It always seems to come out of nowhere; everything was working just fine on your last drive, and then with the next start of the engine, an ominous red light is glaring up at you, as if daring you to see what happens if you put the car in Drive.
What Happens if the Battery Light Comes On?
When a red battery icon lights up, there
is an urgent issue that must be addressed
right away. Since your car battery supplies
the electric current to power the ignition, headlights, A/C, interior lights, radio, onboard computers, and more, it is critical to have the battery tested to diagnose the issue. If the battery light comes on while you are driving, immediately turn off the A/C, radio, and any other accessories, as well as unplug your phone charger and lower your windows. Find the nearest exit or safe rest stop and call AAA at 1-800-AAA-HELP for immediate assistance.
The three most common reasons for the battery light to illuminate include:
1. A Problem with the Alternator. The
alternator is basically a generator under
your hood. It charges the battery and powers the electrical system while the engine is running. If your alternator is not receiving enough charge to do its job, you may notice problems trying to start the car. A faulty alternator is the number one reason for the battery light to turn on.
2. Corroded or Loose Battery Cables. Have you ever seen the blue, green, or white powdery build up on your battery terminals? If allowed to build up, this corrosion may interfere with the connection, and you
may have trouble starting the engine. Corrosion comes from the battery acid fumes. Likewise, a loose battery connection can also prevent your vehicle from starting. Both scenarios will prompt the battery light on your dashboard to light up.
3. The Battery Needs to be Replaced. Car batteries last, on average, for 3-5 years. However, that life-span can be shortened by several factors, including how the car is driven and the climate where you live. As a battery ages, its voltage drops. When it gets too low, the battery light will come on.
The Bottom Line
When the battery light comes on, it is time to have your vehicle serviced to avoid being stranded. Battery Service is one of the most popular benefits of your AAA membership. With AAA Mobile Battery Service, a trained technician comes to your driveway to test your battery. If it is defective, the battery service technician can replace it on the spot. AAA car batteries are competitively priced and come with a 3-year free replacement warranty.
Plus, AAA recycles 99% of every used battery collected, saving resources and keeping millions of pounds of hazardous waste out
of landfills.
Click or call AAA for Battery Service 24/7:
• AAA Mobile App
• AAA.com/carbatteryquote • 1-800-AAA-HELP

All repairs are guaranteed by the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for 24-months or 24,000-miles, whichever occurs first, under normal operating conditions, unless otherwise stated in writing. Other restrictions may apply. See facility for details.
Members save a minimum of 10% ($50 limit in some areas) on repair service labor at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility at time of service.

16 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020