Page 12 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – October/November 2020

The Battery Light Came On –
Now What?
Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a driver • Corroded or Loose Battery Cables. Have you
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, heating and air conditioning, 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 if it is safe to do so. Find the nearest exit or safe rest stop so that you can call for help.
The three most common reasons for the battery light to illuminate include:
• A Problem with the Alternator. The alternator is 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 might notice problems trying to start the car. A faulty alternator is the No. 1 reason for the battery light to turn on.
ever seen the blue, green or white powdery build up
on your battery terminals? If allowed to build up, this corrosion might interfere with the connection, and you might have trouble starting the engine. Corrosion comes from the battery acid fumes. Likewise, a loose battery connection also can prevent your vehicle from starting. Both scenarios will prompt the battery light on your dashboard to light up.
• The Battery Needs to be Replaced. Car batteries last, on average, for 3-5 years. However, several factors can shortened that lifespan, 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 Car Battery Service, a trained Technician will come to you and
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.
For Mobile Battery Service, visit AAA.com/CarBatteryQuote, use the AAA Mobile App or call 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357).
Club Assist is the Preferred Supplier for the American Automobile Association and the Canadian Automobile Association Mobile Battery Service Program. Club Assist partners with AAA/CAA Clubs in support of their more than 60 million members, providing automotive batteries, tools, technology solutions, marketing services, and Battery Service Training for Technicians. Visit www.clubassist.com.
12 I OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020