All Things Automotive with Gerald

It all starts here
Gerald Dong

I don’t have to tell you winter is almost here, and one of the easiest ways to avoid getting stuck in the cold is to make sure your vehicle’s battery is in good health. Here are a few reasons to have it checked.

Gerald Dong
AAA Colorado Director of Automotive Repair Programs

Starting Problems

Does your car have trouble starting—especially on cold mornings? Testing your battery can eliminate (or pinpoint) the problem. If your battery’s in good shape, consider other potential trouble spots, such as wiring issues, a worn starter, or a faulty charging system.

Battery Age

If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it checked periodically. It may still start your engine, but as components wear out, it will take longer to turn over the engine—and you don’t want to wait until it fails completely.

Corrosion

Corrosion on the battery terminals can reduce the battery’s effectiveness. To start your vehicle, an electric charge inside the battery needs to move to the engine. Corrosion on the terminals can reduce the amount of current going through them.

If your battery does need to be replaced, you can purchase a AAA battery by stopping into any Colorado NAPA store. Our AAA-branded batteries are some of the best on the market and carry a 6-year warranty—a full warranty for the first three years, and a limited warranty for the next three years.

If you’d prefer to stay safe at home, no problem. Just schedule an appointment to have your vehicle’s battery replaced, and we’ll come to you—and we know how to do contactless battery replacement, too.

As important as it is to have a fully powered, properly functioning battery, don’t ignore other key components of your car. Everything works harder when it’s cold. So have your tires, brakes, radiator, oil and other vital fluids, hoses, belts, and windshield wipers thoroughly checked by an expert. And remember to fill your windshield-washer reservoir with a seasonal fluid that not only removes grime, frost, and light ice, but also resists freezing.

Don’t let a dead battery ruin your day. AAA is here to help!

Gerald Dong is the director of automotive repair programs for AAA Colorado.