Coolant
Coolant in the radiator should be checked
when the engine is cool. Normally coolant
is checked at the coolant recovery tank. Shown
is the radiator cap, which should be checked
to be clean and free of deposits.
Battery
A fully charged battery should measure about
12.3 to 13.2 volts with your engine off. The
capacity of a battery drops as the temperature
drops. The two main ratings on a battery are
cold cranking amps and reserve capacity. (check
the AutoTips battery links for details) There
are still some battery types that require
adding water. It is important to keep the
terminals clean (see Battery Tips ) not only
for starting, but so the charging system can
work properly.
Battery Charge Click, Click, Click, Buzzzz. If that is the sound you hear when you
turn your key to start your vehicle, instead
of the purr of the engine, you may have a
dead battery.
Is it the Battery: Here are a quick test
to determine if the problem is likely the
battery.
Turn on a light or lights --- dome light,
glove box light, headlights, etc. If they
do not light, or are real dim it is probably
the battery. If they are normal brightness
- turn the key to start the car.
Do the lights get real dim? If so, it is
probably a dead or weak battery. If lights
stay bright when you turn the key to start
your car, the problem is likely elsewhere.
You can also try a similar experiment with
the radio, heater fan, or other accessory.
Poor connections to the battery could also
cause these problems.
Being Prepared
Batteries often fail in the weather extremes,
or at inconvenient times. You may want to
keep a few items handy in the trunk.
The number of your auto club -- Just call
them and skip all the rest.
Jumper Cables - AutoTips suggests not skimping
on jumper cables.
Will they be long enough? If your car is parked
between two others (with their drivers not
around )- you may need to reach from the front
of your car to a car behind you.
Heavy enough to carry the current. Cheap cables
may have not be able to carry the high currents
to jump start a vehicle. Never try to use
lamp cord.
Shop around at auto parts stores, check the
quality of the clamps, flexibility of the
cables.
Note wire size is rated by gauge. A smaller
number for gauge is a heavier wire.
For example, lamp cord is often 18 gauge,
jumper cables may be 8 or 6 gauge.
Disposable vinyl gloves -- Keep your hands
free from the grease and possible battery
acid on top of the batteries. Often available
in the paint department of a hardware store.
Paper towels - may need to clean the battery
to see the labels for + and - .
