Frequently Asked Questions Answered by an Expert

Your vehicle's battery provides the initial charge needed to start your engine

FAQ

Q: Do I need to charge my vehicle battery after I boost my vehicle? A: In most instances, normal driving will recharge the battery unless there is an issue with the vehicle. If your vehicle does not start after driving it, it’s recommended that you bring your vehicle to Wolfe GMC Buick for a diagnosis performed by one of our GM Certified Service Experts.Q: What are the main causes of battery failure? A: Batteries wear out over time, but there are also issues that impact battery failure, for example; unusual “parasitic drains” such as adding accessories but not properly grounding them, infrequent startup, and prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold.Q: What kind of preventative maintenance can I perform for my battery? A: Typical car, truck or SUV batteries require no special preventative maintenance. The best thing you can do to prolong battery life is to turn off all accessories before switching off the ignition. That way there is less drain on the battery upon startup. You can also have your GM Certified Service at Western GMC Buick perform a conductance test on your battery. This helps to monitor the status of the battery and hopefully avoid a situation where your vehicle won’t start.

BATTERY DOS AND DON'TS

These tips DO NOT apply to the electric or hybrid vehicle battery systemsDO: - Keep your battery and case clean. Dirt and other deposits can prematurely corrode battery terminals - Check the cables to make sure they are firmly attached to the auto battery terminals - Always disconnect your battery’s negative cable first and reattach it last - Charge in a well-ventilated area. The process of charging a battery releases highly flammable hydrogen - Handle batteries carefully. A cracked case could spill harmful chemicals and cause severe burns and/or blindness - Dispose of a battery in accordance with provincial, territorial, and/or local regulationsDON’T: - Wear jewelry when working with a battery - Lean over a battery - Guess as to what type/size of battery your vehicle needs - Attempt to charge a frozen battery; doing so may cause the battery to explode - Disconnect a battery’s cables while your vehicle is running

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