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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

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One of the most important parts of your car is the battery.

If it doesn't work, your car doesn't start. And, in the

winter that is even more true than in the summer.

The electrical power produced by the battery is used by the

cars ignition system for cranking the engine. The car's

battery also may power the lights and other accessories.

Have the battery tested on a regular basis, including when

the car is serviced, before long trips and after it's been

recharged.

Here are some things you can do yourself to prevent being

stranded on a cold winter day.

Know how old your battery is. To see how old your battery

is look for a small decal on the battery. A letter with a

number should be there. The letter indicates the month,

starting with "A" for January, "B" for February, and so on.

I is skipped so December is "M". The number represents the

year with "9" standing for 1999, "0" for 2000, etc. so D2,

would be April, 2002. F5 would be June, 2005. Experts

usually advise getting a new battery when a battery is four

years old.

Watch for corroded terminals or battery posts, loose clamps,

loose cables, or a leaking or damaged battery case.

Look for dirty, wet, corroded or swollen cables and battery

top.

Look for a loose or broken alternator belt. If the

alternator fails the battery might also need to power the

vehicle's entire electrical system until repairs can be

made.

Keep jumper cables in the trunk of your car for emergency

start up. Make sure the cables are free of rust and

corrosion and that there are no exposed wires before using

them.

Park your car in a garage whenever possible.

If you must leave your car outside all day, go out and start

the car two or three times a day and let the car run for a

few minutes to warm up. This will help the car to start

more easily when you are ready to go.

When temperatures are below zero Fahrenheit avoid leaving

the car out for extended periods of time.

For more tips on keeping your battery in excellent working

condition visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/batterycare.htm

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney

Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the

environment.

Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.

Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

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