Here’s something you may not know about your car. What powers your electrical components, such as lights and heater fan, when the engine is running? Hint, it is not your battery, it’s the alternator. The battery is there to get things started. Electrical problems are sometimes misdiagnosed as battery problems when it is a bad alternator causing the problem, and vice versa. Alternators are sometimes replaced when the problem is a bad battery. This question was intended to convince you to take your electrical issues to an expert. Anyone can figure out where a noise is coming from and replace that part; at Fremont Foreign Auto, we have ASE-certified master mechanics who understand the difference between voltage and current.
The usual way people come in for a battery replacement is that their car doesn’t start, but here are some other reasons for having your car looked at:
-Slow cranking when you start your vehicle
-Clicking noises when turning the key
-Interior lights dim when you turn the key to “on.”
-The dashboard battery light illuminates
So, what do we replace, the starter, battery, or alternator? Or maybe none of the above; it could be a bad grounding connection. Our experts will check all the possibilities for you rather than simply throwing parts at the problem. We are dedicated to getting you back on the road with a reliable, problem-fixed vehicle at an affordable cost. Should we find that your car needs a new battery, here is what we offer:
-a battery that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer’s specification
-installation included
-3-year warranty
-included disposal and recycling of your old battery
-expert advice on what type of battery to install
Let’s say you or our technician decide you need a new battery. Here are some things to consider: There are two types of batteries used on non-electric personal vehicles, flooded lead acid, (FLA), and absorbent glass mat, (AGM). Actually, there is a third, lithium-ion, but they are so expensive we can disregard them in this discussion.
The AGM battery and the FLA battery are the same in operation but have important differences for you to consider when you choose a new battery. The FLA battery uses liquid electrolyte which is vented into the atmosphere; over time these batteries need the water level to be topped up. An AGM battery doesn’t have free-flowing electrolyte, it’s completely sealed, so there’s no water loss and no need for you to service it.
An AGM battery can be in enclosed areas so it’s good to be used in trunks, under seats, etc. Since the FLA battery needs regular electrolyte replacement and venting if your battery is so located an AGM battery is your best choice. If you have a start-stop vehicle you may already have an AGM battery, as they handle large power demands better than the other choice. If you frequently run your battery down, such as in an RV away from a hookup, an AGM battery offers up to 5x faster charging than an FLA. If you live in a cold climate, an AGM does better in cold conditions. If you use a float charger when your vehicle sits for extended periods, FLAs are more tolerant to overcharging than AGMs. AGM batteries generally last longer than FLAs and may last longer during periods of disuse. Addressing cost-effectiveness, an AGM can last 7 years, while FLAs may only last 3-5 years. The other side of that is that FLAs can be half as expensive as an AGM. For many, a conventional FLA is adequate and is the most used. If you drive a regular car, chances are, you have a wet cell, FLA, battery under your hood. Finally, if your original battery is an AGM battery, you can’t change it to an FLA battery. The FLA won’t have enough power to meet your car’s demands.
Call Fremont Foreign Auto at 510-793-6067 or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for a battery service or any auto repair you need.
