Did the Volvo’s 3-year-old battery really need a recharge?
Q: There is a 3-year-aged battery in my husband’s Volvo S40. Following the dealership did an oil change, they talked about that the battery could use a recharge (two several hours and $15). Did they just want to increase a different $15 to our invoice? Can you explain and convey to us your opinion?
A: We see many batteries that, when tested, come up “cost” and “retest.” The alternator (generator) does a pretty great work of holding batteries managed, but in some instances it is not pretty adequate.
Could it have been a way to increase $15 to the bill? It’s possible, but with COVID holding much more folks operating at residence and driving their cars and trucks less, battery voltage can get beneath normal.
A totally charged 12-volt battery has about 12.5 volts 1 that has a 50% condition of demand has 12.2 volts and 1 that has 10.5 volts is at zero condition of charge. A thoroughly charged battery is crucial to the correct operation of any newer vehicle.
Q: I require a mattress liner for my new truck. Which is the very best? Who do you assume will be all around to honor their warranty? Any ideas on Ameraguard liner? Also, I am quite sure they will talk to about introducing further undercoating.
A: The well-liked spray-in liners that I am familiar with are Rhino Liner and Line-X. I hadn’t listened to of Ameraguard, but immediately after reviewing their web-site it also seems like a very good product.
Like all of these spray-in items, the preparing is what helps make the solution past, and suitable schooling is needed.
Pertaining to undercoating, the merchandise that most impresses me is Waxoyl. Waxoyl has been utilised in Europe and on higher-end restorations for 50 several years.
Q: These days, it would seem as if there is only just one windshield maintenance enterprise if you need a windshield fix or substitute.
Does the repair service or replacement final lengthy? Is it as robust, secure and tinted as the first glass?
A: In most instances, an aftermarket replacement windshield will be as superior as the factory glass. Occasionally there may be some slight dissimilarities in the tint band at the leading on the windshield.
The other problem that can occur up is with windshield optics. I have witnessed some conditions exactly where a alternative windshield has a adverse influence on cameras and automated windshield wiper methods. In this circumstance the installer should use manufacturing unit glass instead than an aftermarket substitute.
Q: I acquired a car or truck for my stepdaughter a handful of years ago. The engine died on her this previous December. There was a recall on a part in the engine. Having said that, we under no circumstances got detect of the recall. Is there just about anything we can do?
A: If there was a NHTSA remember, it does not issue if you acquired the remember recognize. I would get hold of the manufacturer’s client provider quantity and ask how they are going to deal with the dilemma.
Viewers: you can easily check out for recalls on your vehicle at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The moment you are on the web-site, put in your 17-digit auto identification selection to see if there are any open up recollects on your car.
Q: I want to go on a extended journey abroad and go away both of those SUVs at residence in a garage. I have go through about trickle chargers, but it sounds risky leaving a battery charger plugged in unattended in the garage. What do you advise? Or do we just contact AAA when we return property to charge equally vehicles? I’m hunting for the very best, and most secure, possibility.
A: You would not use just any battery charger, you would use a float=model battery maintainer. The a single that I am most familiar with is the Battery Tender.
These battery chargers are created to be attached to the battery for prolonged durations of time. They will charge the battery (really gradually) and then preserve it. I have seen garages complete of collector vehicles, and every 1 has a Battery Tender hooked up without the need of problem.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Automobile Health practitioner. He has a lot more than 40 years of encounter in the car industry and is an ASE-Qualified Master Technician. Produce to John Paul, The Auto Doctor, at 110 Royal Very little Travel, Providence, RI 02904. Or electronic mail [email protected] and place “Car Doctor” in the issue field. Comply with him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This report at first appeared on The Providence Journal: Does a Volvo’s 3-yr-outdated battery really want a recharge?