DRIVERS can grab a handy tool to detect major car issues that may lead to costly damage.
Better yet, the item is currently available to purchase in Walmart for under $27.
With winter coming, it’s important that your car is ready for the harsher conditions[/caption]
Certain issues can cause hidden damage and could result in expensive repair costs[/caption]
A tool, sold by Walmart, could be the answer[/caption]
Topdon AB101 12V 100-2000 CCA Car Battery Load Tester on Cranking Charging Systems – $26.99 (was $29.99)
In a fall maintenance guide by AAA, the roadside assistance outfit stressed the importance of preparing for winter – emphasizing battery health, tire condition, fluid checks, lighting and defrosting.
They also stressed how proper maintenance can help avoid breakdowns in dangerous conditions, during a period where icy roads and freezing temperatures can magnify risks.
One important job is testing a car’s battery – especially if it’s older than three years – to prevent winter battery failure typically caused by summer damage.
That’s where the Topdon AB101 comes in, a professional-grade tool sold by Walmart that can be used to test the health of 12V car batteries and charging systems.
Compatible with various types of batteries – from Regular Flooded, AGM Flat Plate, AGM Spiral and Gel – the AB101 uses a cranking and charging system to test starter and alternator health.
Car owners don’t need to be a mechanical whiz to understand how it works either, as it’s built to be user-friendly, complete with a backlit, adjustable screen and rubberized safety features for secure handling.
It’s also quick and accurate, with results from tests popping up in just seconds – helping vehicle owners determine whether a battery needs replacement.
Indeed, battery failure is common during the winter due to insufficient strength to turn over the engine in freezing temperatures.
Regular checks are recommended, and being able to do these yourself in your own home (or garage) is a great way of saving money – undercutting the use of costly garage services.
And later down the line, it helps avoid expensive repairs, too.
According to the Walmart listing, the Topdon AB101 has even been endorsed by Scotty Kilmer – the famous automotive expert and YouTube star known for his car maintenance tips and product reviews.
WINTER READY
The AAA guide also advises motorists to review their owner’s manual and recent service receipts to schedule any overdue maintenance.
Then, inspect fluids, belts and hoses, as well as the battery, to ensure connections are clean and tight.
Windshield wipers and vehicle lights are another vital check; worn wiper blades will need to be replaced and old lenses should be cleaned for optimal visibility.
Tires, including the spare, should be inspected for inflation, tread wear and even dry rot, and may need to be replaced if necessary.
Finally, defrosters can be tested to ensure they work properly, as clear visibility is essential for safe winter driving.
Signs your car battery needs replacing
The lifespan of a battery varies depending on the climate, condition of the terminals, type of battery, and condition of the alternator.
There are a few tell-tale signs a battery may need replacing soon, including:
- Your car is having trouble starting. If your car is taking longer to start than normal, it could be a sign your battery is having trouble providing the necessary amount of power to start.
- Your car won’t start at all. This is a late sign of a dying battery, but if the car isn’t starting or attempting to when you turn the key, the most likely culprit is a dead battery.
- Electrical mishaps like the radio not turning on.
If the battery is relatively new, a few things can be checked before replacing it to see if its performance improves:
- Corrosion on the terminals. Sometimes corrosion can build up on the terminals and make it more difficult for the battery to distribute power. Corrosion can be cleaned off with a wire brush.
- Physical damage. With some automakers placing batteries in the trunk instead of the engine bay, an item rolling around in the trunk could knock something loose or cause damage.
- Age. The lifespan of a battery depends on the battery type, but the standard rule is between 3 to 5 years. Glass mat batteries, however, can last 6 to 8 years – though they’re more expensive.
Source: NAPA Auto Parts
