Stop Killing Your Car Battery! Pro Mechanic Shares What Drivers Always Get Wrong

Car Battery Care: Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting with Scott Shirley at Liberty Buick GMC

Your vehicle’s battery is the heart of its electrical system and neglecting it can leave you stranded at the worst possible time. To help drivers stay powered up, Scott Shirley, Lead Auto Mechanic and Service Manager at Liberty Buick GMC, shared his expert insights in our recent video on battery maintenance.

In this post, we’ll expand on Scott’s key advice with practical maintenance tips, troubleshooting steps, and must-know facts every car owner should understand.

Common Signs Your Battery Might Be Failing

Before a battery completely dies, it usually gives a few warning signs:

• Slow engine crank: The starter motor struggles or hesitates before the engine catches.
• Dim headlights or interior lights: Low voltage reduces brightness when the car is off.
• Dashboard battery light: Often indicates a charging system problem, not just the battery.
• Swollen battery case or corrosion: Heat, overcharging, or leaks can cause visible damage.
• Clicking noise when starting: Suggests the battery doesn’t have enough power for the starter.

Scott Shirley recommends addressing even mild symptoms early. “If your car sounds slower to start, it’s already telling you something — don’t wait until it won’t start at all.”

Preventative Maintenance & Best Practices

A few simple steps can dramatically extend the life of your car battery:

1. Inspect regularly. Check for corrosion, dirt buildup, or loose cables every few months.
2. Keep it clean. Use a brush and a mix of baking soda and water to remove terminal buildup.
3. Secure the battery. Make sure it’s tightly mounted to prevent vibration damage.
4. Drive longer distances occasionally. Short trips don’t give the alternator enough time to recharge the battery.
5. Avoid parasitic drain. Turn off lights and unplug accessories before leaving the car.
6. Test annually. Have your battery conductance-tested at least once a year, especially before winter or summer extremes.

Pro Tip from Scott: “Batteries don’t like extremes. A 110-degree day or freezing morning can finish off a weak one fast.”

Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Car Battery

Follow these easy steps to inspect and maintain your battery safely:

1. Turn off your engine and open the hood.
2. Look for corrosion around terminals and cables.
3. Check cable tightness — wiggle gently; they shouldn’t move.
4. Read the date code on the top or side — batteries over 4 years old may be due for replacement.
5. Use a voltmeter:
   • 12.6 V = fully charged
   • 12.4 V = partially charged
   • Below 12.0 V = discharged or failing
6. Clean terminals if needed (always disconnect negative (–) first, reconnect it last).
7. Apply anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly on terminals before reconnecting.

Always wear eye protection and gloves when working around a car battery.

Troubleshooting Chart: Common Battery & Starting Issues

Myths & Misconceptions

The Hidden Battery Issues That Costs Drivers Hundreds Every Year

Myth: “My battery is fine because it’s new.”
Truth: Even new batteries can fail early due to extreme heat, vibration, or improper charging. Age isn’t the only factor — how and where you drive plays a big role in battery health.

Myth: “Jump-starting fixes the problem.”
Truth: A jump-start only gets your car running temporarily. It doesn’t solve the underlying issue, which could be a failing alternator, bad connections, or a battery that can no longer hold a charge.

Myth: “All batteries are the same.”
Truth: Every vehicle requires a specific battery type with the correct cold-cranking amps (CCA), size, and terminal layout. Using the wrong one can shorten lifespan and cause electrical issues.

Myth: “Short trips recharge the battery.”
Truth: In reality, short drives often do the opposite — the alternator doesn’t run long enough to fully recharge the battery. Over time, this can lead to a weak or drained battery even if you drive daily.

Final Advice from Scott Shirley

“Think of your battery like your heart — it keeps everything running, but you can’t see when it’s getting weak. A five-minute check can save you a hundred-dollar tow.”

Before seasonal changes, visit Liberty Buick GMC’s Service Center for a complimentary battery and charging system inspection.
Proper maintenance today means fewer surprises tomorrow.

Watch, Learn & Share

Watch Scott Shirley’s Batter Maintenance Tips

Schedule your next service at Liberty Buick GMC – Certified GMC & Buick Service.

 

Tags: Car Battery Information, Car Battery Troubleshooting, Certified GMC & Buick Service Center Charlotte, GMC Car Batteries
Posted in Buick, GMC, Liberty Buick GMC, Service | No Comments »