It’s human nature to take the small things in life for granted, especially when those things are working well. For example, the average driver probably gives little thought to the battery under the hood of his or her vehicle. Little thought, that is, until this power pack fails to function properly, leaving the driver inconvenienced at best, or possibly even stranded.

Why is a battery so important?

The battery powers the cranking motor to start the vehicle. It also provides auxiliary power when the engine isn’t running. With the engine off and the key in the “on” position, many components such as the chimes, radio, instrument cluster and headlights operate off the battery.

The colder the weather, the harder the battery has to work. If a battery is weak because the headlights were left on, because of charging system problems, or because it has just outlived its usefulness, it may not have enough power to start the vehicle.

How do you know if your battery is weak and needs replacing?

We recommend watching the headlights against a garage wall while cranking the engine. If the headlights dim while cranking, it could mean the battery is not up to the task. The battery and charging system may need to be tested.

There are other ways to see if a battery might need to be serviced or even replaced. Conduct a quick visual inspection to ensure battery terminals are clean. Corroded terminals will hinder the free flow of battery power through the electrical system. (To clean terminals, use a wire brush dipped in baking soda and water.) Another sign of a possibly weak battery is a slow-cranking engine, particularly in cold weather.

It’s a good idea to keep a spare set of jumper cables in the trunk of your car just in case your battery does go dead. Think of the cables as an insurance policy; If you have them with you, chances are you’ll never need to use them.

If a new battery is needed, Independent Service Centres (ISCs) who participate in ACDelco’s Total Service Support (TSS) program and GM dealerships offer a full range of products, including the Professional battery as well as ACDelco’s newly launched 60 Series car and truck batteries. The 60 Series carries a 60-month limited warranty on automotive batteries, including a free replacement, if needed, within the first 18 months. ACDelco 60 Series batteries are available for more than 90 percent of vehicles on the road.

About ACDelco

ACDelco, which offers auto parts for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM and practically every other vehicle on the road today, provides a comprehensive product line of maintenance-free batteries, including the Heavy-Duty, Professional, and Voyager® models. To find an ACDelco parts retailer or ACDelco Independent Service Centre near you, log on to acdelcocanada.com or call 1-800-26-DELCO.

ACDelco is a global leader in automotive replacement parts and services offering products for virtually all vehicles. ACDelco markets automotive replacement parts worldwide under its brand name.