Batteries are as important to a car's functioning as the engine is.
Without either one, the car is not going anywhere.
And while people recognize the value in keeping their engines clean, maintained, and in good working order, sometimes car owners tend to let their batteries be neglected.
It's important to put a high-quality battery in your vehicle, and see to it that it's properly cared for.
Some people think their battery only deserves attention when it's gone dead and needs a jump, but that's like saying someone's not sick until you're trying to start their heart with a defibrillator.
The truth is your batter y needs care itself, and regular maintenance and work to continue powering your vehicle and its many electrical systems.
Most cars are now operated by electronic steering, breaking, and even transmissions.
Many modern vehicles have computers within them that allow for easy diagnostic testing.
And that's without getting into the modern conveniences in your dash that are all powered by increasing amounts of electricity.
One of the scourges of battery maintenance is that while you'll seldom find your battery unable to crank out the necessary voltage in summer, but it takes several times the amount of power to turn over an engine in winter.
It's best to get your battery serviced before and during the harshest winter months, so you're not in the middle of a blizzard when your battery doesn't have the amount of power to keep your car going and your vehicle suddenly breaks down.
Visual inspections can tell you if there's battery acid leaking, or poor terminal connectivity so you can know ahead of time before your battery corrodes away to uselessness.
Many battery problems can be fixed with the replacement of the proper cables or terminals, or simply a tightening or readjustment in some cases.
Many batteries are now rated to last for years, but a high quality brand like Interstate Batteries will serve you better and longer than some of the newer value brands.
A well-maintained high-quality battery is your most reliable weapon against a breakdown, but some people still think it's better to save their money and take their chances.
A few extra dollars today can save you tenfold tomorrow when it comes to buying a good battery.
Professionals also do battery testing and charging.
These performance tests let you know if your battery is running poorly or nearly dead, allowing you to make necessary changes before having it malfunction while you're driving.
Batteries also need distilled water to maintain their charge and capacity, professionals can easily monitor, tighten, and re-water your battery in a few minutes and for a fraction of what a new battery could cost.
Cars are like people, they need good fuel, and proper maintenance to have long, healthy, productive lives.
Batteries are too important to risk to cheaply made brands and a "Wait and see" approach to electrical issues.