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Have you ever been caught off-guard by a dead battery in your CDJR vehicle? Most drivers have been there, but did you know there are warning signs that can help prevent that inconvenient situation? Keep reading as we discuss some common warning signs, so you will know when it's time to visit your CDJR dealer for a new car battery. Repeated Jump-starts If you need to jump-start your car frequently during a short period of time, it's likely your car battery is failing to maintain enough power to start the engine. more Dim Headlights While Idling Pay attention to the strength of your headlights. If they appear dim during idle but brighten when you accelerate, there is a good chance your battery is too weak to send sufficient power to the lighting components. Unpleasant Smell If you notice a sulfuric odor or "rotten egg" smell coming from your car battery, that could mean the battery has a leak. This can happen when the battery has been damaged or overcharged. Long Period of Unuse The adage 'use it or lose it' applies to car batteries. Though a car draws power from the battery, a healthy battery will also charge while the car is being driven. Therefore, not driving your car for an extended time can cause the battery's power supply to deplete. Slow Starting If your car takes a bit longer to start than usual, it could be due to a failing battery. When a car battery becomes low on resources, it can take longer for it to respond to power demands. Sluggish Power Windows Often when a car battery is on the brink of dying, features powered by electrical components, such as power windows, become slow and sluggish when the engine is turned off. Visible Corrosion on Terminals When you look at your car battery, if you notice a chalky white-greenish substance on the battery terminals, it is most likely corrosion. While light corrosion is normal and can usually be cleaned off, excessive corrosion may mean the battery is leaking or damaged. Also, the thick buildup can block the battery from sending power out to components. Being aware of these common signs of a dying car battery can save you from the inconvenience of getting stranded while on the road. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, visit or contact us at Allways Atascosa CDJR in Pleasanton, TX to have your battery checked and/or replaced.

One of the most important routine vehicle servicing jobs for any car owner is having the oil changed. If you allow your motor oil to age, diminish, or degrade, the resulting friction could cause overheating that may significantly damage your car's engine. If you're wondering how often to have your motor oil refreshed, here's a brief guide to follow. If you have more questions, you can also contact us at Allways Atascosa CDJR for all your car care needs. Twice a Year Is a Good Rule of Thumb Most drivers can keep their engines perfectly healthy with biannual oil servicing every six months or so. If the engine isn't being taxed by excessive use, severe climate conditions, or extreme driving habits, then this interval should be fine. more It's generally unwise to allow more than 7,500 or 10,000 miles to pass before refreshing motor oil. After this, motor oil can begin to break down and lose its lubricating and cleaning qualities. Check Your Warranty and Owner's Manual Your powertrain warranty typically stipulates a certain interval at which the oil needs to be refreshed. To keep the warranty valid, stick to this recommendation and keep your paperwork to prove your service was addressed at your local dealership. Driving Conditions That Wear Oil Down Faster There are several driving conditions and habits that cause motor oil to degrade more rapidly. If the following apply to you, schedule more frequent oil servicing. In some modern cars, the automatic oil-life monitoring system may help to determine whether your regular driving conditions count as severe. Frequent Short Trips The problem with very short trips in a car is that the motor oil doesn't have time to fully warm up. So, if you're always using your car for short trips of under five miles (or under ten miles during winter), your engine and motor oil are undergoing far more wear and tear than usual. Low Speeds for Long Distances Long drivers at low speeds also put excessive pressure on the engine. It's best for a car to reach certain speeds when traveling further distances. Heavy Stop-and-Go Driving Stop-and-go traffic requires a great deal of idling, which takes a toll on your engine. If your daily commute involves sitting in a lot of traffic jams, consider more frequent oil servicing. Dirty, Sandy, or Dusty Roads Any rough road surface that throws up a good deal of dust, dirt, or sand can also degrade motor oil more quickly. This, typically caused by off-roading, is one of the toughest conditions for motor oil to handle. Extremely Hot or Cold Climates Both excessive heat and cold can lead to motor oil wearing down faster. If you're living in a place with either too much sun or snow, keep a closer eye on the condition of your oil. Schedule Routine Oil Servicing at Your Chrysler Dealer If you set up a suitable scheduled routine for refreshing your oil at your nearest dealership, you'll gain reliable reminders for each upcoming visit. The technicians can also take your regular driving conditions and habits into account when planning the optimal interval between visits. Have your oil checked and changed by experienced technicians today at Allways Atascosa CDJR. We have been proudly serving our local Texas community with top-notch vehicles, deals, financing, maintenance, and repairs for over 20 years.