May 27, 2024

Kinetic Auto Service

QUICK TIPS - BATTERY EDITION

A healthy battery is a happy battery! By following these 5 tips, you can help ensure that your vehicle's battery is always ready to go when you are:

1 - Keep It Clean: A clean battery is a happy battery! Moisture can corrode your battery terminals and oils on the battery case can cause it to discharge. This leads to decreased performance and potentially even failure. Give your battery a quick wipe down with a damp cloth every now and then, and clean the terminals with baking soda and water to remove corrosion.

2 - Drive Your Car Regularly: Your car's battery receives a charge from the alternator while you drive, so if you're not using your car regularly, your battery will start to lose its charge (especially with all the computers in vehicles these days). Take your car out for a spin every now and then to keep your battery healthy and happy. If you don't have the need to drive your vehicle regularly, we can install a battery maintainer to keep your battery at an optimal charge.

3 - Check The Alternator: The alternator is responsible for maintaining your battery's charge while your car is running. If your alternator is malfunctioning, your battery may not be getting the charge it needs. If you notice your battery light coming on intermittently or staying on, book an appointment to have your alternator checked by one of our technicians.

4 - Don't Let It Discharge: Leaving your car's lights or electronics on can drain your battery quickly. Make sure you turn everything off before you leave your car to avoid coming back to a dead battery. Also, avoid listening to your radio or using any other vehicle electronics while the engine is off and the alternator is not maintaining the battery's charge.

5 - Choose The Right Battery: Not all car batteries are created equal. Make sure you choose a battery that's appropriate for your vehicle and driving needs. We can help you choose the right battery for your car and ensure that it's installed properly.

Bonus Tip: always remember to thank your battery for its service. After all, it's the heart of your car's electrical system!

If your vehicle has seems sluggish when you start it or you have had to boost it recently, book an appointment for us to test your electrical system and give you our recommendations on how to ensure you don't get stuck with a dead battery!

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Repair or Replace, That Is the Question!

By Erin Vaughan • February 11, 2025

Our main goal at Kinetic is to help you keep your vehicle safe and reliable , saving you money on your long term transportation costs. Check out these 6 reasons to repair the vehicle you own: 1. Lower Repair Costs vs. Higher Monthly Payments Even a major repair, like replacing a transmission, is typically a one-time cost. Compare that to the steady stream of monthly payments that can come with a new vehicle - often $500 or more. By choosing a repair, you can save thousands in financing charges and avoid locking yourself into years of debt. 2. Lower Insurance Costs Older cars typically cost less to insure. Upgrading to a newer model often comes with higher premiums due to the increased value of the vehicle and advanced technology that can be costly to repair after an accident. Sticking with your current car can keep your insurance rates lower and more predictable. 3. Better Use of Savings The money you save by repairing instead of replacing can be invested elsewhere: retirement savings accounts, your child's education, or even a well-deserved family vacation. Repairing your vehicle is a short-term expense, while buying new ties up a larger chunk of your budget for years. 4. Extend the Life of Your Investment If you’ve already paid off your car, repairs can breathe new life into a valuable asset. Routine maintenance, like fluid changes, timing belts, or spark plug replacements often costs a fraction of what a new car payment would. With proper care, many vehicles can run reliably for 300,000 km or more. 5. Avoid Depreciation New cars lose value fast - as much as 20-30% in the first year alone. Your current car has already absorbed that initial hit, meaning every dollar you spend on repairs is helping to maximize its remaining value. 6. A Greener Choice Repairing and maintaining your car is more environmentally friendly than manufacturing a new one. Extending your vehicle’s lifespan reduces waste and lowers the overall environmental impact. With this being said, there are times when repairing DOES NOT make financial sense: the vehicle has very high mileage and routine maintenance was not performed, rust has weakened the structural integrity of the frame or body, when the vehicle no longer serves your needs. Let Us Help You Decide At Kinetic Auto Service, we believe in empowering our clients with honest, transparent advice . Before you make a big financial decision, bring your vehicle to us for a professional assessment . We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, so you can drive with confidence knowing you’ve made the right choice for your budget and lifestyle.