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How to Repair a Dead Car Battery Cell

When something goes wrong with your car, your first impulse is likely to figure out whether you can fix it yourself. In this day and age, it is a common sentiment. After all, if you can fix something yourself, why wouldn’t you? However, there are plenty of situations that call for the help of a shop specializing in auto repair in Apopka, FL, especially when it comes to complex internal components, such as battery cells.

Changing a battery is not at all the same as fixing a dead battery cell, though dead cells are generally the culprits behind dead batteries. Dead battery cells are located inside your vehicle’s battery, and getting at them requires tinkering with components that should never be touched by non-professionals. To do so would mean risking your safety, as battery acid is highly corrosive and could do severe damage to your skin.

If you genuinely suspect a cell inside your battery is dead, do not seek out DIY tutorials that ask you to wear goggles and gloves, or handle battery acid. It is not worth risking your safety over, and your local auto repair shop is likely more than capable of providing a safe and affordable solution.

When it comes to auto repair in Apopka, FL, some situations call for a professional mechanic. Our team at Millikan Battery & Electric can help, so contact us today at (407) 886-8285.

Four Common Signs of a Failing Alternator

Without your alternator, your car’s electrical system–including the power windows, lights, starter, and ignition–would not work. So when the alternator stops working or starts giving you trouble, it is time to make a beeline for our auto repair in Apopka, FL. Here are a few warning signs to keep an eye out for if you suspect your car’s alternator is about to call it quits:

Warning lights. Most modern vehicles have sophisticated computers that let you know when something is about to (or already has) gone wrong internally. You might notice a warning on your dashboard, either a light or a symbol, which means your alternator needs attention.
Dead battery. A dead battery is a common problem but easily mistaken for an issue with the alternator. To check whether your car’s issue lies with the battery or alternator, have the battery charged. If it still does not work, you are likely dealing with a problem on the alternator end of things.
Weak lights. Because the alternator is responsible for powering your car’s electrical system, you will notice the electronic parts of your vehicle working less effectively, or not working at all. The headlights are usually the most noticeable parts affected.
Weird sounds. Alternators are made up of moving parts that spin as they work. If one of those parts is not working correctly, there is a good chance you will hear it rattling or bumping around.

A faulty alternator can spell disaster when you least expect it, so schedule repair ASAP with Millikan Battery & Electric, Inc. today.

How to Troubleshoot Your Car Battery

Of all the things that can go wrong with your car, a finicky battery is one of the most annoying. It is usually the culprit when a car refuses to start. At the same time, it can be difficult to tell whether it is the actual battery that is the problem, as opposed to the alternator, or a poor connection. Read on to find out what you can do to get to the bottom of battery problems more quickly.

Check the lights. Car won’t start? Do a full visual inspection of your car’s lights, including the headlights, to be sure everything is turned off. A light that is left on overnight can quickly drain your battery over time.

Check the battery connections. Loose cables are common culprits when dealing with drained or dead batteries. Be sure to also keep an eye out for corrosion around your battery terminal, as it can also interfere with the energy drawing process.

Invest in a multimeter. Many people have dragged their cars’ batteries to the nearest auto shop to test the charge. However, with your own multimeter, you can quickly and easily figure out whether your battery needs to be charged, or whether you need to get a new one from an Apopka auto repair shop.

If your car’s battery is failing, it is time to seek help from Millikan Battery & Electric, Inc. Contact us today at (407) 886-8285 to schedule an appointment.

Does Your Car Need a New Starter Motor?

The starting system of a vehicle is very complicated. The starter is an electrically driven motor that creates the necessary compression to start your car. If the starter were to fail, you would not be able to get to your destination and your car will not start at all. If you are experiencing starting issues and are unsure of the cause, below are a few reasons that may point towards the starter motor.

Loud clicking: The first sign of starter trouble will be a loud click or series of clicks when the key is turned. These clicks are the sound of the starter actuating, but not spinning. There may be some loose connections within the motor.

Grinding noises: Any grinding that you hear while attempting to start your car could be related to the starter. The mounting bolts might have come loose, disrupting the alignment of various components, or one of those components may have lost a part.

Intermittent engine cranking: If the starter motor is on the way out, you may experience intermittent engine cranking. This means the car may crank and then stop, requiring you to turn the key repeatedly.

The best way to determine the issues with your car is to bring it in for a proper diagnosis. The experts at Millikan Battery & Electric are more than happy to inspect your vehicle and find the cause of any issue you are experiencing. Contact us today at (407) 886-8285 to schedule your appointment for auto repair in Apopka, FL.

How Does Your Car’s Radiator Work?

The radiator in your car is one of the most misunderstood components. Unlike a heater in your home, which warms the place up, your car’s radiator is part of the engine cooling system. As your engine burns fuel and creates friction, the built-up heat needs to be diverted away. This is the job of its built-in cooling system. Engines can get very hot very quickly, which is why these systems have multiple parts.

When Your Radiator Kicks In

A thermostat near the engine will detect when its temperature is too high. This then triggers a release of water and coolant that are held in the radiator. This picks up the heat and is sent back to the radiator where it will cool down until needed again.

What Happens When the Systems Go Bad?

Your radiator plays a vital part in removing the heat from your engine. Over time, various issues can occur that prevent the cooling system from functioning as it should. One of the more common issues is that the thermostat becomes clogged. This problem means the engine can overheat and breakdown if it is not corrected immediately.

Another common reason for malfunction is leaks in the cooling system. A leak can cause the coolant level to become too low, and it will not be able to pick up the heat when it is needed.

If you are experiencing issues with your radiator, contact the experts in Apopka auto repair at Millikan Battery & Electric. You can reach us at (407) 886-8285 to schedule an appointment for service.

How to Charge Your Car Battery

There is nothing worse than getting ready to start your car, only for nothing to happen. When you find yourself with a dead battery, it is essential to understand how to charge it back up safely. Though it is often best left to the Apopka auto repair professionals, it is possible to charge your battery at home with the proper precautions and equipment.

How to Charge Your Battery

Make sure everything is off, including the lights and any accessories. Once you can access the battery, remove the negative cable first. You then want to make sure that the charger is off and hook the positive cable to the positive terminal on your battery, followed by the negative cable to the negative terminal.

Set the charger to the slowest charge rate and then turn it on. Depending on the voltage you need, it will take 6-12 hours to charge your battery fully. If your car is unable to hold the charge, you may need to bring it into the shop.

Whenever you are experiencing battery issues, contact the experts at Millikan Battery & Electric. We will assist you in diagnosing and resolving all of the problems you are experiencing so you can get back to your daily life. Give us a call today at (407) 886-8285 to schedule service.

What Your Car Alternator Does

Many people think that the battery powers all of the electronics in their car. However, that is not entirely the case. The battery provides the necessary electricity to start the car. While it is running, the alternator is what generates the energy feeding the electrical system and keeping the battery charged.

The alternator acts as a generator for your vehicle. When it fails, your car relies solely on the battery until it is completely drained. Dim lights, failing gauges, burning rubber smells, and screeching or whining are all signs that an issue is present with the alternator.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell if the issue is related to the battery or the alternator, as they are very closely connected. One way to test is to jumpstart a dead car with jumper cables. If the vehicle dies shortly after the cables are removed, the alternator is most likely the problem. If it continues to run, the battery most likely needs to be charged.

At Millikan Battery & Electric, our team is experienced in Apopka auto repair for electronic issues. We have been assisting vehicle owners with their alternator problems since 1975 and have gained the reputation of mechanics you can trust. If you think you are having trouble with your alternator, give us a call at (407) 886-8285 to schedule service with our team.

How to Preserve Your Car Battery

The battery is an essential part of your vehicle. From starting up to charging your phone while you drive, batteries provide all of the crucial electrical power you need to go about your day. The average car battery lasts around 2 to 5 years. When you are looking to prolong the life of your battery, the following tips could prove useful.

Limit shorter drives: A quick car ride can prevent your battery from fully charging. You want to maintain its power by driving it frequently and for long periods.

Keep it fastened tightly: If the battery is not adequately secured in the vehicle, it could experience damage due to the constant vibrating. Ensure your leading experts in Apopka auto repair inspect the terminal regularly.

Turn off the lights: Make sure all of the lights in your vehicle are turned off before leaving your car. Leaving your lights on all night can put unnecessary strain on the battery.

Corrosion control: Scrub your battery terminals with an old toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. This will help control the amount of corrosion that occurs, prolonging your battery life.

Do not use electronics while idle: Turn off the radio and AC when your engine is not running to reduce the strain on your battery power. Extended idling can also wear the power down so turn the car entirely off when you are able.

Contact Millikan Battery & Electric for exceptional battery repair and testing services in Apopka, Florida. You can reach our team by calling (407) 886-8285 today.

Welcome to Our Blog

Since 1975, Millikan Battery & Electric has been serving motorists within the Apopka, Florida, community. Our team is full of experienced mechanics with expertise in a broad array of vehicle makes and models. We are proud to offer a high standard of service to all of our old and new customers.

We have a large inventory of batteries, starters, radiators, and alternators in Apopka, FL, to help keep your engine running longer and more efficiently. Our team is available to work on cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, vans, boats, and recreational vehicles. Our family-owned company prioritizes customer satisfaction and will work our hardest to ensure your vehicle is functioning as it should.

We are committed to serving individual and commercial clients with their vehicle repair needs. From family vehicles to a full corporate fleet, we are here to assist with any electrical issues you may be experiencing as a motorist. We offer competitive prices so you can receive the best quality work at a cost that fits your budget.

For more information on the services we offer, contact Millikan Battery & Electric today at (407) 886-8285. We provide many different services, such as battery installation, radiator cleanings, and so much more. Please schedule an appointment with us today to get your vehicle up and running again.