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Posts tagged with "Apopka auto repair"

Why Your Radiator Is Important

Apopka Auto RepairSoaring temperatures can take a toll not just on people, plants, and animals, but on vehicles as well.

Blistering outside air temperatures can cause operating temperatures in your vehicle to rise quickly, and if your radiator is leaking, not filled properly, or plugged with contaminants, you are going to face overheating problems from soaring engine temperatures.

A radiator transfers heat from the engine to keep it within operating limits established by the manufacturer. If your cooling system isn’t working correctly, the engine will overheat, and there’s a real risk of damage to several components.

Our staff here at Millikan Battery and Electric want you to know the best way to keep your radiator and cooling system working efficiently so that you aren’t stranded by an overheating vehicle.

A visual inspection of all components is handy to spot leaks or bulges in hoses that could mean they are about to fail. Taking a look at the radiator itself is also an easy way to find leaks or damage. Don’t forget to look on the ground for evidence of leaking too.

For further investigation, it’s best to have your radiator, pressure cap, and coolant checked by experienced technicians. If you find that you need Apopka auto repair, choose a shop that has the skills you need to service and repair your cooling system.

Repairman’s hands working with a car battery

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.

Auto mechanic working in a garage

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.

Hand of a car mechanic working in auto repair 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.

Close-up of a car alternator

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.

Auto mechanic using jumper cables

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.