Starting, Charging & Batteries in Litchfield County, CT

At Bear Performance Auto & Repair, You can always count on our technicians for the very best in service. This means we have your best interests in mind.

Our reputation means everything to us. Therefore, we completely understand your frustration in having a vehicle breakdown due to a battery that you didn’t think had to be replaced for at least another few years.

Alternator Replacements

The alternator in your car is a crucial part of its health. It provides the power to the entire electrical system and it is what keeps your battery charged. If there’s a problem it’s going to have an adverse effect on almost every system in your vehicle. There are several symptoms that you should be looking for to know if you’re having either alternator or battery issues. You may get a warning light to alert you of alternator issues. It may be a small battery or it could flash the letters ALT. There is also a belt on your alternator, this can slip or begin to wear. If it does it’s going to make a lot of squeaking and whining noises. If it breaks, the alternator will fail. If your battery won’t hold a charge this can be an indicator of a failing alternator. It will also cause the lights to flicker or dim both on the interior and the exterior.

Battery Replacement

If you’ve had your car battery for longer than three years, at some point in time you’re going to end up having to replace your battery. With age, your battery loses its ability to hold a charge. How long your battery lasts will depend on a few things. Some car owners don’t realize that each time you start your car your battery’s life shortens. Complete battery failure is usually because of cold weather but if it’s extremely hot outside that can take life off your battery even quicker because the fluid inside evaporates and the cells inside disappear along with the fluid. The battery is dependent on both the alternator and the voltage regulator to charge properly. Switching out a battery is easy enough to do if you have automotive experience, but if you do not your mechanic can do this for you.

Starter Replacement in Connecticut

The starter on your vehicle is a little motor backed by the battery. This is what provides your motor’s ability to start. The relay is located between the battery and the starter motor and it sends power. If the relay doesn’t work right your car is not going to be able to go anywhere. If you get a clicking or a ticking sound when you are trying to start your car, this is a telltale sign of a bad starter. If you get no noise at all but your dashboard lights up that is a sign that you’re having starter issues and not a battery issue. If you keep trying to start your car and it is failing to start you can put stress on your starter and you may see or smell smoke.

Starting & Charging System Check

You should have your starting and charging systems tested at least twice a year. It can help to avoid being stranded on the side of the road with no choice but to depend on a tow service to get your car to your mechanic.

Preventative Automotive Maintenance Services in Litchfield County, CT

No matter what, the most simple thing you can do that many people fail to realize is simply provide the necessary maintenance at the right mileage checkpoints. Simple things that can reduce your overall cost of ownership over time by a great deal. Our technicians don’t just take care of repairs, we’re also incredibly knowledgable and would love to keep you as a customer for a lifetime. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. You can definitely look forward to us bothering you about mileage check-ups 🙂

Lube, Oil & Filter Change

Mechanics use to say that you should change your mile every three months or 3,000 miles but most cars can go to 5,000 miles now and some are 7,500 and even up to 10,000. The type of oil that is used in your engine, the mileage on your car, and the car’s make and model will have a lot to do with how often you need to get it changed. All vehicles have four filters. Those are the cabin filter, oil and fuel filters, and the air filter. They all catch any debris, dust, and dirt that can get into your systems and gunk up your motor oil and other components. When you get your oil changed, the technician should advise you as to whether or not any of your filters need to be changed.

Wiper Blades Replacement

You should replace your wiper blades bi-annually, no less than annually. If you notice a difference in how well you can see when you are using your wipers, this is a good indicator it is time to switch out the blades.

Air Filter Replacement in Connecticut

An air filter needs to be replaced every 15,000 miles. Don’t go any further than every 30,000 miles. If you are driving down dirt roads you need to have it done more frequently. If you don’t drive that often do not go any longer than three years without having the air filter changed.

Winterization Checkup

A winterization checkup will get your car ready for the harsh winter temperatures and the undesirable road conditions that sometimes result. You need to have your antifreeze and cooling levels checked in order to keep your radiator from freezing up. Checking the tire tread is urgent as well in order to avoid sliding off the road or hitting another vehicle. Windshield wipers should be replaced and your brake system should be inspected. These are just a few of the things that will be done when you take your vehicle to your mechanic for winterization. In addition, you should try to keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter to avoid having a frozen gas line and periodically wash your car to clean salt from the roadways off your exterior as it can cause rusting.

Spring Checkup

When you spring clean your home, it is advisable to bring your car to your mechanic for a check-up as well. The winter can be hard on your car and if you get it inspected when spring hits, it will greatly decrease the chances of you having a breakdown in the hot summer temperatures.

Fuel Injection

You should get your fuel injectors cleaned every three years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the injectors get clogged, they will allow either too much gasoline or too little to get into the engine. This is going to have an adverse effect on your gas mileage, your vehicle’s performance, and emissions. For all of your maintenance needs, you can contact Bear Performance Auto and Repair for a forthright and honest inspection with competitive pricing and discounts for senior citizens, first responders, and on lease returns.