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BatteriesWith the largest selection of car batteries in New England, VIP keeps you running VIP has a battery to meet any budget … and for any vehicle To get started, visit VIP today and talk with one our specialists. With our expert advice, the highest quality selection of batteries, and the most competitive prices out there, we’ll make sure you get what you need to keep your car starting and running reliably. Why some basic car battery knowledge goes a long wayYour vehicle’s battery is what keeps you on the road. You may not have given it much thought, but it is essential to understand the basics of how this automotive part works and why it requires regular testing. Car batteries store electrical energy that the starter converts into the mechanical force that turns the engine on. In other words, your car battery, in combination with the vehicle starting and charging systems, provides you with reliable vehicle operation each day, in a variety of different driving and weather conditions. However, this crucial vehicle component is not designed to last forever and will eventually require car battery replacement. VIP has the largest selection of vehicle batteries in New England and we can help you determine if and when you need a new battery, which batteries will work best for your vehicle, and offer you car battery installation if needed. Don’t wait until you are stranded on the road waiting for a jump-start. Car battery testing and maintenance should be top of mind throughout the year. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to test your battery during seasonal changes. For example, it is extremely important to test your auto battery every fall before the harsh winter months set in. A simple check can determine how much life your battery has left in it, and whether it makes sense to get a car battery replacement before the first storm. Some people may be surprised to learn that the summer months also create a need for auto battery maintenance. Hot temperatures can damage batteries, so make sure to test them throughout the summer; especially before long road trips. There are many things that can impact the life of your car battery. Frequent engine off/on cycles that cause more wear on the starter, mileage, vehicle age, and electrical sources like entertainment systems can all contribute to a shorter auto battery life. If you notice that your headlights and/or interior lights begin to dim, your battery light (or check engine light) comes on, or accessories that fail to operate, these all may be signs that your battery is in need of attention. Additionally, if your battery is three years old, it is likely time for a car battery replacement. If you aren’t sure if you need a new auto battery, come into VIP and we will test it for free; no appointment necessary. Car battery replacement 101If you decide that you want to change your car battery yourself, you must follow certain steps to ensure your safety. First, make sure to give it a good cleaning using baking soda and water since sulfate build-up (white cakey substance) can prevent it from operating correctly. If this doesn’t work and the battery is dead, you need to have the following tools: a crescent wrench, an adjustable wrench, vise pliers or a socket wrench, adjustable pliers, and even a hammer for stubborn nuts and bolts. To ensure the safety of your hands and eyes, you should wear safety goggles and thick gloves. Before getting started, it is essential that the keys are removed from the ignition; this will reduce the chance of a spark or shock in the battery changing process. There should be an alternate back up power source (Battery Memory Saver) plugged in prior to disconnecting the battery terminals. This will ensure that the vehicle’s preset memory settings will be maintained. On some vehicles this will also include engine management parameters that could in some cases would have to be relearned during a drive cycle causing drive ability issues until resets are complete. After cleaning the terminals, loosen the nut of the negative post on the battery first and then follow up with the positive terminal. Once both terminals are loose, the battery plate should be unfastened, and the battery can be lifted straight up from the car and placed far away from the vehicle. After removing any remaining sulfate, the new car battery can be installed, starting with the positive terminal. Once both terminals are attached (the positive terminal is typically red and the negative terminal is black), the battery plate is reattached as the final step. Make sure you properly dispose of the old battery at a designated facility to protect the environment. Today, the average car battery is extremely heavy, containing more than 24 pounds of lead alone. If you don’t feel up to the task of heavy lifting or performing the necessary mechanical labor, let VIP take care of it for you. Our ASE certified technicians are available seven days a week for car battery installation, with prices starting at just $14.99. VIP offers batteries for virtually any vehicleBatteries are not limited to cars and trucks. In its extensive selection, VIP also offers a wide range of batteries for your other needs: Marine/RV: Many of these batteries can be discharged and recharged many times without damaging the internal components of the battery. Powersport: Whether you own a personal watercraft, ATV, motorcycle, scooter, or snowmobile, there are a variety of batteries to choose from to enjoy the recreational activities that you love. Lawn and Garden: VIP carries battery options for light duty, garden tractors, utility equipment, snowmobile, and snow blowers. Heavy Duty: For short haul, long haul, agriculture, fleets, construction, commercial and industrial equipment, you need a strong battery that can go the distance. When you come to VIP, we can handle all of your battery needs. We understand that you have certain vehicle requirements, specific budget limits in mind, and other customized requests. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, we’ll find what works best for you. And, we’ll do this at the lowest guaranteed price. Call VIP today! VIP offers batteries for virtually any budgetAt VIP, we’ve got a battery to fit any budget. See our product lineup below, or better yet, stop by one of our stores and let a VIP Parts Expert help you find the right battery for your vehicle. EXIDE Standard – Great value and meets minimum original vehicle specs for CCA EXIDE Classic – Our most popular battery. Meets or exceeds original specs and comes with a 1-year Free Replacement Warranty EXIDE NASCAR Select – Step up to a Nascar Select battery for more power, longer reserve capacity and FREE Roadside Assistance. EXIDE Nascar Extreme – Our best automotive lead-acid battery with the highest available CCA ratings, the longest reserve capacity, and FREE Roadside Assistance. |