GMC Service Essentials: Understanding Your Car Battery

With a choice of gasoline or high-torque diesel engines, you probably wouldn't think of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as an electric vehicle. In some important ways, however, it is; it relies on its battery and alternator to provide smooth and reliable starts, to power many of its components, and even to ensure that your favorite gadgets always have a full charge while you're out and about. For that reason, it's important to maintain your car battery by scheduling GMC service using genuine GM parts. 

What GMC Car Batteries Do, and How They Work

Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to generate and store electricity. That electricity serves a few purposes. The most obvious is ensuring quick and smooth starts. Somewhat less obviously - though no less importantly - the car battery also protects your car's ECU and infotainment system from power surges. 

Common Car Battery Issues

What are some of the problems your car battery might face? 

• Self-discharge, since the battery generates power whether it's in use or not
• Corrosion, wherebattery acid damages terminals and other components 
• Sulfation, a buildup of lead sulfite crystals in the battery that can interfere with proper function
• Water loss to evaporation, which is especially common in hot, dry climates like Texas
• Age; you should visit your San Benito GMC dealershipfor a new battery every five to six years on average 
• Temperature swings, since a battery exposed to heat undergoes self-discharge faster than one stored at a lower temperature

Caring for Your Vehicle's Battery

Nobody wants a car that won't start, or a power surge that fries their electronics. What can you do to ensure your battery performs as expected with every start, and in every application? 

• Avoid temperature extremes when you can; park somewhere cool or shady in the summertime.
• Maintain your battery, ensuring it gets fluid top-offs when needed, occasional cleanings, and even the occasional supplemental charge.
• Resist the temptation to save money by going with the cheapest car battery you can find; insist on genuine GM parts and installation, and of course, use any available GMC parts specials. 

Other GMC Maintenance

Just as it's important to insist on GM parts, we also suggest visiting the GM service center conveniently located at Gillman Chevrolet GMC. That way, you know you have a trusted source for every aspect of car care, from the maintenance for tires, oil, batteries, and other essentials, to the technicians doing the work. We're always here to help, and always happy to see you!