Car won't start - Battery problem maybe

[El Gato]

Our car wouldn't start this morning (first time we've ever had problems) - I'm guessing battery has expended it's life time use. Anyone have suggestions on where we can get a battery? Or are we better off having a friend bring one down next week?

Any suggestions welcomed. tks.

 

[Roberto]

When you say it won't start, I am assuming you mean the starter is not operating when you twist the key. If it happened suddenly, like overnight, clean the terminals and charge it up. Sometimes you can just loosend the terminals and twist them to improve contact, then go to the mechanic on Fremont and have him clean them properly and charge it up. Corroded terminals can reduce the amount of charge that gets to the battery as well as the amount of current that can get to the starter.

There is a small battery place across the street from Lucas Chicken on Benito Juarez. Priced a new Kirkland (Costco) battery there $60. The Bodega was twice that. The have both new and reconditioned batteries. Friends have bought the reconditioned with good success.

 

[Landshark]

Check the date on your battery. If it is over 2 or 3 years old, it is probably bad. If you have a battery charger, try charging it at 10 amps overnight. Sometimes the battery isn't bad, but a door was left ajar leaving the interior light on draining the battery, etc. Also, a problem with the charging system can leave you with a dead battery. If the vehicle starts after charging, take it to a mechanic for a battery & charging system diagnostic check.

 

[El Gato]

Thank you both for your help. A friend, who has a friend who works on cars, is going to check the battery for us - and also do an oil change and lube which it most deifinitely needs!

This is a fantastic site for getting help and information. Don't think I've ever had a questiion gone unanswered. Thank you again.

 

[gup]

Battery store

When you say it won't start, I am assuming you mean the starter is not operating when you twist the key. If it happened suddenly, like overnight, clean the terminals and charge it up. Sometimes you can just loosend the terminals and twist them to improve contact, then go to the mechanic on Fremont and have him clean them properly and charge it up. Corroded terminals can reduce the amount of charge that gets to the battery as well as the amount of current that can get to the starter.

There is a small battery place across the street on Benito Juarez. Priced a new Kirkland (Costco) battery there $60. The Bodega was twice that. The have both new and reconditioned batteries. Friends have bought the reconditioned with good success.

I would like a more precise location of this store. I purchased an auto battery plus installation for $90 last yr. Having gas golf cart and solar batteries, I would like to have it for future refrences.

Gup

 

[Roberto]

Sorry I screwed up the location on the initial post but have fixed it now. On Benito Juarez, directly across from Lucas Chicken. It's a small store but I think they recently painted a large sign on the side of the building.