Do you remember when you last had your battery serviced? The summer heat and winter cold take a big toll on your car's battery, which could wind up leaving you stranded. If it's been a while, or it has been a rough season for your battery, now is the time to test it yourself or bring your car into Stop & Go for a free battery test.

To determine if your battery is fully charged, you will need to measure your battery's state of charge with a voltmeter. You can use an analogue or digital voltmeter, but a digital meter will give you an easier-to-see, more accurate reading. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, remember to always wear a pair of rubber gloves and goggles whenever you service your battery. This will protect your hands and eyes from acid.

1. Before you begin testing, make sure the ignition key and all of your vehicle's lights are off.
2. Connect the red or positive voltmeter test lead to your battery's positive terminal.
3. Then, connect the black or negative voltmeter test lead to your battery's negative terminal.
4. Always remove the negative terminal first. If the battery terminals do not come off easily, use a battery terminal puller to remove them. Do not use a screwdriver to pry the terminals off because it can break the internal connections of the battery post.Compare your reading
5. Take your battery terminal cleaning tool, which should have different extensions for different sized terminals, and use it to clean off the terminals and posts. Also, use a quality battery cleaning solution, which is available at your local Pep Boys.

• Accepts and holds charge
• Easily recharges and returns to service
• Above 12.4 volts reading
• Under 2 years old

• Will not accept or hold a charge
• Under 12.0 volts reading
• Cannot produce adequate cranking amps
• Over 2 years old

The only way to know if your battery is good or bad is to test it. If you suspect that you have a problem with your battery or electrical system, or you would like Stop & Go professionals to do a complete Battery Starting and Charging System Service, call your local Stop & Go and set up an appointment. If you need a new battery altogether, we offer a great selection of quality batteries at great prices.

Your vehicle's battery helps power it's engine and provides a charge to the electrical and electronic accessories. When your car battery dies, your vehicle will no longer run – potentially leaving you stranded. Look at the battery as the heart of your car's electrical system.

Have you thought about your car battery lately? When was the last time it was checked? Do you know when the last time you got it checked was? In any year, 31% of cars on the road will need a new battery. If you're not sure about your battery's current state-of-health, we at Stop & Go can evaluate it free of charge. We want you to feel as safe as possible knowing you will get where you need to be.
Should the testing show that your battery is approaching end of life, it's time to think about the car battery replacement while there is still time. To make this process simple:

• First check your owner's manual to determine what battery size and specifications you need for your vehicle's make and model. If you cannot locate this information, we are always more than happy to lend a hand.
• Think about your driving needs and consider your environment and typical commute. Higher temperatures are hard on car batteries, so if you're living in a hotter climate be sure to purchase a battery that is built for warmer weather. Also, if your commute involves short, stop and go trips, a battery with a longer life will better suit your needs.
• Check the replacement warranty for the battery you want to purchase, and always keep the receipt. Most batteries will offer a free replacement guarantee if the battery gives out before the warranty date.

AGM batteries last up to twice as long as conventional batteries, if not more. These batteries tolerate extreme vibrations, are completely leak and spill proof, can handle both temperature extremes, and they will not discharge when idle. AGM sets the new standard in battery life, durability and safety, and is installed from the factory on many newer vehicles.

Bosch Premium Power delivers the most powerful energy supply for a wide range of energy consuming electrical components on today's vehicles, even at extreme temperatures. Bosch Premium features long life technology that minimizes water loss and protects against corrosion, while optimized internal construction provides superior durability.

Energizer Batteries are designed with a unique grid system which delivers a consistent performance and the power with every start. Energizer Batteries are proven to be highly durable and are backed by a 12-months, free-replacement warranty. Designed to help reduce corrosion and hold up during extreme heat and cold, these batteries are able to consistently produce reliable starting power while meeting the increased energy demands of today’s vehicles.

If it has been a while, now is the time to either test it yourself or bring your car into your local Stop & Go for a free battery test. This will determine if your battery is able to perform. If it isn't, a replacement is needed. When it takes longer for your car's engine to crank and start, this is a signal that the charge from your car's battery is getting weaker and the battery's life is very limited. If you need a new battery, we offer a great selection of quality batteries at great prices.