Check Out These New Cars at Spieler’s Inc.

Buying a new vehicle has many perks! You have freedom of choice, new technology, and features and better financing options are just a few. In this week’s blog, Spieler’s Incorporated would like to talk about a few cars you must check out this summer at out California, MO dealership.

2018 Ram 2500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4X4

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If you are in the market for a workhorse, you must look at this new 2018 Ram 2500. Equipped very nicely with a Navigation System, Parking Sensors, Dual Zone A/C, Exterior Parking Camera, and Wireless Phone Connectivity just to name a few options. This bad boy has the power to spare with its Cummins Turbo Diesel and 4X4 to get you in and out of those hard to get places. This 2018 Ram 2500 has some huge incentives and rebates so hurry in and drive this bad dude home!

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L

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With the world being taken over by SUVs, the Pacifica is a great option for the family vehicle. This Pacifica Touring L is loaded with a Navigation System, Lane Departure, Leather Upholstery, Blind Spot Sensor, Distance-Pacing Cruise Control, Automatic Temperature Control, and Wireless Phone Connectivity. The whole family will truly appreciate traveling in the Pacifica!

2019 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD

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Black Beauty! This 2019 Durango GT looks like it's going fast just sitting still. You will fall in love with the sportiness of this SUV. This thing is loaded with options from a Moonroof, Navigation, Leather Seats and Wireless Phone Connectivity. You will be able to haul the family, haul cargo all while getting great MPG. This Durango is rated at 25 MPG on the highway! This Durango is the whole package. Come take a test drive today!

2018 Jeep Compass Sport

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Looking for an economical SUV? This 2018 Jeep Compass is rated at 31 MPG on the highway and is a 2018 closeout model so save big! Great options including Parking Sensors, Automatic Temperature Control, Remote Keyless Entry, and Wireless Phone Connectivity. Hurry in and take advantage of the huge savings on this 2018 Jeep Compass!

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X 4X4

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Check out this beauty! This 2019 loaded Grand Cherokee Limited X in Black Crystal Pearlcoat. Hurry in to test drive this amazing Jeep. There a not too many options this one is missing. The luxuriousness of the Grand Cherokee is unmatched, and its capabilities rival all of its competition. Don’t miss this one!

At Spieler’s Inc we have a great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles in stock. Our vehicles are priced very aggressively with big discounts, incentives, and rebates! Our staff is here to help you through the buying process with no pressure. Hurry in to see why we are Mid Mo best dealership!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

                              

                                             www.spielersinc.com

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Pros and Cons of Diesel Engines

Here in Mid Missouri, we live in truck country. As your Mid Missouri Car Dealer, we see people use their cars and trucks for many different purposes. When we speak of heavy-duty trucks, we instantly think of diesel engines. You have most likely heard of the Cummins, Duramax or Powerstroke diesel engines that the big three American trucks offer. Spielers Incorporated sells and services the Ram Heavy Duty trucks with the Cummins diesel engine. This is a topic that most folks will already have a preference one way or another. We want to explain the advantages and the disadvantages so you can decide for yourself.

Pros: Advantages of Diesel Engines

• More Efficient: Diesels get great fuel mileage. Up to 30% better than a gas engine in some cases.

• More Torque: The main reason you see so many trucks with diesel engines is that they make much more torque. Which is low-speed power. So, if you are towing a trailer or hauling heavy loads a diesel accelerates much quicker than a gas engine.

• Longevity: Diesel engines have a track record for having a long-life expectancy. This is because diesel fuel is a very light oil. When it burns in an internal combustion engine it basically lubricates the valves, rings and piston walls.

Cons: Disadvantages of Diesel Engines

• Upgrade Cost: For instance, on a new 2019 Ram 2500 the Cummins diesel engine upgrade cost is $9,300 over the standard 5.7L V8 Hemi gas engine and $8,800 over the 6.7L Hemi.

• Fuel Cost: It wasn’t long ago that diesel fuel was less expensive in gasoline. With diesel being used for so many things nowadays the demand has increased the cost of fuel.

• Maintenance Cost: Diesel engines hold a lot of oil. In some cases, almost twice as much as a gasoline engine. Plus, diesel fuel is dirty so there are fuel filters that need to be changed regularly. A diesel engine service visit can cost as much as twice as much as a service on a gasoline engine.

A person who plans to tow a trailer or haul heavy loads will see the benefit of the diesels power versus the person who will drive the truck empty most of the time and on occasion tow a trailer or boat. If you are looking for a fuel economy passenger car or light duty truck you will see the added benefit of greater fuel mileage with the diesel. While the same vehicle with a gas engine will cost less initially, plus less maintenance cost and cheaper fuel yet will not get the fuel mileage.

The diesel versus gas argument will likely never be resolved but hopefully, this will shed some light on some information to help you decide. What you are using the vehicle for will play a big deciding factor in your choice. The best way to make an educated decision on purchasing a diesel or a gas engine is getting all the information you can. Compile the cost of the vehicles, the cost of maintenance and the cost of fuel over the lifetime. Then you can see if the extra cost pays for the difference in fuel mileage, performance, and longevity. For more information on gas and diesel engines reach out to your California, MO dealership and our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants can help guide you to the best conclusion.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

      Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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Top 5 Dodge Muscle Cars

The Mopar name originally debuted on a can of Chrysler Motor Parts Antifreeze. Mopar was simply the name of Chryslers OEM parts. The term has since been used among car enthusiast as a reference to vehicles produced by the Chrysler Corporation or now FCA US. The Mopar name is heavily used in the muscle car scene to describe any Chrysler or Dodge classic. If you are talking muscle cars, it is likely a Mopar performance car will be at the top of many lists. Today Spieler’s Incorporated will list our top 5 Dodge performance cars. Spieler’s Inc was established in 1968 so in our 51 years, we have seen a lot of Mopar performance come through our California, MO dealership.

1970 Dodge Charger R/T Hemi

The Charger had been a powerhouse in the muscle car scene in the late 1960s. The second generation being very desirable, originally planned for 35,000 actually sold over 96,000 in 1968. In the final year of its second generation, the 1970 Charger RT had the best styling to date with the chrome loop front bumper and full-width taillight. The 426 Hemi V8 pumped out 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque.

Photo Credit: HotRod.com

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

1970 had it going on! This was the first year for the Challenger. Chrysler set out to have the hottest pony car as the Challenger set its sights on the Ford Mustangs and GM’s Camaro and Firebird. The Challenger was available in a number of trim levels as well as virtually every engine in Chryslers arsenal.

Photo Credit: Hemmings.com

1991 Dodge Viper

Talk about a monster! With help from a Lamborghini designed V10 that made 400 horsepower the Viper ran a ¼ mile in 12.6 seconds at over 113 mph. Top speed was approximately 165 mph! The Viper is among the elite cars of its day. The Viper continued production until 2017. One of our all-time favorites!

Photo Credit: RoadandTrack.com

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

One of the most distinctive cars ever, the Daytona had a unique look. Only produced between 1969 and 1970, the huge nose and spoiler were made for aerodynamics. Just like the cars that ran in the Nascar track. A 440 Magnum or 426 Hemi set between the fenders. With low production numbers, these cars are among some of the most desired cars of all time.

Photo Credit: AmericanMuscleCarMuseum.com

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

707 horsepower! Starting back in the mid-2000s the horsepower race was on between Ford and Chevy. A few years later after the smoke cleared entered a beast. This thing was so bad only six cars on the market had more power and those cars were so rare there were only about ten in all the US and all but two costs less than a million dollars. This car is so amazing, running zero to sixty in 3.6 seconds and the quarter mile at 11.2. This is one bad car!

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

As we covered some of our favorite Dodges of all time, we hope this brought you some excitement. Dodge has always produced some exciting cars and today cars are no different. Come into Spieler’s Incorporated and experience the Dodge car line up for yourself. We pride ourselves on making the buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. Come see the best Dodge dealer in mid-Missouri!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

      Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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Featured 2019 Trucks!

Spieler's Inc has a variety of vehicles to choose from that will match anyone's taste. However, in today's blog, we will feature our 2019 pick up trucks! This winter weather may have you wishing you had a truck that can handle tougher driving conditions. Or maybe, your existing truck is getting worn out and it is time for an upgrade. Whatever the reason, now is the perfect time to purchase a new truck in Mid-Missouri. Not only do trucks typically navigate through winter weather better, but they are a safe vehicle for your family. You trusted car dealer in Mid-Missouri is here to help you select a new truck to fit your wants and needs. Featured below are just a few of the new trucks we currently have available for our customers.

2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab

Packed with features, this truck is truly a pleasure to drive! This model accommodates 5 passengers comfortably and provides features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel, 8.4" Touchscreen Display, and remote start. Under the hood you will find an 8 cylinder engine with more than 350 horsepower, providing a smooth and predictable driving experience. Well tuned suspension and stability control deliver a spirited, yet composed ride and drive. This Delmonico red pearl coat 2019 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab can be yours for only $40,836 after discounts and rebates. Some conditions may apply.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab

You will appreciate this truck's safety and convenience. Top features include leather upholstery,
automatic dimming door mirrors, heated and ventilated seats, and remote keyless entry. It features four-wheel drive capabilities, a durable automatic transmission, and a powerful 8 cylinder engine. This 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab truck can be yours for only $45,919 after discounts and rebates. Some conditions may apply.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab

Representing the optimal blend of tarmac tearing performance and silky smooth highway refinement. Top features include rain sensing wipers, voice activated navigation, heated and ventilated seats (both front and rear), and leather upholstery. Under the hood, you'll find an 8 cylinder engine with more than 350 horsepower, and for added security, dynamic stability control supplements the drivetrain. Four-wheel drive allows you to go places you've only imagined. For $58,030, you can be the proud owner of this new 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. Price is after discounts and rebates. Some conditions may apply.

2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star Crew Cab

You'll appreciate its safety and convenience features! This model accommodates 5 passengers comfortably and provides features such as air conditioning, adjustable pedals, and more. It features four-wheel drive capabilities, a durable automatic transmission, and a powerful 8 cylinder engine. Listed at $41,555, this 2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star truck won't last long. Price is after discounts and rebates. Some conditions may apply.

Schedule a Test Drive Today!

For a pleasant, no-pressure car shopping experience, visit Spieler’s Incorporated. For an enjoyable experience at a car dealer, visit Spieler’s Inc. in California, MO. We have no hidden fees— the price you agree on is the price you pay! If there is a specific vehicle you are interested in, call us at 573-796-3129 to schedule a test drive.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Reasons Why Traveling Is Good For The Family

Traveling is more than just a time to unwind, it is a time to bond with your family. There are so many reasons why we should all take the time to travel, but in this blog, we will show you the reasons traveling is good for your family. Traveling with kids can be tricky, but it's an important task to master. If you have kids, you're likely going to be traveling with them a few different times of the year, at the least. Whether it's going on a summer vacation or visiting family around the holidays, the team at Spieler's Inc. knows how important it is to be able to take a road trip with your family. Take a look below to learn a few reasons why you need to take time to travel with your family this holiday season!

Create New Memories

Trips are all about creating memories you can enjoy your whole life. As parents, we want to create memories we will cherish as our kids get older. A great way to create fun memories on your next road trip is to discover fun places to stop along the way. Check out historical sites, fun attractions and eat at favorite local restaurants. You family will make so many memories, the hard part will be figuring out which one is your favorite.

Bonding Time

Trips are one of the best ways a family can bond. You don't have the everyday stresses of work, school, and activities. You tend to be more relaxed which helps create the perfect environment to strengthen your family bond. Make sure you sit back and watch your family discover, play and grow during your trip. It will bring you closer as a family and strengthen your family dynamic.

Learn Something New (Together)

Whether you are visiting a new place or a family favorite, new experiences are always fun. Try to find a local attraction you haven't visited or a new hiking trail with amazing views. Learning something new as a family is a great way to bond and create a new memory. It will be time together that you will always cherish. Your experience can be something small like trying a local favorite food or a large expedition. Whatever your family likes, trying it together will be just what your trip needs.

Enjoy Spontaneous Adventures

Traveling is meant to be a fun adventure. You are discovering a new place, new attractions and all while having no schedule (hopefully). Allowing your family to decide as a group what they feel like exploring is a great way to enjoy the trip. You are working together as a team and not stressing over needing to be a certain place at a certain time. Everyone has to do that every day with work and school, so ditch the tight timeframes while traveling on your next trip. Adventures are sure to make one of the best memories you will create as a family.

Now is the time to start thinking of your next family trip! Trips are not just to unwind but to create a closer bond with the ones you love. Just make sure before you hit the road, you bring your vehicle into our California, MO vehicle maintenance shop. We can do a quick maintenance check and ensure your ride is ready to roll. While you're here, we can perform a routine oil change to help your engine run at it's best for your big excursion with your family!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Top Winter Car Care Tips

Winter has decided to arrive early in mid-Missouri, so now is the time to review some top winter car care tips to get your car ready for the cold winter weather.  Your trusted car dealer in mid-Missouri is here to help you with some car care tips for this winter. Here at Spieler's Inc., we know how much you love your car and we want to help you care for it properly! Take a look at the helpful tips below, for caring for your ride.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

When the winter snow and freezing weather decides to strike again, you will be glad you put on a new set of wiper blades.  A new set of blades will help you see in all types of weather.  Don't get caught in a stressful driving situation due to poor windshield visibility.  Ice can be hard on your wiper blades so make sure you start your car and try to defrost as much ice as possible before turning on your wipers. You should also scrape the ice with an ice scraper prior to using your wiper blades. This tip will help increase your wiper blade lifespan.

Wash Your Car Regularly

On a regular basis, it is important to wash the exterior of your vehicle. To help keep the paint in good condition, remove any grime that may build up over time. Especially during the winter months, it is important to wash the road salt off of your vehicle. This can help reduce the chance of rust on the underneath side of your vehicle. Helpful hint: Remember to wash the underside of your ride - a drive-through car wash can help you clear that pesky salt off of your vehicle. To keep a flawless look after you wash, wipe your vehicle down with a dry towel to absorb excess water and reduce the risk of water spots on your newly cleaned paint.

Pack An Emergency Kit

Icy roads and lots of snow can lead to poor driving conditions. Driving during a winter storm can lead to unexpected situations. You are at a higher risk of sliding off the road, getting into a fender bender or maybe your car just not performing well. Make sure you are prepared for any situation you may face this winter. You need to have an emergency kit ready to go. A winter emergency kit should include extra gloves, boots, blankets, shovel, sand or kitty litter, tow strap, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, portable battery charger, and car cell phone charger.  You may have a few more items to add but those listed should help if you find yourself in a winter weather situation.

Check Your Tires Tread

The tread on your tires can make a huge difference in how your vehicle performs this winter.  If your tires are getting close to needing to be replaced, it is best to do it before the bad weather arrives.  Many vehicles that have sport style tires won't perform as well in the winter. You may want to invest in winter tires or add chains to help gain traction. Not sure if you tread is able to stand up again this upcoming winter, stop in and we can take a look for you.

Get Your Car Ready For Cooler Temperatures

The cooler weather can be hard on a vehicle. If you find your vehicle idling rough or lights appearing on the dash, make sure you get it addressed soon. You don't want to wait and get stuck broke down alongside the road in freezing temperatures. Now is the time to change your oil, replace dirty air filters, get your battery checked, flush your coolant, and maybe adding fuel de-icer to your gas tank. Need help, we have you covered!

It is important to take care of your vehicle before the winter hits. Now is the time to get your car in perfect working order, so you can handle whatever mother nature throws our way. Not sure if your care is ready for the winter, give us a call and we can look it over for you. If you are thinking about buying a new vehicle in mid-Missouri to give you peace of mind this winter, visit Spieler's Incorporated!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Your Vehicle Warning Light Guide!

Holiday traveling is here, so now is the time to make sure your car is ready to hit the road. If you've noticed warning lights showing up on the dash of your vehicle, now is the time to get them checked out.  There are a number of instances that cause a warning light to appear on the dash of your vehicle. The best thing to do is be safe and get your car checked over. Spieler’s Inc. has an experienced service department to help you repair and resolve a light that may be on in your vehicle’s dash. Your trusted car dealer in Mid-MO is here to point out some of the most common warning lights, and what they mean.

Brake System Alert

This light indicates a low level of brake fluid caused by a leak or low brake lining. A professional repair service should be consulted if your brake system alert light is illumined.

 

Engine Management Light

When a fault with the engine management is detected, this light will appear on a vehicle’s dash display. Immediate attention is usually required when this light comes on.

Battery Alert

A low battery or issue with the battery charging can cause the battery alert symbol to show up. Check your battery charge and bring to a professional for help replacing or repairing a battery issue.

Traction Control Light

When the vehicle experiences hazardous road conditions, such as sliding on ice or hydroplaning on water, this light is illuminated. It can also come on in conjunction with the ABS light, signaling a fault in the brake and traction systems.

Low Fuel Notification

Fuel should be added to the vehicle’s gas tank soon, when this light appears on the dash display. The purpose of this light to help prevent a car from running completely out of gas, leaving the driver stranded.

Coolant Temperature Warning

This warning light alerts the driver to a temperature issue in the coolant system. If the engine is overheating, the vehicle should be stopped to allow the engine to cool off. The car should then be repaired to help prevent overheating.

Tire Pressure Monitor

The tire pressure light indicates that the improper pressure level is in the tire. Check your tires with an air pressure gauge, and then add more or release air, depending if the pressure is over or under the suggested level.

Oil Pressure Warning

If the oil pressure is low in a vehicle, this light will illuminate. Professional help should be sought if the incorrect level is present in the engine.

Now that you have a key to some of the warning lights that may illuminate in your vehicle, you can better prepare to fix the issue. Be aware that some light symbols may vary from car to car, be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for a complete list to your vehicle’s warning lights. If you do experience a warning light, bring your car into the professional vehicle maintenance department in Mid-Missouri. Contact Spieler’s Incorporated at 573-796-3129 to schedule your vehicle maintenance if you experience a warning light. 

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website:  www.spielersinc.com

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Missouri Summer Road Trip Ideas!

Summer is the best time of year for road trips. Many lifelong memories are made on road trips with your family. The best car dealer in California, Mo has compiled a list of fun day trips for you and your family to take this summer. Start making those memories now with any of these day trip destinations!

St Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is a great place to bring the family. With close to 15,000 wild animals, this destination is sure to be entertaining for all attending. Admission to this fun attraction is free, although some exhibits and demonstrations do cost. The zoo would be a great way to entertain the family while learning about animals too!

Silver Dollar City

Amusement parks are a fun way to spend a summer day. Silver Dollar City is a great option for a destination. The park has over 40 rides and attractions to keep you and the family entertained all day. There are also indoor shows to enjoy if you need to take a break from the sun and cool down for a bit. Silver Dollar City also offers demonstrations such as blacksmith, candy making, wood carving, and glass blowing to name a few.

Photo Credit: funlake.com

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Taking a road trip to hike at Ha Ha Tonka State Park is another great way to spend the day. Located at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the area’s most historic places is the home to ruins of the castle built by the Snyder family. There are over 14 miles of hiking paths throughout the property, offering different scenery at every turn. The natural spring feeds into the lake at the bottom of the beautiful bluff. Many caves dot the landscape of Ha Ha Tonka as well.                                 

Steamboat Arabia

Make learning fun with a trip to the Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City. This destination is a time capsule of the days of the American Frontier. Arabia was a steamboat that was claimed by the Missouri River in 1856. The river actually changed its path over the years and the steamboat was dug up over 100 years later. Taking a step back in time with the artifacts recovered from the boat is a fun way to spend your day.

The Gateway Arch

Across the state in St. Louis, the arch is one of the most popular destinations the area has to offer. The arch represents the Gateway to the West when our country was being explored. With the Arch spanning 630-feet tall, you can see miles from the top. Around the Arch on the riverbank, there are other activities you can partake in as well, like a river cruise or shopping.

 

Mark Twain Attractions

Hannibal is the home of the famous author Mark Twain. His boyhood home is open for tours to get a glimpse inside his life. Mark Twain Cave is another popular destination around Hannibal. The cave holds a constant 52 degrees year round, making for a nice way to cool down in the hot summer months. Sightseeing on the Missouri River is another way to continue your experience with the Mark Twain Riverboat. Many of his writings center around the river and this area gives you a chance to see what he experienced as a child.

Crown Center

A day trip to Crown Center in Kansas City is another exciting item on the list of road trips in Missouri. This family-friendly destination has countless options for kids and adults of all ages. Kaleidoscope encourages the creative side with hands on inventive activities. Another hands on experience is Legoland - a child’s dreamland with endless Legos at different stations for kids to play and create their masterpieces. The Sea Life Aquarium is the newest edition to Crown Center. You and your family can see 30 display tanks and more than 5,000 creatures within those tanks. Crown center is a great destination for a fun and educational road trip.

Many families take road trips in the summer when the kids are off school and have some extra time. These destinations listed above are all fun-filled ways to spend time with the family. Before you head out on a day trip to any of these destinations, it’s important to get your vehicle checked over. The best service department in Mid Mo can help check out your car to ensure your family road trips go as planned. Get out there and have fun this summer!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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A Basic Guide to Car Batteries

Batteries are one of the most important aspects of cars. Without the battery, your car would not be able to run. How much do we know about this important element? What happens when it dies? Is there a way to make it last longer? Are we supposed to do regular maintenance on it? If your car won’t start, is it actually the battery or is it something else? Spieler’s Inc has all the answers to these questions and more.

Know Your Battery

Commercial use of lead acid batteries has been around for over 100 years old. If you understand the basics, you will have fewer battery problems and a longer lasting battery. Lead-acid batteries are made up of plates, lead and lead oxide, with a 35 percent sulfuric acid and 65 percent water solution. This solution is called electrolyte, which causes a chemical reaction that produces electrons. When testing a battery with a hydrometer, you are actually measuring the amount of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte. When your reading is low, it means that your battery is lacking the chemistry that makes electrons. The sulfur will rest on the battery plates; recharging the battery will allow the sulfur to return to the electrolytes.

Battery Life

Average battery life has decreased significantly and energy requirements have increased. The life of your battery depends on usage. They can last from 6 months to 2 years, yet very few car batteries last the full 2 years. Usually, the main issue related to battery failure is sulfation build-up. This occurs when the sulfur molecules in the battery acid begin to coat the lead plates. The plates become so coated that the battery dies. There are many reasons that this build-up can occur such as the battery sitting too long between charges, battery stored without some type of energy input, extreme heat or cold weather, low electrolyte level and incorrect charging levels and settings.

Battery Maintenance

The battery should be cleaned using a wire brush and a solution of one tablespoon baking soda and a cup of water. To prevent corrosion of the cables on top post batteries, use a small amount of silicone sealer at the base of the post and place a felt battery washer over it. Coat the washer with either high-temperature grease or petroleum jelly, and then place the cable on the post and tighten. Coat the exposed cable end with grease.  

Battery Charging

It is important to make sure your battery is keeping a full charge. If the battery is not charging fully, it will sulfate, which affects the performance and longevity. The alternator should keep the battery charged.  If your car is sitting for long periods of time, it is a good idea to keep a charger hooked up to the battery. Also, seasonal battery run items, such as ATVs, boats and motorcycles, should be hooked up to chargers before being stored to ensure the battery stays charged.

Battery, Alternator or Starter

When your car won’t start you will want to check the battery, alternator and starter to determine the issue. These parts all work closely together, so it can be hard to determine which one has failed.

Signs of a Dead Battery

• Low whining sound when attempting to start the car.
• Jump starting the car works, but the car will not start again after turning it off.

Signs of a Failed Alternator

• The smell of burning rubber or hot wires can come from the alternator overheating.
• Headlights and dash lights may flicker or get extra dim (gauges may also behave strangely).
• Jump starting works, but the engine dies right afterward.

Signs of a Failed Starter

• Clicking sounds when you turn the key.
• Car won’t start, but dash lights still turn on.
• Jump starting doesn’t work.

Car Maintenance Made Easy with Spieler’s Inc.

When your car won’t start, the worst case scenarios will all run through your mind. Before you panic, check the battery, alternator and starter. If you regularly charge and perform maintenance on your battery, you could prevent the worst case scenario issues. If you have any problems with your car, call the Spieler’s service team at 573-796-3129.  

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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