Tagcharging system

Searching for charging system info? Check out all the charging system related articles here on the NAPA Know How blog. We’ve got Know How for all!

Hybrids are similar to other vehicles and can be jumped using a regular set of cables. Before you do so, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Posted January 16, 2019 Know How

How to Jump-Start a Hybrid Car

Hybrid cars may have extra battery power, but they still break down from time to time. Learn how to jump-start a hybrid car safely.

Posted January 10, 2019 Know How

What Is an Alternator? A Practical Guide

What is an alternator? Simply put, it’s a part of your car’s electrical system that you never really have to think about until it starts to cause you grief. Alongside your vehicle’s battery, the alternator is the backbone of the charging system in your automobile…

Posted January 8, 2019 Maintenance

4 Car Battery Maintenance Tips: Get Maximum Life Out of Your Car

Follow these car battery maintenance tips and you can avoid seeing jumper cables in your future.

Posted January 3, 2019 Maintenance

6 Maintenance-Free Battery Care Tips & Tricks

A maintenance-free battery still needs care. Here’s how to keep your car’s battery in top shape.

Posted December 31, 2018 Maintenance

How to Spot Alternator Problems this Winter

There are several cold weather alternator problems you should be on the lookout for this winter.

48 volt safety is in many ways similar to the types of precautions one would be required to take when working with any electrical system.

Posted November 1, 2018 Know How

48 Volt Safety: Understanding the Upcoming Automotive Power Shift

48 volt safety might sound ominous, but we have the info to help you deal with this new automotive standard.

This 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has a 48-volt electrical system.

Posted October 22, 2018 Know How

Why a 48-Volt Electrical System is Necessary

Today’s vehicles consume more electrical power than a 12-volt system can support. Here’s why automakers are turning to a 48-volt electrical system.

Posted September 26, 2018 Know How

Car Battery Chemistry: A Humble History of the 12 Volt

Car battery chemistry hasn’t always looked how it does now. Automotive batteries have continually evolved since they became commonplace as a tool to assist with starting a vehicle (prior to which, a mechanical hand-crank had been required). These batteries — still known in some circles as start-ignition-lighting batteries due to…

This car from 1955 has a 6-volt battery under the hood. Knowing your battery size is critical to learning how to choose a car battery.

Posted July 19, 2018 Know How

How to Choose a Car Battery: 3 Critical Factors

Every few years it’s time for a new battery, but not all batteries are the same. Here are some tips on how to choose a car battery that fits your vehicle.

Posted June 27, 2018 Know How

Car Electrical System: The Basics

Today’s vehicles are made up of a number of systems working together in harmony. It would be impossible to remove one of these systems (fuel, for example) and still have a car that drives. So while you can’t necessarily say the car electrical system…