In the spring, I check my regulator - I look for signs of damage to the internal parts and for any issues with the contact points.

I also observe it when I turn on all the electrical equipment and rev the engine.

When my 3-year old had several ear aches, I asked her doctor if I should but one of the lights he used to check her ears - he told me that I would not recognize an ear ache - I assured him that I would be able to see an ear ache if I looked in her ears every day or two when she was healthy!

Even if I do not know what I am seeing each spring - I will see if anything changes.