Battery Basics for Livonia
June 20, 2021
It's important for Livonia drivers to know battery basics. First, let's talk about which is harder on a battery – hot or cold Michigan weather. Most Livonia area drivers think it's cold weather because that's when we call on our batteries to have enough power to start a cold vehicle engine.
However, heat does more damage to a battery than cold. Truth is, our batteries start to die a little from day one. Keeping a full charge slows the process, which is hard with short Livonia trips because the alternator doesn't have time to fully recharge the battery from starting the engine. Livonia drivers can top off the charge with a computer controlled battery charger – say, once a month in the summer and every three months during the winter.
As far as how long a battery will last, statistics show that 70% have given up the ghost within four years. By that time, they aren't capable of taking a full charge like they used to, and your vehicle alternator has to work overtime to keep up. This causes your alternator to wear out early.
If you're pushing 4 to 5 years on your battery, see your friendly and knowledgeable Elite Tire And Auto Care service assistant for a battery test to see if it's recommended to replace it. Not only can you avoid getting stranded with a dead battery on a Michigan road, but you'll save unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle alternator.
Give us a call.
Elite Tire And Auto Care
33729 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48150
734.427.3100
Need Service?
More articles from Elite Tire & Auto Care
No Fountain of Youth (Aging Tires)
January 19, 2025
Can you think of anyone who enjoys aging? Wrinkles where you don't want them, gray hair, eyes that won't focus any more, no stamina. Believe it or not, your tires age, too, and they don't get better the older they get. And here's the important thing to know, even if they can still pass a tread... More
Clean Machine (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)
January 12, 2025
As your vehicle ages, its performance isnt quite what it used to be, but many of us never notice the change because its gradual. So here are a few questions to ask yourself. Does your vehicle feel like it doesnt have the pep that it used to? Have you noticed your fuel economy isnt quite as good... More
It's (Not) Complicated (Engine Air Filter)
January 5, 2025
While many components of your vehicle are complex and composed of lots of mechanical and electrical parts, there's one that isn't complicated but still important. It's your engine air filter. (And, we should point out, the engine air filter isn't to be confused with the cabin air filter. The ca... More