Back to all

Battery Basics for Loves Park

May 1, 2016

drive

It's important for Loves Park drivers to know battery basics. First, let's talk about which is harder on a battery – hot or cold Illinois weather. Most Loves Park 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 Loves Park trips because the alternator doesn't have time to fully recharge the battery from starting the engine. Loves Park 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 Tuffy Rockford 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 Illinois road, but you'll save unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle alternator.

Give us a call.

Tuffy Rockford
6574 E. Riverside
Loves Park, Illinois 61111
815.639.1239

 

More articles from Tuffy Rockford

Regular Schedule or Severe Service Schedule at Tuffy Rockford?

April 14, 2024

Today's Tuffy Rockford article focuses on severe service maintenance. Many Loves Park drivers are not aware of them and yet there are also very vocal advocates in Illinois who think that severe service schedules apply to everyone. Somewhere between a complete lack of awareness and the dire blank... More

Heat and your Tires (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

April 7, 2024

With hotter weather and brutal heat waves becoming more common, the pressure in your vehicle's tires goes up. After all, heat causes air to expand, and the air in your tires follows the laws of physics. Overinflated tires can reduce your vehicle's traction, cause a hard, punishing ride and make ... More

Light Up your Life (Headlamp Replacement)

March 31, 2024

Did you know that having a burned out headlight can result in your rearview mirror reflecting some flashing lights? In other words, you might get pulled over by the police for only having one working headlight, because in most places it's against the law. Not only is it illegal to drive with one... More