Back to all

Battery Maintenance Tips From Tuffy Grand Rapids - Fuller Ave.

January 8, 2023

When it comes to your vehicle, it all starts with the battery. Proper battery maintenance is important for two reasons:

First, your vehicle won't start or run without it. Second, it is the key to the long life of your auto electrical system. If your battery isn't working efficiently, your alternator has to work overtime to make up for it, and other electrical components can suffer as well.

A number of years ago sealed batteries were introduced to the local Grand Rapids, Michigan, market. They were hailed as being 'maintenance-free batteries.' While it is true that you can't get in and adjust the electrolyte levels of a sealed battery, it is by no means maintenance free.

Batteries are very sensitive to changes in the weather around Michigan. Temperature really affects auto battery performance. A battery inspection is an important part of your spring and fall checkups. Next time you're under your hood, take a look at your battery.

  • Is it clean and free of residue? A dirty battery will drain.
  • Is there corrosion at the terminals where the battery cables attach to the battery? If there is, the corrosion can interfere with how efficiently electricity passes back and forth from the battery.
  • Are the cables loose? Make sure they are tight.
  • Are the cables themselves corroded? Corrosion can actually eat through the battery cables.

Tuffy Grand Rapids - Fuller Ave. service advisors can inspect and test your battery. If the inspection warrants a cleaning, have it done. If the battery test indicates that replacement of the battery or cables is in order, you will be lucky to have caught the problem before it becomes a major inconvenience.

Your battery will also last longer if you keep your fuel system and ignition system clean. It's all part of your commitment to regular maintenance, to keep your vehicle running on Grand Rapids streets at its best for a long, long time.

Tuffy Grand Rapids - Fuller Ave.
1121 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616.458.8091
https://www.tuffyfullerave.com/

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Tuffy Grand Rapids (Fuller Ave.)

Speak Up: Talking with Your Tuffy Grand Rapids (Fuller Ave) Service Advisor

May 19, 2024

About 80% of the vehicles on Grand Rapids roads today are behind on their preventive maintenance schedules. That translates to about 160 million vehicles in the United States that aren't performing as well as they could be - thousands right here in MI. Some of the maintenance issues are minor. Ot... More

Diagnosing Your Vehicle at Tuffy Grand Rapids (Fuller Ave) in Grand Rapids

May 12, 2024

When we Grand Rapids residents get a car repair bill, we really shouldn't be surprised to find diagnostic fees as one of the line items. When we get a computer fixed, there is usually a charge for the time it takes to diagnose the problem. When we go to a medical doctor, most of his fee is for hi... More

The Tuffy Grand Rapids (Fuller Ave) Guide to Saving Fuel: Car Weight

May 5, 2024

The team at Tuffy Grand Rapids (Fuller Ave) in Grand Rapids, and MI car owners are all talking right now. Better gas mileage. Fewer emissions. Grand Rapids drivers want to save the environment and their pocketbooks.And we all knowor should knowthat preventive maintenance will help maximize fuel ... More