September 24, 2023
If your vehicle isn't starting or doesn't sound like it used to when you crank it, the culprit may be the battery. You may have left a light on, or something plugged into one of charging ports. Maybe you accidentally left your vehicle in the "on" or "accessory" position when you last got out. Maybe you've left it in the garage or driveway for a long time without starting it. That can spell the end for a vehicle battery.
It's also possible that your battery is just simply too old. There's no standard lifespan of a battery, but 3-5 years is about average, even though some people only get 2 and heavier duty batteries may last many more. It's possible your battery is defective, too. And it could be your vehicle's charging system isn't recharging the battery.
Whatever the cause, if you're having problems with your battery, it's a good idea to bring it in and have us perform a thorough battery test. With state-of-the-art testing equipment, a technician will see if there's a bad cell in the battery or if it can be recharged. We will also look at the date it was made.
At the same time, the technician will look at the whole charging system, including the alternator, starter, cables, and connections. From there, the service advisor can go through your options.
Your best chance of not getting stranded by a dead battery is to have your system checked as part of a regular maintenance plan. That should give you a head start on dependable starts.
Tuffy Grand Rapids
610 28th St. SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548
616.452.4425
April 27, 2025
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A clean connection is a wonderful thing. Think of a good cell phone signal or an airline connection with ample time and short distance to the next gate. Good connections are also important for your vehicles battery, and one secret to that is to make sure its periodically cleaned. If its been a w... More
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For most drivers, at some point youre going to have a flat tire. Depending on how it was damaged, it may have to be replaced. But sometimes, a repair will do the trick, as long as the puncture isnt on the sidewall and the hole is smaller than inch/6.35mm in diameter. Here are the three common w... More