Back to all

Battery Basics for Columbus

November 18, 2018

drive

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

Give us a call.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Columbus
4188 W. Broad
Columbus, Ohio 43228
614-276-0164
http://www.tuffycolumbus-broadst.com

 

More articles from Tuffy Columbus (West Broad)

Cold Weather Vehicle No-Nos (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)

November 2, 2025

It's always easier to leave a few things in your vehicle so you'll have them on hand. But in cold weather, while it's a good idea to carry items such as a phone charger, blanket and shovel, there are some things you shouldn't store in your vehicle. Medicines and drugs. Cold temperatures can af... More

Procrastination Prevention in Columbus

October 27, 2025

Every one of us has a little procrastinator inside us. Some put off getting our teeth cleaned. Others put off answering our emails. Yet others put off calling friends and family (sorry, Uncle Joe). And there are those of us who put off getting our vehicle's service done, whether it's a repair or ... More

More than Pads and Rotors (Brake Caliper Replacement)

October 23, 2025

You might be familiar with brake pads and rotors, two components of your vehicle's brakes that have to be regularly serviced. Here's another important component of your brakes: the calipers. Calipers are used in disc brakes, the type of brakes now found in most recently manufactured vehicles. A... More