Back to all

Battery Replacement For Your SUV

May 9, 2014



Modern cars and trucks in and around Kentwood run on 12 volt electrical systems. 12 volts is enough to get the job done for Kentwood motorists without having so much power that there is danger of electrocution. But today's vehicles have more electrical components and do-dads than ever before. This really strains your electrical system, making it hard for the battery to keep up. Think about it: electric seats, seat heaters, power locks, windows and sun roofs. And then us Michigan motorists have all the power outlets for our cell phones, computers, and DVD players.

We also have navigation systems and powerful stereos. Plus there are all the engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors and on and on. Even the security system is running off the battery while the car is turned off.

Fortunately, battery technology has given Kentwood drivers resilient batteries that are able to meet these strenuous requirements. But the fact is, batteries just wear out over time. Eventually, every battery gets to the point where it cannot hold enough of a charge to start your SUV. Sometimes batteries need to be replaced because they have just worn out. Or, in other cases, they have developed a leak which makes it even more essential to get it replaced.

Special safety precautions are taken when working with batteries in the shop at Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE) in Kentwood, Michigan . These precautions also apply to anyone who is poking around the battery. Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can damage your eyes and burn your skin, so safety glasses and rubber gloves are a must for any Kentwood car owners working with their battery. Be careful to not spill acid on your clothes or the SUV's paint. Of course, avoid short circuiting the battery as well.

Replacement car batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Some cars have limited space that requires a specially shaped battery to fit. Larger engines require more powerful batteries to get them started. If you live where it gets cold in Michigan you will need a more powerful battery because engines are harder to start when it is cold.

Sometimes there is quite a price range in Kentwood auto part stores for batteries that will work in a particular car. Think of it as "good", "better" and "best". More expensive batteries have a longer warranty and are guaranteed to last longer. As with most things, paying a little more up front saves cash in the long run for Kentwood drivers.

Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave SE)
Contact Us 4384 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, Michigan 49508
616.301.1436


More articles from Tuffy Kentwood (Kalamazoo Ave. SE)

Keeping Yourself in Suspension (Control Arm Assembly Replacement)

January 26, 2025

When you are pointing your vehicle straight down the street, it should go straight. Thats pretty straightforward, right? Sometimes, though, you may notice you have to keep adjusting the steering wheel to keep going straight. While that could be caused by many different issues, one possibility i... More

Taking the Heat (Batteries in Hot Weather)

January 19, 2025

Quick question. Which is tougher on a vehicle's battery, the heat or the cold? Believe it or not, it's the heat. Think about it. The battery often sits in the engine compartment next to that motor generating lots of heat. That can accelerate corrosion in the battery and may even cause water i... More

The Light Many Drivers Fear (Check Engine Light)

January 12, 2025

Ask just about any driver about one thing they fear seeing inside their vehicle and they'll say it's the Check Engine light coming on. You know, that little light on your instrument panel that is in the shape of a vehicle engine, often accompanied by the words Check, Check Engine, Check Engine Se... More