Back to all

Battery Basics for Appleton

December 6, 2016

drive

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

Give us a call.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton
2940 E. College Ave.
Appleton, Wisconsin 54915
920-954-8500

 

More articles from Tuffy Appleton

More than Pads and Rotors (Brake Caliper Replacement)

April 19, 2026

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. ... More

Appleton Customer Detective Work

April 15, 2026

One might say the most challenging part of being an automotive service technician at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton is diagnosing a problem before it can be fixed.Cars are made up of a bunch of complex systems. There usually could be a number of reasons for any given symptom. So, it's ... More

If the Shoe Fits (Brake Shoe Replacement [Rear])

April 14, 2026

When it comes to brakes on your vehicle, we all know how important it is to keep them working well because they are vital safety equipment. After all, if you cant slow down and stop, you cant drive safely. While many vehicles use what are called disc brakes, theres another type of brakes that ... More