Knowledge is Power (Battery Testing)
January 18, 2026
It’s likely happened to you once or twice. You head to your vehicle, open the door, turn the key and… lo and behold, your battery is dead. Now you’re stranded, may have to get a jump or a tow, and you’ll definitely be late for wherever you were headed. While your vehicle may sometimes give you warning signs, other times it doesn’t.
As many as one out of every four vehicles will have to have its battery replaced in the next 12 months. If you don’t want to be surprised the next time your battery fails, consider having it tested.
There are different types of battery testing. One measures voltage. Another checks for something called conductance. By sending a certain type of electric current into the battery, it can measure how healthy your vehicle’s battery is. There’s also a load test. It checks how your battery is working while drawing power from it. Newer test equipment found in professional service facilities can check for a number of different conditions using different methods.
Most vehicle batteries last around five years. It all depends on how you drive and in what conditions. Extreme heat and cold will take their toll on a battery and shorten its life. Stop-and-go city driving will also place batteries under more stress than smooth, continuous driving.
So, what are some signs that your battery is starting to show its age? Well, the battery or alternator light may illuminate after you’ve started the vehicle or come on while you are driving. If you’ve left lights or some equipment on and drained the battery, that can be very hard on it.
Because the battery is one of your vehicle’s most important components, it’s a good idea to have us check it regularly. In addition to examining the battery itself, a technician will also inspect the terminals and cables for corrosion, damage, fraying wires and loose connections. It’s smart to have us do it before any extreme weather changes are expected or before long trips. In this case, knowledge truly is power.
Spartan Tire Brighton
4880 Old U.S. 23
Brighton, MI 48114
8102277377
Need Service?
More articles from Spartan Tire Brighton

The Car Fluid Most Drivers Forget—And Why It Matters
September 20, 2026
Heres an automotive part you might not be familiar withthe differential. Its a component that transfers power from the driveshaft to the wheels. Its called a differential because the left and right drive wheels travel at different speeds when you make a turn. During that turn, the wheel on the ... More

Smooth Moves
September 13, 2026
Stop for a moment and think of whats holding that heavy engine that sits under your vehicles hood to your vehicles frame. Your engine weighs hundreds of pounds, so its a big burden on those things that are holding it in place. Same is true for what holds your vehicles transmission in place. The... More

Keep It Smooth: Chassis Lubrication
September 6, 2026
If you have a truck, SUV or older car, chances are your vehicle has grease chassis fittings that need regular maintenance. Having them lubricated can give you a smoother, quieter ride and prevent more expensive repairs down the road. Its especially important on parts that have to move a lot, es... More
