A Head Start on Starting (Battery Testing)
October 23, 2022
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.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer

T for Transmission, T for Trouble (Automatic Transmission Trouble Signs)
October 12, 2025
One of the hardest working components of your vehicle is its transmission, shifting gears up and down when you need it to. The transmission is vital to your vehicle driving properly, and if you start to see signs of problems in it, its best to have them fixed earlier rather than later. (Since ne... More

Don?t Meddle with the Pedal (Brake Caliper Replacement)
October 5, 2025
If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called a brake caliper. The caliper allows the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to eventually move brake pads against discs in your wheels, which then slow and stop your veh... More

Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)
September 28, 2025
Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline. Yeah, me neither. Thats because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle. One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of todays vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage. But you might f... More