Back to all

A New Battery in Oswego

January 15, 2017

Hello Oswego drivers, let's talk about batteries. Car batteries are just like any rechargeable battery. They will eventually wear out and die. If you are shopping for a new battery in Oswego, here's some auto advice to help you.

There are two measurements to consider when purchasing a new battery: cold cranking amps and reserve capacity. The power required to start a cold engine is measured in cold cranking amps. The number you need is determined by what kind of vehicle you drive and where you live. In general, higher-cylinder engines require more cold cranking amps than lower-cylinder engines. In other words, an eight-cylinder engine needs more cold cranking amps than a six-cylinder one. Also, diesel engines require more cold cranking amps than gasoline engines.

The weather where you live in Illinois also determines the number of cold cranking amps you need. The colder the vehicle engine, the more power it takes to get it started. Also, cold Illinois weather reduces the electrical efficiency of the battery, which reduces the amount of energy available in the battery to start the engine. Thus, in freezing temperatures, you need more power to start an engine, but you have less power available to get it started.

Your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego in Oswego can help you choose an appropriate battery for your vehicle and your lifestyle. If you need extra power owing to cold weather or a need for more reserve capacity, you may want to choose a heavy-duty battery. Just make sure it fits into your vehicle. An oversized battery may give you the power you need, but it's a serious safety hazard if the terminals come into contact with other parts of the vehicle.

Keep in mind that preventive maintenance performed at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego and good vehicle care can extend the life of your battery. Judicious use of electric gadgets and good driving habits are wise and can help you get the most out of your battery.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Oswego
1555 US Highway 34
Oswego, Illinois 60543
630-898-6220

More articles from Tuffy Oswego

Read a Good Tire Lately? (Tire Wear)

December 14, 2025

There's lots of good information to read in books and online. You might not know that you can also "read" your tires and learn a lot about what shape they're in and if they are in need of attention. It's important to know how your tires are doing because a tire failure can be very dangerous to y... More

Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)

December 7, 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

Don?t Be Hosed (Radiator Hose Replacement)

November 30, 2025

If you are like most drivers, you dont worry too much about what shape your radiator hoses are in. But they are a vital part of your coolant system, helping carry engine coolant from the hot engine to where it is cooled off in the radiator. When the cooling system has a problem, you will likel... More