Vehicle Maintenance: Battery

An old car battery can stop you cold. If you're not sure whether your battery is worn out, stop by your local Quick Lane^® Tire & Auto Center for a battery test. We'll see if it's ready for another season. Plus, if you need a new one, we stock the batteries that are right for your vehicle.

Quick Lane^® Tire & Auto Center carries car batteries that are:

• Manufactured to the highest quality standards and latest technologies in design and engineering

• High quality at competitive prices

• Have excellent warranty coverage

Quick Lane on Batteries Video Transcript

What should I know about batteries?

Your car battery helps kick-start your engine and powers electrical features when your engine is off. A good working battery helps to ensure you won't be left stranded.

What are signs my battery is on the fritz?

Fact is: all batteries lose their spark eventually. It's usually pretty obvious: you may hear a slow engine crank when you start your car, see the check engine or battery light in the instrument cluster, or corrosion around the terminal posts, or smell a stinky rotten egg odor. It may be time for a new battery.

Why does it lose its charge?

Mileage and age are major factors. Over time your battery's energy source wears out, preventing it from recharging. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, and extreme temperatures can also shorten battery life. Hotter climates tend to kill a battery quicker than cooler climates. Plus, driving short distances with heavy accessory use can also diminish its charge, as this doesn't allow enough time for the battery to recharge. Or you simply left your interior or exterior lights on overnight, and if you have a faulty alternator it won't charge the battery as you drive.

When should I replace my battery?

Unfortunately, like all parts batteries run their course too. Most last about 5 years depending on where and how you drive. Play it safe and have it checked every time you change your oil. Or let us do it as part of the works vehicle checkup.

Call Dorian Quick Lane for service hours and more, no appointment necessary.

Jump-Starting a Battery:

At one time or another we all have forgotten to turn off our vehicle headlights or interior lights, draining the vehicle battery. Don't fret! All you have to do is give it a jump, or call a tow truck - your choice.

Jump-Starting a Battery, Step-by-Step:

You will need jumper cables to jump start your vehicle; if you do not have any, have your friend bring them when coming to the scene with their vehicle. Be sure you park your vehicles close enough so that the cables will reach from one battery to the other and check your owner's manual for your vehicle battery location and terminal placement.

1. Open both vehicle hoods and locate the batteries.

2. Remove terminal covers and any corrosion.

3. Attach the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (red) terminal of the dead battery. Double check that both metal clamps are firmly in contact with the terminal.

4. Attach the other end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (red) terminal of the assisting battery.

5. Attach the negative (black) jumper cable to the negative (black) terminal of the assisting battery.

6. Attach the negative (black) jumper cable to an exposed metal part of the disabled vehicle's engine. Make sure this part is away from the battery, and the carburetor(fuel-injection system).

7. Start the assisting vehicle's engine.

8. Start the disabled vehicle's engine

9. Allow both vehicles to run while connected by the cables for around three minutes.

10. Leave the jump-started vehicle running and disconnect the cables in the reverse order that they were attached. Close the hoods.

11. Keep the jump-started vehicle's engine running for about half an hour to allow the the battery to fully charge.

12. Visit Dorian Quick Lane to get your jump-started battery tested or replaced as soon as you can!

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The Dorian Quick Lane is committed to helping you! We service all make and model vehicles including, but not limited to: Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda,Hyundai, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, MINI, Nissan, Pontiac, Ram, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Only at your local Clinton Township Quick Lane.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Call Dorian Ford for details or to check availability. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. Residency restrictions may apply. Pictures many not represent actual vehicles. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.