How do I know if my car battery needs replacing?
One of the most obvious answers to this, is if your vehicle becomes difficult to start. Your engine may take longer to start, or may ‘turn over’ much slower, or in some cases not at all.
In other cases, electronic accessories such as the clock, central locking, electric windows, dashboard displays or alarm systems may fail or reset. An alarm system requires a specific amount of voltage to run. If that voltage is not obtained, it can cause your alarm system to sound, which can be an embarrassing, inconvenient symptom!
How do I prevent my car battery becoming flat?
By regularly using the vehicle, this helps to keep the battery in good condition. However, batteries are another consumable item and will eventually fail. Some vehicles, depending on their specification and the usage of the vehicle, can use the same battery for many years. Others require battery checks and changes more frequently.
Whilst a battery can fail at any time, batteries have a tendency to fail more during winter periods, as the cold air reduces a battery effectiveness. During these times, electrical accessories such as heaters, lights and windscreen demisters are used more frequently, putting greater strain on the battery and its components. It’s a double whammy and a weak battery may not last the winter!
How long does it take to repair or replace the battery?
Batteries can either be recharged or replaced. We test the strength of the battery as part of our vehicle health check or major service.
A weak battery can be charged up over several hours using our workshop equipment, which could fix the problem and increase the lifespan of the battery.
However, as mentioned above, a battery will eventually fail and become unrepairable. Replacing the battery usually only takes a few minutes, but could be longer depending on the location and access to the battery itself.
In some vehicles the battery is located under the passenger or rear seats or the boot, rather than in the engine compartment.
What does the law say?
Although there aren’t currently any laws covering your vehicle’s battery, however if it does fail, this could lead to a breakdown or the vehicle may be unable to start. If a breakdown occurs on a public road or while stuck in traffic, this could cause problems to you and other drivers on the road.
Contact us using the form below or call your nearest Croxdale branch, if you'd like us to check out your battery and alternator operation. Croxdale offer a wide range of batteries, to suit different vehicles and budgets.
Unsure about the condition of your vehicle’s battery? Simply ask us for a FREE check and we’ll let you know the condition and if a replacement is needed. Call your local branch today or enquire using the learn more button at the top of the page. We’d be more than happy to help!
