WINTER BATTERY ISSUES

Dont get caught out in the cold or rain. Be prepared for winter battery issues.

Winter temperatures can affect the performance of your car battery, depending on the age and state of health. Colder temperatures play havoc on lead acid battery electrolyte, causing it to freeze or thicken, which slows the chemical reaction. A fully charged battery will be less affected by the cold weather because the electrolyte concentration is higher. A cold engine with thicker oil can also put extra strain on the battery, demanding more power to start the car. It is in winter that older batteries, which would have not failed otherwise, tend to fail as they have to work even harder to crank the motor.

A few tips:

• Get your battery checked & tested soon – we have a flash tester on site at the workshop so it can be done in only a few minutes while you wait (please pre book however)
• Park in a garage if possible to avoid the cold
• Ensure you start the car regularly (at least once a week & take it for a drive to charge it up)
• Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes before you head off each day. Also leave it idling before turning it off for a few minutes.
• Ensure the terminals/connections are clean & tight (you may want to leave this to a professional to do)
• Listen to its cranking. If its slow it could be a sign so get it checked otherwise it may impact the starter motor (a more expensive repair)

Average life expectancy of a battery is 4-5 years. You should have a date sticker on them so you should be able to review its age.

We stock and can fit an AA Motoring Battery. A brand we all know and can trust. Coming with a 24 – 36 month warranty (certain models vary). We have an extensive battery range available.

Here’s to happy stress free winter motoring.