Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Service, Repair and MOT Specialits based in Farnborough, Hampshire we like to give you handy weekly car tips to save you time and money. This week our blog is all about car batteries - we hope you find it useful.

When the temperature drops and your car won't start it's more often than not an issue with your car battery.

Cold, damp weather can play havoc on batteries as vehicle electrical systems have to work a lot harder at this time of year and starter motors require all the current they can get to start the engine on these cold mornings. With more and more vehicle equipment demanding electricity this is more of a problem than ever. We recommend checking and, if needs be, charging your battery at least once a week during the winter months, particularly if it is more than three years old.

Cold temperatures affect the chemical process inside the battery that produces and stores electricity, effectively slowing it down and reducing the battery’s ability to hold the charge. Older, weaker batteries will typically already have reduced performance and cold temperatures will often drastically reduce this further, to the point where the battery will discharge or go flat very quickly.

Remember to:

  • Switch off all loads including lights, wipers, heater etc before switching off your engine at the end of your journey This prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery the next time you start up. Check that everything is switched off before turning the ignition on
  • Avoid using heaters, heated screens and heated seats for longer than you have to as they all put high demands on the vehicle’s battery. Some satnavs, in-car DVD players and iPods can also drain the battery if left connected
  • Check that there are no interior lights, including boot lights, left on or any accessories such as phone chargers left connected
  • Park your vehicle in a garage whenever possible
  • Get your battery tested, particularly if it is over three years old


If your battery does need replacing, call in and we can advise you on which battery you need and also safely dispose of your old battery. Please do not put your old battery in your bin at home - it must be disposed of in the correct manner.

And, sometimes it can be difficult just getting into your car. These two tips could save you some much-needed time:

  • Use a little silicone-based furniture polish on the rubber door seals – it helps prevent doors getting stuck when it freezes. It’s best to apply with a cloth so you don’t spray polish on to the vehicle’s paintwork.

  • If locks are frozen, try warming your key. You could also inject the lock with the appropriate anti-freeze or spray it with WD40
  • Do not ever pour hot water onto a frozen windscreen - use a traditional scraper or invest in some de icer.

ACC UK Ltd are an Independent Volvo and Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT Garage situated in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire. We do service all makes and models including BMW, Ford, Citreon, Lexus, Vauxhaull, Kia and Peugeot and pride ourselves on offering Dealership service at a fraction of the price. We offer free courtesy cars and a free pick up and drop off service to your home or work place. Please ask at time of booking if you require any of these services. We service, repair and MOT vehicles for our clients from a wide area including Aldershot, Fleet, Hook, Camberley, Frimley, Bracknell, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Wokingham, Farnham and Guildford, Berkshire and Surrey - so give us a call today and let us quote you on your next repair or service. Happy Motoring!