Flat car batteries are one of the most common reasons that motorists call breakdown providers like the AA or RAC during the winter months; In fact they account for around 1/3 of all the call outs! Why is this you may ask....well because we are using our car heaters, headlights and other electrical components of the car during the winter months an additional strain is being placed on the vehicles battery! So what can you do to ensure you dont become one of the statistic that requires the services of a breakdown recovery service provider or if you dont have breakdown cover, an unexpected trip to the shop for a set of jump leads, the use of someone elses car to assist in the jump start of your vehicle, late for work, worrying all day if your car will start for your journey home etc etc etc? You should make sure that you do not use these features any more than is necessary; switching off heaters and blowers as soon as your vision is restored for example. In addition, ensure that your car is not left unused for long periods of time such as over a weekend; as your battery will be less likely to fail if it has a regular charge running through it.



It is important to note that your car battery usually only last no longer than five years; therefore if your battery is coming to the end of its life as winter approaches it might be worthwhile changing it in order to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown. 


Maintenance tips for your battery.... Some batteries need water!

If your battery has vent caps, remove them to check the level of the electrolyte. It should rise 1/2 inch (13 mm) above the battery’s top plates. If it doesn’t, use distilled water to raise the level to 1/4 or 3/8 inch (6 or 10 mm) below the bottom of the vent cap. Don’t use tap water, as it may contain minerals that can damage your battery. Your local independent garage should check your battery as a part of your regularly scheduled service plan! That is why it is so important to adhere to your servicing schedule.


How to correctly jump start your car.

If you inadvertently leave your lights on overnight or in the car park when at a trip to the shops or during work and drain your battery, take the following precautions to prevent damage to the battery and the starter when jump-starting your car: 
  • Don’t risk causing the battery to explode. With both cars off, connect a positive cable end to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery. 
  • Connect the other positive cable end to the positive terminal of the source battery. 
  • Connect a negative cable end to the negative terminal of the source battery. 
  • Attach the remaining negative cable to unpainted metal on the car engine (as far from the dead battery as possible). 
  • Wait a few minutes and try to start the disabled car. If it doesn’t start, start the source car and then try starting the dead one again. 
  • When the car starts, be careful to disconnect the cables in the reverse order. 
  • If the car still doesn’t start, don’t keep trying to charge it or you are liable to damage the starter motor. Take the battery to your local independent garage and see if they can recharge it. Sometimes its just better to get a new battery!
  • If you manage to get your car started make sure you go for a good drive to fully charge the battery - at least 5 to 10 miles or hook the battery up overnight to a battery recharger.