Car batteries are one of the things that you don’t really think about – until they don’t work. Batteries don’t last forever and they all need to be replaced eventually. A flat battery can happen either because the battery is old, or it has been drained by, for example, lights being left on with the motor off.
It is one of the main reasons for breakdowns and in the case of a drained battery all that is needed is a bump start; however, breakdown recovery services usually recommend a new battery, whether you need one or not.
What Causes A Flat Battery?
Your battery is needed to get the car started in the first place. Once the engine is running, the battery recharges, ready for next time. Aside from leaving a light on for a prolonged period of time, the biggest cause of a flat battery is under-usage. If a car isn’t used very often, the battery will go flat. Equally, if you only go on very short journeys, your battery won’t have the chance to recharge. This causes the lead plates in the battery to harden, which affects the battery’s ability to hold charge; a process known as sulphation. Finally, as your battery ages, it loses its ability to charge and then hold that charge; typically, batteries have a lifespan of 4-6 years.
To Replace or Recharge?
It is fairly simple to tell if your battery is on its way out, before you break down. If your battery is more than three years old, start your car in the dark with the headlights on. If your headlights are dim, try revving the engine (make sure you are in neutral or park!); if the headlights brighten after a few revs, your battery is failing. If your car fails to start at all, a new-ish battery is likely to be flat, but an older one is probably dead; contact your recovery service or a local garage.
Prolonging Battery Life
It is possible to prolong the life of your battery. Make sure it is kept clean and that the connections are secure; if in doubt, you can ask your local garage to check it for you. If you don’t use your car often, or if you only tend to use it for short journeys, it can help to go on an occasional longer trip, to get your battery fully charged.
Using The Right Battery
Cars aren’t as simple as they used to be; with every new feature comes another electrical mechanism that needs to be powered. If you need a new car battery, it is not always best value to go for the cheapest but nor is it wise to get the most expensive, either. The best thing is to check with the manufacturer or ask a local mechanic; they will advise you on what is best for your vehicle, not what makes the company the most money.
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