6 expert care tips for your car battery

Have you ever experienced the crushing disappointment and frustration of putting the key into your car’s ignition, turning it and hearing nothing but the ominous silence that signifies the battery is no longer functioning? This is a problem that often appears to happen at the worst possible time: when you’re running late for work, when you’re in a deserted parking lot or when everything else has already gone wrong that day.

“What most people don’t realise is that there are actually simple steps you can take to look after the health and overall longevity of your car battery,” says Andrew Webb, Battery Centre’s Marketing Director.

Here’s our top 6 tips for ensuring maximum car battery life

Check that the terminals on your battery are clean and clear of corrosion.
To avoid any unnecessary loss of power, make sure connections are tight.
If you’re storing your car for an extended period, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery to stop it from running flat.
A short drive around the block won’t ‘recharge’ a flat battery. You would need to drive a considerable distance to ensure your battery is in a sufficiently charged condition to start your car. Rather disconnect the battery and place it on a bench charger, or preferably, take it to your nearest Battery Centre for a complete recharge.
Make sure you know how to correctly jump-start your car. Jump-starting incorrectly can cause major damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting a jump-start.
Have your battery and vehicle electrical system checked once a year, or before any extended journeys.

Trust the specialists

All Battery Centres are equipped with state-of-the-art battery testing equipment to ensure any problems are identified immediately.

For more information, you can visit your nearest Battery Centre or call the specialists toll-free on 0800 112 600.