As we move into the colder winter months, you should ask yourself whether your car is up to scratch. There are so many things to think about when running a car that it can often feel a little overwhelming, leading to important issues being put off until an MOT is due.
Today we’re talking about batteries; what are they, what do they do and more importantly, do I need a new one?
What is a car battery?
Your car’s battery is one of its most important parts. Without it, you’d turn the key and nothing would happen. You wouldn’t be able to start the car, let alone turn the lights or radio on.
When you turn your key, the battery helps ‘ignite’ the engine, causing it to roar into life and start turning over. Back in the day, cars would have engine cranks on their front and would require the driver to get the engine started by hand. Thankfully cars and their batteries have come an awful long way since then!
How do I know if I need a new one?
Luckily modern cars have plenty of warning signs for when something is wrong. Make sure you keep an eye on the following;
Your engine takes a while to fire
One of the most obvious ways to tell you’ve got a battery issue is if your car struggles to get going. By this we mean if you turn your key and it takes a few attempts for the engine to fire.
Your ‘Check Engine’ light is on
The ‘Check Engine’ light in most cars is a generic warning light on the dashboard that signals something is wrong. The first thing to do is to consult your handbook. If this provides no clear resolution, you may need to contact a mechanic and get your battery tested.
Weak electrics
If your car’s electrical components, such as the radio and lights, seem dimmer than usual then this could indicate an issue. All electrics, including items plugged in via the power adapter, run off the battery. Although it is charged as you drive, like all power cells, car batteries have a finite life cycle.
Warped or corroded battery case
Another quick indicator as to whether anything is wrong is the physical condition of the battery. Pop your bonnet open to inspect the casing and connectors. If the casing is warped or the connectors are covered in an ashy-like substance, there is a battery problem.
Rancid smell
Is there a slightly strange smell lingering around your car? If there is, then this could be another sign that you need a new car battery.
If the battery is leaking gas, then a smell similar to rotten eggs is often present. If you can smell eggs when you open the bonnet, get your battery seen by a mechanic ASAP.
Old battery
Perhaps an obvious point, but one that is regularly overlooked. If you have an old car and you haven’t replaced the battery, it’s probably something that is worth looking at. We consider a car battery old after just 3 years.
It’s simply not worth leaving it until you’re forced to deal with a car that won’t start. You’ll be enjoying a long wait for the recovery van if you do.
Why has my car battery died so quickly?
There are plenty of reasons your car’s battery might have died a little quicker than expected.
Like we mentioned before, they are recharged as you drive via a dynamo powered by the engine. If your car is not driven regularly for an extended period of time your battery can become flat. Likewise, if you only make short journeys, your battery doesn’t get the chance to recharge.
The outside temperature can also have an adverse effect on a battery’s lifespan. Extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter will have an impact and potentially leave you with a dead battery if you’re not careful.
Of course, perhaps the most common reason a battery goes flat quicker than expected is if the electrics are left on overnight. An interior light, headlight or the radio left on would more than likely leave you with a battery as flat as a pancake the next morning.
How can I improve my battery life?
There are several maintenance tips and tricks for keeping your car going as long as possible. But when it comes to batteries, the simple fact of the matter is that they will eventually come to the end of their lifecycle and need to be replaced.
When this happens, you will need to head to a garage and speak to a mechanic. Luckily, a new battery isn’t the most expensive job - costing on average £60 plus labour.
Another way to overcome battery issues and really make sure you’re winter ready would be through buying one of our brand new cars. With a wide selection to choose from and plenty of finance options available, you can start the search for yours today.
