How long can I leave my battery unused?
The type of battery and the storage temperature will determine the rate of discharge. Lack of use is the biggest cause of battery failure, especially in automotive batteries, however regardless the type of battery, they will always self-discharge over time and if left in a discharged state, could suffer failure.
When do I need to change my car battery?
- After 2-3 years it is normally time to install a replacement.
- Your battery tends to lose power in cold or extended starts.
- Your headlights dim when you are idling.
- Your car is slow to crank.
- If you have a battery fluid leak
- If your vehicle sits idle for extended periods, follow these tips:
Use a battery charger: Keep a spare battery charger and periodically connect it to your vehicle's battery to maintain its charge.
Disconnect the negative terminal: Alternatively, you can disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent passive drainage. Note that this may reset certain settings. - If you consistently take short trips like daily drives to the office and the grocery store, your battery doesn’t have enough time to recharge fully between trips. This can lead to decreased performance.
When / Why do car batteries fail?
- Car batteries rely on liquids to keep moving. The sweltering heat of summer can lead to evaporation of water in your car’s battery acid, resulting in decreased performance, subpar starting power, and a shortened lifespan.
- If the weather is very cold, your battery needs to work harder to generate enough energy to keep running, and cold weather can also result in thicker engine oil, which puts an additional strain on your battery.
What battery can I expect to receive?
We specialise in Lucas, Exide & Exide car batteries.
How to jump start a car?
Follow these steps:
Gather jumper cables and a working vehicle.
Connect positive terminals, then negative terminals.
Start the working vehicle and wait a few minutes.
Try starting the dead vehicle.
Disconnect the cables in reverse order.
Alternatively, give us a call and we will come to you!
How do I know if it is my battery or alternator?
To determine whether it's a battery or alternator issue:
Battery: Slow cranking, dim headlights, and a lit battery warning light are signs of a battery problem.
Alternator: Constantly needing jump-starts, engine stalling, flickering dashboard lights, and unusual noises indicate an alternator problem.