When winter hits, breakdowns get more frequent, and it pays to be prepared. Especially with your battery.
November to January is peak season for breakdowns, and batteries are one of the biggest culprits. Green Flag’s callouts for flat batteries increase 60% in the winter, especially on those dreaded Monday mornings (when cars that have been parked up over the weekend can’t face the commute either).
Getting off to a false start at the beginning of the week is no fun at all, but luckily, we’re here with some tips to keep your battery feeling positive.
Each battery has a lifespan
If your battery is four or five years old, it could be reaching the end of its life, so it’s worth getting it checked as it starts to age. Most battery checks also test the starting and charging system, which is essential for keeping you moving.
Keep corrosion at bay
Check your clamps and cables regularly for signs of corrosion and clean it off with a wire brush. Corrosion restricts the flow of current and makes the battery work harder than it needs to.
Take the strain off your battery
When your car resembles a chest freezer in winter, it’s tempting to jump in and whack the heating up to full. That can put a strain on your battery, especially if you put the heated seats on and try charging your phone as well. It’s best to let the alternator charge your battery for a bit before you turn everything on.
Get a trickle charger
If you don’t drive regularly or only travel short distances in your car, consider getting a trickle charger. They stop car batteries from losing enough charge to keep going, which can happen when you don’t drive very often.
Switch off
Remember to turn off all electrical loads when you kill the engine. Things like wipers, lights, and the radio can drain your battery if you leave them on, which could be a problem next time you try to start the car.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, said: “Winter puts all sorts of strain on our cars and the last thing you need on a cold, frosty morning is a car that won’t start.
“A battery that was working fine over the summer can quickly start causing problems when the temperature starts dropping. It is a good idea to get it checked and possibly replaced, particularly if it’s over four years old.”
If your battery has a shocker this winter, we’re always here to help.