LAST THING YOU NEED IS A FLAT START
IT’S getting colder and as winter sets in, the last thing you need is to wake up to a flat battery, so what can you do to avoid it?
Euro Car Parts, which has over 300 branches here and in the UK, has compiled a list of five easy ways to get the full five-odd years of life from a battery and aren’t left in the lurch.
The first is obvious. Make sure your lights, radio and air conditioning are all turned off before you turn the key. They quickly use up battery life and can drain the battery totally when the engine is off.
If possible, store your car in a garage or underground car park to protect it from freezing weather conditions. Motor oil thickens in colder temperatures, which makes it harder to start the engine. This places strain on the battery when starting the car and can end up draining it.
The most common reason batteries fail during the winter is because of the damage sustained in the summer. Heat is damaging because it increases the rate of evaporation from the battery cells. The cold then reveals the battery’s weaknesses as there is less power to heat the cold engines with the thick oil in the car. Given the summer we had, this is worth bearing in mind.
Keep the battery clean to ensure no debris can lodge itself into the battery, or cause corrosion on surrounding car parts. Wipe down the sides and edges with a water and baking soda solution.
Be sure to drive regularly and for long periods of time, to get the most out of your battery life.
Making sure the battery is securely fastened is crucial. If it’s not, it can vibrate when in use, causing internal damage. Check your battery terminal regularly, especially if you drive on bumpy roads a lot, as this can see the fastening dislodge.
If all else fails, ensure you have a home start package with one of the motor rescue organisations!