Motoring News

Winter is not a great time for your car battery – a vehicle’s engine requires more power to start when cold and colder temperatures make it more difficult for a car battery to provide the power it usually does. Cars these days are equipped with a myriad of electronics that all rely on the correct battery voltage to perform optimally. Unfortunately, automatic gearboxes also mean that it is impossible to push start your car, and sensitive electronics can be damaged by jump-starting vehicles incorrectly. As batteries get older, they require a longer running time to fully recharge after the heavy load of starting a vehicle, so if you generally only travel short distances, the battery will not have enough time to sufficiently recharge.

If your battery is running out of time or you cannot remember when it was last replaced, it is a good idea to have it checked to ascertain if it still has some life left in it. Most battery retailers will perform this check free of charge.

Prolong the life of your battery with these handy tips:

• Keep your car warm by parking it undercover or in a garage to lessen the strain on the battery as you start your car on cold mornings.

• If your car is struggling to start, take a break of a few minutes between

each starting attempt.

• Ensure that all ancillaries, including the lights, radio and heater, are turned

off to free up extra power.

• Ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained, as this will place less strain

on the battery.