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When a battery is fully charged, and all electrical components are off, it should produce an average of 12.5V. It’s not difficult – to check the voltage just use a simple battery tester. You can also check the actual voltage and electrolyte levels, which will help you to spot problems and see if it needs replacing. Check the Battery Voltage and Electrolyte Level And if you don’t use your car often, make sure you ‘exercise’ the battery every now and again by going for a longer drive as this will charge it up again.Īdopting habits like this can make a big difference to the lifespan of your car’s battery and help you avoid the dreaded jump start.Ĥ.
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If possible, keep your car in a garage when it’s cold as low temperatures make it harder for the engine to turn over, putting strain on the battery. This means that when you next use your car, there won’t be an excessive load on the battery. For instance, you should always switch electrical components - like air conditioning, seat warmers, heated rear screen - off before you turn off the ignition.
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Simple changes to how you use your car can help maintain a healthy battery. You should check the battery at the same interval as you check the oil – every fortnight. Loose cables or a defective charging system (e.g.Car batteries should be replaced every five years, even if they’ve been well maintained. Extreme hot or cold weather can reduce the amount of energy a battery generates.Using too many electronic devices, especially when the ignition is first switched on.
CAR BATTERY INDICATOR BLACK FULL
Frequent short trips, which don’t give the battery enough time to reach full charge.Leaving exterior/interior lights, or other electrical devices, switched on when the ignition is off.Here, we list the factors which can cause car batteries to lose power: Understand What Causes a Low or Flat Battery It’s not always easy to tell when a battery is low or failing, but checking it regularly will help you to avoid problems, especially if you have an older car.Ģ. Change in sound at idle – When you first turn the ignition and switch on an electrical component, does the car’s idling sound change?.Struggling starter motor – Does the engine struggle to start when you switch on the ignition?.Dim headlights – Are the headlights dim at idle, but then brighten when you rev the engine?.The tell-tale signs that show when a battery is flat or failing include: Spot the Signs of a Flat or Failing Battery Clean the Battery Terminals, Clamps, and Cablesġ.Check the Battery Voltage and Electrolyte Level.Understand What Causes a Low or Flat Battery.Spot the Signs of a Flat or Failing Battery.
CAR BATTERY INDICATOR BLACK HOW TO
In this guide, we offer practical advice on looking after a car battery, and how to tell when yours is ready for a service. Batteries are more susceptible to failure when it’s cold, so a few simple checks can help make sure it’s performing at its best. Do you want to avoid unexpected breakdowns and unwanted repair bills this winter? Prepare by reading through our winter driving tips, including checking the health and condition of your car’s battery.
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