Battery care tips

Heat speeds up the chemical ageing inside a lead-acid battery, and an engine bay gets much hotter than the air outside.

• Park in shade when you can.
• Check that any heat shield around the battery is still in place.
• If the case looks swollen, have the battery tested. It has probably been overheated.

Many short trips take more out of the battery to start the engine than the alternator puts back. Over time the battery loses capacity.

• Take a drive of at least 30 minutes once a week.
• If the car will stand for weeks, use a smart charger, or ask us whether the battery should be disconnected.
• Avoid running the radio, lights or air conditioning for long with the engine off.

White or green powder on the terminals blocks current. A loose clamp can also cause starting trouble.

• Wipe the terminals with a mix of baking soda and water, then dry them. Disconnect the negative terminal first.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or terminal protector after reconnecting.
• Check the battery is clamped down firmly, because vibration can damage it inside.

A battery test takes a few minutes. We suggest testing every six months, and any time the car cranks slowly. Testing also shows whether the real fault is the alternator.