Make sure you have a good look at your electrical connections
To ensure proper current flow, make sure that the cable connections and battery terminals are clean and tight. The corrosion at the battery terminals can cause a car to not start by increasing electrical resistance. It is therefore important to clean the terminals regularly with water and a wire brush. Wear gloves and eye protection as lead sulphate is toxic if it gets inhaled, swallowed or comes in contact with skin.
Make sure to keep your batteries dry and clean
An unclean battery surface can cause a discharge or corrosion. It is important not to spill oil or grease on the battery’s top.
Keep your battery charged
Your battery’s life will be reduced if it is not charged or used enough. This is most common in vehicles that are not used for long periods of times or watercraft. To ensure the longest battery life, it is important to charge your battery regularly.
Take care
We recommend that you have your battery tested and checked by a professional for your safety.
- Avoid placing metallic objects on top, as this could cause the battery’s short circuit.
- Avoid sparks and flames from batteries, as they may explode or catch fire with hydrogen gas.
- Sulphuric acid is found in batteries so ensure that no part of your body, or any other damageable object, comes in contact with it. Use large quantities of water to neutralize the acid and flush it away.
- Batteries can be very heavy so make sure you use proper lifting techniques. If the battery comes with a carry handle, you can use that to transport the battery.
- Keep children away
Winter battery care
Nobody likes to get up in the morning on a frosty, cold morning. The cold can cause your car to have difficulty starting or excessive cranking, which can have a significant impact on its motor and electrical system.
To avoid your car not starting in morning, the best thing to do is:
- Your car should be kept in the garage. It will be protected from the cold. This will make it easier to start the battery and less stressful.
- Check that the battery is tightened.
Vibration can cause damage of the battery case and plates. Ensure that terminals are cleaned at all times during major services. - Make sure your battery water is always full.
You should take out the filter caps from a ‘Standard or ‘Low Maintenance” battery and make sure to check the water level each month. Keep the water level at least halfway between the plates and the filter caps. Spills should be wiped clean.
- Listen out for warning signs.
Slow cranking of the car when it is started is one of the most obvious signs of a low battery. Contact a specialist if this happens - Check the battery’s age.
Older batteries can be less effective at starting your car in winter. It may be necessary to replace your battery if it is older than three years.
When is it time to change your car’s battery?
The starting process is often when the first sign of a problem with a battery appears.
If your car’s battery is not strong enough to supply sufficient voltage to the starter, the engine will stop cranking over and you’ll hear a clicking sound. The battery is not fully charged when it clicks.
AA Battery Service can conduct a battery test to determine if a new battery is needed. Sometimes, a defective alternator is the problem. Other times, the test will show that the battery is weak and unable to hold a charge. This indicates that the battery needs to be replaced.
