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What is a car battery?
A car's battery, which is rechargeable, is one of those components that must be fully-functional for a car to start. This is because its main purpose is to feed electricity to the starter, which starts the engine. Once the engine is running, power for the car's electrical systems is supplied by the alternator, which takes around 20 minutes to fully recharge a car battery.
How long does a car battery last?
- As with all batteries, its strength will diminish over a period of time, rechargeable or not.
- Although some batteries need to be maintained, most motorists opt for a maintenance-free version.
- Car batteries are designed and built to last between 3-5 years.
- One should buy a 5-year car battery if the car will be driven in harsh weather or on frequent, short car journeys.
What are the possible signs that a car needs a new battery?
- The “charge” indicator on a car’s dashboard lights up.
- Headlights are dim or don’t come on at all.
- The engine does not, or takes a while, to start.
- Some electrical components in the car are not working correctly.
- Corrosion on the terminals.
- The car backfires.
How do I avoid running down a car battery?
- Frequently check that the terminals aren’t corroded and that everything is connected properly.
- Its life can also be curtailed if used to power non-automobile electronic devices, such as a television.
- Use the car at least once a week.
- Don’t sit in the car with engine off, but the radio or lights on, for an extended period of time.
How long does it take to change a car battery?
- Even though car batteries are heavy, it is usually a straightforward job to replace one.
- If you don’t want to do it yourself then a garage can do it for you for a minimal charge.
- They will often do it for free if you buy it from them.
How much does a new car battery cost?
- Up to £100, depending on the car, the quality and the length of time stated on it that it is expected to last.
How can you save money (and the environment) while you drive?
As every garage owner will tell you, there are some tried and tested ways to cut down on your petrol costs (and consumption) while you’re out and about in Stourport-on-Severn or beyond. One is to shut your windows. If you can hear that wind noise in your car it’s costing you more to drive. This is because the car becomes less aerodynamic and has to work harder to motor along. Removing a roof rack will improve your fuel efficiency for the same reason. Another useful tip is to combine short trips into one; each time you drive after your car has been parked for a while the engine will be cold and need to use a lot more fuel for the first 5 miles or so. If you do one trip from school drop-off to supermarket to office you’ll use far less fuel than if you do all those trips individually.