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Travelling with Dogs

dog in crate wearing a harness

As responsible motorists, before setting off on a journey in the car, it is second nature to make sure the children are strapped in securely but what about our dogs? How safe are they as we drive on our roads and motorways.

An unrestrained dog in the car is not only at risk from injury, it also poses a serious driving hazard to all those in the vehicle, as well as other road users. It is against the law to carry an unrestrained animal in the car.  The law is quite clear on this: an unrestrained, free roaming dog, for example, could be judged to have contributed to causing an accident – and may also result in invalidation of insurance cover.

Having said that, if a dog is part of your family, chances are that travelling together is a regular adventure enjoyed by both parties – journeys to favourite walking areas, the beach where you can often set them free to run, and play in the surf – as well as the usual trips to the vets for vaccinations and check ups.

Here at the RAC shop, as professionals of the road, we know all about keeping your dog, you and your loved ones, secure and safe when travelling by road.

While it is true many dogs will sit quietly on the back seat for the duration of their journey, happily enjoying the view out of the window, in between naps – others will jump and fidget about, possibly cause a distraction to the driver of the vehicle – something that is to be avoided in order to prevent an accident.

Even a well trained and impeccably well behaved dog must be restrained in case of sudden braking, or an impact accident. A dog thrown through the windscreen, or against the vehicle frame or seats, very often sustains life threatening injuries.

 

It makes sense to transport your dog in the back of the car rather than the front. Never be tempted to sit with your dog on your lap while driving, or allow other passengers to travel with an unrestrained dog on their lap.

When choosing a car restraint for your dog, and car, you have a number of options on how to best to keep your dog secure and comfortable in the car. Your final decision will be determined by the size and shape of your vehicle, the size and temperament of your dog and what is easiest for you.

If like many, your dog is happy to sit quietly in a cage, then this could be the best option – providing that you have enough room, of course! The cage needs to be large enough to accommodate your dog comfortably and allow them to sit up, lie down and turn around.

Our cages are multifunctional and can be used as a bed or a travel carrier for your pet. They can help reduce driver distraction as well as ensuring your pet is secure and safe but also happy and at ease when on the road – and they are easy to assemble and store.

Where a cage is not practical, dog guards can be fitted to your car between the back of the seats and the boot area. This provides a restricted area of space for your dog to be contained within. Space wise, a dog guard is similar to having a cage within your car, but a cage provides added protection against impact injuries caused by being thrown around during an accident.

Dog harnesses, like standard walking harnesses are worn around the chest and girth of your dog, and fasten securely to your car’s existing seatbelt fittings. Dog harnesses are available in all shapes and sizes, with something to fit all dogs, thereby ensuring a good snug but comfortable fit which is vital for the harness to do the job it was designed for.

A quality dog car harness will be adequately padded to cushion the effects of restraint in the event of an accident or sudden stop. If your dog is happy wearing a harness, then a harness is probably the best and safest choice of restraint.

As well as making sure your dog is safely and adequately restrained when transporting a your dog – we’ve listed  here one or two additional words of advice to help make travelling with your dog a safer and more enjoyable.

  • When taking a dog in and out of a car, always use the doors on the pavement side of the road, never on the side of the traffic.
  • Do not allow or encourage your dog to simply leap out of the car after parking in a busy area or prior to that much anticipated walk.
  • Dogs love to poke their heads out of the window and take in the air when travelling in the car but it can be extremely dangerous for them to have any part exposed. They risk severe injury by hitting something driving past and would even be very painful for them to be caught on the nose by a bee or similar. If your dogs like the air then there are window vent guards that can be fitted in an instant.
  • Sun shades are a must for the dog loving driver. Fitted on the inside of windows when it is hot and sunny, your dog should remain much more comfortable.
  • Never leave your dog unattended in a car in warm hot weather. Every year a significant number of dogs suffer from the effects of heatstroke and even death. If the temperature outside is 20˚, inside the car the temperature can soar to over 40˚ in under an hour. And remember to take water and a container with you.

Here at the RAC Shop we have everything you need when it comes to keeping your dog safe and comfortable when travelling by car, van, or people carrier – Click here to view and choose the right product for you, your dog, and of course, your car.

Car batteries: Why they die in hot weather

xar battery has died due to hot weather

Dead car batteries are more often linked to winter conditions, when colder temperatures inhibit the chemical reaction necessary to make a battery work. Extreme cold also increases the thickness of the engine oil, meaning your battery has to work harder to crank the engine.

Under such conditions we also tend to use energy consuming features more often, such as the heater, windscreen wipers and lights.

Most drivers know that car batteries don’t like extreme cold weather and have turned the ignition key on a cold winter’s morning only to find the battery has died.

But, did you know that high temperatures can be worse for your car battery and often the battery problems we experience during the winter actually started back in the summer?

Batteries contain a liquid being a mixture of acid and water. It also generates heat and along with gaseous venting causes the liquid to slowly evaporate. When the fluid level gets too low, the internal plates of the battery are not adequately protected and damage can occur.

Damaged cells means a battery produces less voltage. However, you can sometimes repair damaged cells by applying an equalizing charge to give an extra boost – although this boost over-charges the healthy cells as well and can damage them. With standard acid flood car batteries it is possible to top up the liquid, extending the battery’s life.

Car battery designs have improved dramatically over the decades. As a consequence, whether or not you need to check electrolyte levels and top it up periodically depends on the battery/type of your vehicle.

Most modern cars are fitted with sealed, zero maintenance batteries which do not require topping up with distilled water.

However, the older type of car battery with screw caps is still used by some today and do need checking and topping up from time to time.

Tap water contains dissolved metallic solids which can cause short circuiting within the battery’s cells ultimately causing the battery to run warm, therefore reducing its capacity. For this reason it is essential to use only deionised and demineralised (distilled) water when topping up.

The problem with under topping (distilled water) is that it upsets the electrolyte balance – it increases the acid strength in the battery which accelerates the corrosion rate on the internal plates/elements. This is known as sulphation.

Overtopping distilled water dilutes the strength of the acid, also affecting the balance of the electrolyte, which also adversely affects the performance of the battery.
Charging a dead car battery will often do the trick – but not always!

A battery that has been irreparably damaged will continue to give problems and should be changed. It may be that your dead battery will accept a charge, at least enough to get you mobile again, but it will prove unreliable.

Also, it is important to note that you must use the correct type of charger for your battery – using a traditional battery charger designed for wet (non-sealed) batteries may cause irreversible damage to a sealed battery.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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Car mats: refresh, protect & add resale value

Car mats are one of the best ways to protect your car’s floors, give an instant interior face-lift, and enhance resale value.

Without protection standard factory floor mats can quickly become ingrained with dirt, grease, stains and other unmentionables. Leave it too long and you will never fully restore them.

The floors of a car can have a hard life – with children or adults spilling food and drink, muddy feet and pets getting in and out, as well as all the other stuff that often finds its way inside our car such as bags of garden compost and home improvement supplies. It’s little wonder they become tired looking and grubby.

Quality fitted car mats can help prevent all of these things from damaging the floors of your car. And while most cars come with car mats, they do wear out over time. Fitting new car mats help prevent long term damage to your carpeting and extends its life.

When selling a house we make great efforts to add appeal, usually by embarking on a mega spring clean, redecorating and tidying up the garden, in order to give us the edge over similar properties on the market. Selling a car or getting the best trade-in price should be no different.

But be aware, there are car mats, and there are car mats! Many off the shelf, “one size fits all” car mats may at first glance look great and help give that new-car smell of freshness so appealing to buyers, but this illusion is often short lived as they rarely give the 100% protection needed.

Unless you fit a car mat specifically designed for your make and model you may find they slide about or curl up at the edges – creating a hazard where you risk getting your feet trapped under these curled edges preventing you reaching the pedals; a potentially dangerous scenario to be avoided at all costs.

RAC tailored car mats are guaranteed to be a perfect fit for your car. We produce car mats at reasonable prices, and have mats to suit every budget – from standard to super deluxe; they all have one thing in common – Quality.

Our standard mats are a great entry level mat that provides a low cost route to refreshing your car’s interior, and our deluxe mats are made from the same material that manufacturers fit in their new cars.

Our ultra deluxe mats are the type you find only in high end vehicles. These mats feature deep pile carpet material similar to that typically used in home furnishing – car mats that really stand out and do.

We also offer hard wearing 3mm tailored rubber mats. These mats are the last word in durability. If your car has a tough life, with pets and muddy boots etc., these waterproof mats may be the answer to protecting your cars interior.

All of our car mats (with the exception of the ultra deluxe, which is simply too thick to stitch through) can be embroidered with custom text. Personalised car mats add a touch of originality to your car’s interior, and make a great gift.

We all want to get the best out of our car, keep it looking clean, smart and maintain its appeal and resale value. For these reasons most drivers protect their cars by fitting quality mats, easily removable and cleanable – a wise investment.

Car batteries: Jargon buster

Car batteries ignite the fuel/air mixture in an engine’s combustion chamber which in turn starts the engine and powers all of the electrical components in the vehicle. That’s the simple explanation, the bit we can all understand, but what about all the jargon and tech words we come across when trying to find the right car battery?

Rather than being a straightforward affair, choosing the correct battery can sometimes be confusing and could result in buying the wrong type – a battery totally unsuitable for the electrical demands of our vehicle.

To help better understand battery terminology we’ve put together a jargon buster of words and terms below – some of which you’ll need to be familiar with when searching for a new car battery, others that will come in handy for caring and maintaining your car battery

Absorbent Glass Mat car batteries (AGM) were developed for use by the military in the 1980s. Because of their high performance and enhanced electrical reliability they are ideal for today’s modern cars that are heavily equipped with sophisticated electrical systems and energy consuming devices and accessories.
Ampere Hours (Ah) relate to the sustained electrical power of the battery, in other words, how much power it can supply on a constant basis.

Most vehicles are only able to take a certain size of battery. If you have more than the average in-car electrical equipment or drive a mid to high end range car loaded with built in gadgets then go for a battery with a bit more Ah. 

Usually a three digit number, the ‘Cold Cranking Amps’ of a car battery indicates its ability to provide enough power to the starter motor and engine during a cold snap. The moving parts of an engine, when cold, meet more resistance as they move against one another as opposed to a warm engine that has been recently running which will usually start first time.

Diesel engines are usually heavier than petrol equivalents so require greater CCA.

The engines in older cars are not as free turning as those in newer vehicles and often struggle to start during cold temperatures – but a new battery with 5-10% more CCA than that of the existing battery will often improve starting on cold winter mornings.

Standard lead acid batteries, to work correctly and reliably, need to be constantly charged. This takes place through normal usage, the stored power being “topped up” by the alternator. 

Most types of car battery, during usage and whilst charging, will feel warm to the touch – but don’t worry, this is quite normal.  During charging, car batteries generate a by-product called oxyhydrogen gas.

Generally speaking, the performance of Lead Acid batteries quickly degrade when not kept fully charged especially if your vehicle is used infrequently and only for short journeys. This is true for even relatively new batteries. A charger is a piece of equipment you connect to your car battery and mains electricity supply which will “top up” the charge and get you mobile again – but be aware, if your battery is past its expected life cycle of between three and five years, using a battery charger is only a temporary quick fix.

When the power of a car battery is discharged or drained and then recharged it is said to have gone through 1 complete cycle.

Deep Cycle Batteries, by design, are built with heavier charge and discharge cycles and can remain uncharged for longer periods than a standard lead acid battery.

The charge of a standard lead-acid car battery is continuously topped up by the alternator and should never run flat during normal usage and its expected lifetime – but this expected life cycle can be greatly reduced if it is constantly operating below 90% charge for a long period. 

The utilised stored battery power.

Electrolyte is a substance that contains electrically charged particles called ions. A standard lead acid battery contains a mixture of water and sulphuric acid (electrolyte) that facilitates the storage of electrical power. 

The rows of positive and negative plates inside a car battery are known as elements.

Each element/ plate within a car battery is separated from the next using envelope separators. Envelope separators are micro-porous and regulate the efficiency of energy conversion.

Batteries with built in envelope separation generally provide improved performance and a longer lifecycle.

Gel batteries are becoming increasingly popular with motorists because they have a greater resistance to shock and extreme temperatures and do not have to be fixed in the upright position – a safer and more practical type of battery.

A lead acid battery is basically, a plastic box full of water, sulphuric acid, elements and lead plates. It is the most common and cheapest battery around and is suitable for most standard vehicles not too heavily laden with electrical devices and accessories.

The silver calcium coating of internal parts in silver calcium batteries provides better starting power (CCA), greater resistance to corrosion, and a reduction in electrolyte loss through evaporation – resulting in a longer life expectancy. 

SLA or sealed lead acid batteries are valve regulated maintenance-free and leak-proof – because of this they can be operated in any position, laid on its side, or upside down.

A battery designed with plenty of CCA for improved start-up.

Sulphation is the cause of many “wet” battery failures – sulphation occurs when a partially charged battery is left unused for a period of time. The most obvious sign of sulphation is a distinct sulphur/rotten egg odour.

Battery terminals are the two metal pegs that protrude from the top of the battery to which the electrical cables are connected.

Voltage is basically the power that drives/pushes the battery current/energy around – standard car batteries work on 12 volts.

Valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA) Batteries have a safely release valve to relieve internal pressures that build up during normal usage through ‘breather’ holes located on the top of the battery. These batteries must be kept upright and firmly secured as corrosive battery acid can leak through the open vents.

When searching for a new car battery you will probably come across many of the terms described above – some you may be familiar with, others perhaps not.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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Why choose RAC Batteries?

RAC batteries are reliable and affordable, providing drivers will a range of batteries that will suit your vehicle’s performances needs as well as providing an outstanding fitting service.

Our RAC batteries include up to a 5-year guarantee that helps to deliver a service that is reliable and convenient. RAC Batteries are high quality, powerful batteries that make sure you aren’t stood out in the cold.

The RAC Fitting Service

The RAC Premium car batteries can be fitted at a time and place that is convenient for you, by one of our nationwide RAC patrol fitters. Your new car battery can be fitted at your home, workplace or local garage to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

RAC can fit your car battery the same day, allowing you to carry on with your normal day hassle free.

  • RAC Batteries are manufactured to high quality standard and fitted by trusted technicians.
  • Up to 5 years guarantee

Buy your car battery with RAC and be back on the road today*

* Patrol Fitting service is not available on our standard or economy battery range. Fitting slots with an RAC patrol are bookable online and subject to time of booking and availability.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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About Our Batteries

Gone are the days of a one size fits all car battery, today’s vehicles and engines include some of the most advanced features, meaning that they demand so much more from their batteries. They need to be fully specialised to vehicle specifics such as its electronic equipment, driving styles and weather conditions.

We have teamed up with some of the industry’s most influential brands Varta, Bosch and Lion to develop enhanced units that can deal with the pressures that come directly from the vehicles engine.

Our batteries

As there are so many batteries to choose from, it can become overwhelming when trying to make the right decision, so we have grouped our batteries together to provide you with some collective information about them.

See below for further details:

  • If your vehicle contains superior electrical equipment, the RAC premium car battery is the perfect option for you.
  • It has up to 30% more starting power that standard batteries in order to deal with the added equipment which is more demanding on the vehicles engine.
  • It comes fully charges and ready to fit.
  • You will receive a 5 year guarantee if you choose the RAC patrol fitting option.
  • AGM batteries have been developed in conjunction with vehicles that have stop-start technology. They provide 50% more starting power than average batteries which is needed due to the technology putting added constraints onto the engine.
  • We recommend that you avoid trying to fit them yourself as it should be left to our professional patrols or technicians.
  • If you choose the RAC Patrol fitting option, it will leave you with a 5 year guarantee.
  • If your vehicle doesn’t contain any electronic advancements that simply includes standard electrical equipment, a standard battery will be perfect for it.
  • They have 15% extra starting power.
  • The PowerFrame Technology results in it gaining a 20% higher lifespan.
  • 3-year guarantee.
  • If your vehicle has an older or smaller engine, you should choose this battery, as it has the ability to meet all original equipment requirements.
  • It comes fully charged and ready to fit.
  • 2 year guarantee.

Our fitting service

To ensure that the fitting process is as convenient as can be, we have mobile and garage options available.

You don’t need to worry, all the local garages and technicians that we work alongside have been fully vetted by us, ensuring that your unit will be fitted by an experienced technician.

If you choose the mobile option, one of patrols will come and help you regardless of your location, whether it being at home, at work or at the roadside.

Read more about our service here or choose your new battery here

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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Car battery leaking: Advice and tips

Car batteries contain a sulphuric acid solution that is highly toxic and corrosive. It is therefore vital you handle leaking car batteries with extreme care and attention and for safety reasons, we advise you use protective eyewear and gloves. Always ensure a leaking car battery is stored in a safe and secure manner, well away from children and pets till disposed of correctly.

It is unusual for car battery acid to leak if it is functioning normally; however, there are tell-tale signs that can indicate a car battery leak.

Cracks in the battery casing and visible evidence of fluid dripping from these fractures.

There is bubbling liquid seeping through the cell caps.

The battery is warped, inflated or appears distorted.

If you notice any of these conditions it means the battery is damaged and should be removed and replaced immediately.

Should you come into direct contact with the contents of a leaking car battery, wash the solution off your skin immediately in cold water. If you get it in your eyes, flush thoroughly with water and seek medical advice and attention.

Unless they are physically damaged or over-charged, car batteries typically should not leak. Car batteries do not last forever however, and as a rule of thumb they should be replaced approximately every three to five years. The longer a car battery is in use, the more unreliable and prone to leakages they become. For this reason they should be checked at frequent intervals.

When a car battery leaks acid, it is usually through the cell caps on the top of the battery, or due to damage to the body.

Overcharging your car’s battery is another reason for car battery acid leakage. Smart battery chargers detect and give signals to show when a battery is charged to full capacity to avoid this.

Extreme cold weather is also a factor that can lead to a car battery leak. Under such conditions the car battery acid inside may begin to freeze and cause the body of the battery to expand, putting pressure on the cells, similar to water pipes that burst in winter weather. Although this is unlikely to happen, it can still occur, which may result in acid leakage. For more information see our article on Car batteries, Cold Weather and Winter Tips and Advice.

Car batteries contain a solution of water and acid. Under extreme cold conditions this liquid mixture can separate.

Problems may occur if you top up a battery with distilled water and over-fill it. Those are the only times where it would be likely that any liquid coming out of a battery would be water. For the most part batteries leak acid, a dangerous substance you should avoid contact with.

Many car batteries today are sealed ‘maintenance free’ units. Sealed unit batteries have a slightly different chemistry make up and consume less water than the conventional, older type of battery and therefore do not need periodic topping up with water. However, even these modern day batteries may become damaged and leak. Sealed unit batteries too have a life cycle and will eventually die and need replacing.

Your local recycling centre is usually the best port of call in the first instance, or the garage from where you purchased your replacement battery. Most other garages will dispose of old and leaking batteries, though there may be a small charge for this service.

We hope this information has given you the information you need regarding leaking car batteries. However, if you suspect your battery is leaking, we advise that you replace it immediately. We supply batteries for just about every make and model of car on the road – see our battery finder chart, and find the battery that is right for your vehicle.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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Car battery sizes guide

A fitted car battery.

Car battery size and choosing the correct battery for your make and model of vehicle is important – pick the wrong one, then no matter your cars specification, or how well it is maintained, it simply will not perform as it should or could.

Your car battery powers the spark that ignites the fuel that gets you started. It also helps give power to your lights, indicators, navigational system, dash-cams, windscreen wipers and electric windows, along with many other on-board electrical features.

Car batteries have an average life span of between three to five years, providing it’s the correct car battery size for your vehicle; fitting the wrong size can mean unreliability and frequent breakdowns.

There are various factors that need to be considered when choosing your new battery. Along with the battery size you must also pay attention to:

  • The location of the terminals
  • The type of the terminal (standard post, Japanese post, side terminal, or square bolt-through)
  • The number of cells
  • The voltage
  • The cold cranking amperage (CCA)

The Amp/hour rating

Choosing the wrong size battery can be dangerous and damage your vehicle. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from an expert if you are unsure or need more information.

Just because a battery fits conveniently into the vehicles battery holding tray does not mean it’s the right one.

Battery group sizes are numbers and letters that have been assigned to the battery to represent the ‘group size’ that the battery belongs to.  This designation code includes the make, model, and engine type of the vehicle that the battery can be fitted to. Car batteries should fit snuggly in their holding tray to prevent being thrown around whilst the vehicle is in motion.

The RAC battery finder and fitting service can help you find the correct size battery for your car in seconds, have it delivered, and even fit it in a time frame and location of your choice with just a few clicks of a button, it couldn’t be easier.

As with most things, it’s always worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting the best product, at the best price. Choosing the right battery for your car will help ensure your car performs as it should as well as minimise the risk of costly breakdowns. We constantly price match our batteries but from time to time you may find a like for like battery at a lower price. If this is the case please let us know as we will do our very best to beat that price.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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Has my car battery died?

A dead car battery being jump started.

Your car battery is perhaps the most essential part of your vehicle. Once the battery is ‘flat’ or ‘has died’, the vehicle will no longer function. In the first instance, if you are struggling to start your car, it is highly likely there is a problem with the battery.

A working battery recharges itself as you drive, however, if your battery is faulty it will not be able to retain its charge and it will, in effect, die on you again. 

Car batteries on average need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. If you have an old car battery it is likely that your battery won’t be holding charge as well as it should either in cold or hot temperatures, which would make it more difficult to start your vehicle. If there is visible damage to the battery such as cracking, warping, or you notice the electrolyte bubbling, this too will flatten your battery. In both these cases it is recommended you get it replaced as soon as possible to prevent damaging your vehicle.

Something as simple as leaving the interior light on in your car overnight can flatten a battery. Whatever the reason for your dead battery: a battery booster, a time consuming recharge, or a much needed boost using jump leads are your initial options for getting on the road again. If all else fails, then you are left with the option of calling for roadside assistance.

In the cold winter months, your car battery is placed under significantly more pressure. The demand on your battery is greater due to it needing more energy to crank the engine, activate your heater, headlights, windscreen wash and wipers. On short journeys, under such conditions, the battery will discharge more quickly, but may not get enough time to recharge itself.

Extremely  hot outside temperatures, combined with the high temperature generated by the car’s engine, accelerates corrosion of car batteries and can cause the water in the electrolyte mixture to separate and evaporate, breaking down the battery grids.

A well known myth is that leaving your car stood on concrete will cause energy to leak out of your battery. This theory however does not apply to modern day cars and will not damage them in any way. The first acid lead batteries, as they were made up of glass cells contained in tar lined wooden boxes, could be affected by a concrete base – the damp, cold concrete floor could cause these wooden boxes to swell and crack the glass cells inside.

The casings for modern car batteries are made from toughened plastic and are not affected by damp/cold concrete flooring.  In fact the reverse is true, modern day car batteries can actually benefit from concrete flooring as this acts as a thermal buffer.

When your vehicle is not in use, your battery is not charging. Your battery stores its power/ charge and tops itself up as it being driven, but will naturally discharge itself if left unused for any length of time.

To help you stay mobile, battery charger/conditioners can be fitted to your vehicle to monitor your battery’s performance and can help prevent you from being caught out by a ‘flat’ or ‘dead’ battery. Their built in reconditioning program has the ability to revive deeply discharged batteries.

There are multiple reasons why car batteries die, however by clicking on our car battery finder section, you can choose the right battery, to suit your specific vehicle make, model, and electrical demands.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help.

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How to charge a car battery

A battery warning sign appearing on a vehicles dashboard.

How to charge a car battery correctly is a question we are often asked – unfortunately, this is often when attending an assistance call where battery problems have led to a breakdown.

Although most car batteries can provide trouble-free motoring for between three to five years when cared for correctly, occasions do arise when charging a car battery.

Why do car batteries go flat?

There are a number of reasons for a flat car battery, the most common being old age – more than five years for a car battery should be considered a good life cycle. Essentially, a car battery is only used for cranking the car engine when it is initially started. However, over time as it ages, it will experience a natural fall off in its capacity to hold its charge, and will go dead more frequently. There are other reasons for a battery running flat, including;

·        Frequent short journeys do not allow the battery to fully recharge

·        The use of onboard electronic devices when the car is not running

·        Even leaving  an interior light on overnight when the vehicle is not in use could drain a battery

·        Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold

·        Fitting the wrong battery, one that cannot meet the demands of the car

·        Overcharging a battery

Charging a Car Battery – How long does it take?

Charging a car battery can vary when it comes to how long this process takes. This all depends on the make and model and can differ depending on the batteries amps and charger that you’re using. High-speed charging is usually 6-10amps, whereas low-speed charging is typically 2-3amps which is usual for a gradual overnight charge.

We recommend that you opt for a slower charge to prevent the risk of the battery plates becoming buckled.

How to charge a car battery

Providing the battery is not excessively past its expected life cycle, with the right equipment, charging a car battery is not difficult. From this step-by-step guide, you can confidently charge your car battery both safely and efficiently. Remember you should never be charging a car battery if it is leaking or damaged.

Please refer to our guidance notes on choosing the correct battery charger for your make and model of vehicle.

First, check the car battery charger you propose to use is suitable for your particular battery. If you have an AGM or EFB battery you will need a smart charger

Clean the lead terminals. If the lead terminal poles of the battery look dirty or corroded, ensure that you clean them with a wire brush and wipe away any residue before charging. With a conventional unsealed battery check the electrolyte levels completely cover the plates as you may need to top up with distilled water. This will extend the batteries life and will reduce any risks of excessive gassing and bubbling

Before disconnecting the battery, as a precautionary measure, ensure you have any PIN codes readily at hand for your electrical components, navigational system, radio, etc, as they may need to be reset when you reconnect it.

It is important to disconnect the negative lead first to prevent electrical shock, and reconnect it last. Loosen the clamps or screws that connect the battery to the terminals and disconnect the securing mechanism that holds the battery in its housing. Use care to avoid spillage when handling and moving the battery to the site of charging.

When the battery is sited on a stable, flat surface ready for charging, connect the battery charger’s cables to the battery by matching positive to positive and negative to negative. When they have been secured, plug the charger into your electric supply. Ensure that the battery and the charger are separated as far away as possible from each other.

Before switching on the electrical power to charge your battery refer to the manual that was supplied with the charger. Check if you need to switch it off manually when the battery is fully charged, or if it will automatically switch off when the charging cycle is complete.

Please refer to our guidance notes on choosing the correct battery charger for your make and model of vehicle.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger and know exactly how to charge a car battery. Choose the correct charger for your battery by clicking on the link, or if you would prefer to speak with one of our advisors regarding the appropriate battery or charger for your vehicle, then give us a call on 0800 8620676. We are here to help

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