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Car batteries, questions and problems: Car battery advice

Car battery problems are the cause of many thousands of roadside rescue calls every winter – and whilst most motorists are aware that cold temperatures can play havoc with a car battery, few realise hot sunny days can be even worse!

Extremely hot weather and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life – your battery contains liquid and heat causes it to evaporate. Low fluid levels will damage the internal structure of the battery.

Generally speaking, we motorists are often more aware of the importance of water, oil, clutch, break fluid levels, and tyre pressures, than issues with the battery. When it comes to the bit of kit that fires the engine into life and gets us going, keeps us warm, drives the windscreen wipers, powers the navigational system and dash cam, and lights the road up at night, we’re often a little in the dark.

In this short article we’ll look at just a few of the questions we’re asked about car batteries – most often at the roadside when attending a call-out for a battery related problem.

My battery is not charging

If your car  engine won’t start, it is often because the battery is dead. If this is the case, you may need to charge the battery, or for an immediate quick fix, a boost from a pair of jump leads.

However, if your vehicle has a charging fault, it may still not start, even after a jump or lengthy period of recharging. Or, it may start after a boost, only to run flat again after a few short miles.

To help pin point the cause of your flat battery there are a few simple checks you can carry out, such as:

Identify its level of charge by turning on the headlights. If their brightness is normal, the battery is not at fault. Whereas, if the lights are dim, but brighten when the accelerator is pressed, or they don’t come on at all, it is more than likely a battery fault.

Check the voltage using a voltmeter. If the battery is fully charged it should be around 12.6 volts with no load. If the reading is below 12.45 volts, its a sign that your battery needs to be recharged, or replaced.

Check whether the battery is holding charging using a hand held electronic battery tester

Often, the cause of your car battery not working will be obvious, such as accidentally leaving your lights or radio on. In this case, you will simply need to jump start it.

Once you have jump started your vehicle into life, you will need a journey of approximately thirty minutes or so to allow time for the battery to recharge itself.

If your vehicle fails to start and you hear a clicking sound rather than the reassuring sound of the engine, or there is complete silence when you turn the key, then a dead battery is likely to be the issue. If it starts then dies this is also a sign of a dead battery.

Often, it is on-board electrical equipment that drains the battery – it may seem obvious but it’s important to switch off the lights and radio etc. when you leave your car overnight and for long periods.

Cold weather is a major cause for batteries losing their charge, so minimising the use of non essential electrical equipment during these times is always a good idea. For more information on battery cold winter care please see our article Car batteries, Cold Weather and Winter Tips and Advice

Car batteries charge themselves whilst the vehicle is being driven, but it won’t fully charge itself during short journeys. The cars alternator plays a big part in helping the battery to charge itself – but if it becomes corroded, or has a loose connection it cannot function correctly, and the battery will run flat.

If you suspect there is an issue with the alternator or starter motor, you will need to consult a professional.

Under normal conditions and with the proper care, the life expectancy of a car battery should be between three and five years

When you need a new battery, simply visit the RAC Shop; enter your vehicles registration, make and model – choose the right battery, and decide if you want to fit it yourself, or leave the job up to a professional by contacting us here at the RAC shop.

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.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

What is an AGM battery?

AGM car batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat) were developed for use by the military in the 1980’s. Their high performance and enhanced reliability also suit todays modern vehicles that are often heavily equipped with sophisticated electrical systems. The last decade or so has seen an increase in the number of cars using stop/start technology and AGM batteries – but what does this mean? In this short article, we will explain the technology and outline the advantages of AGM batteries.

What is stop/start technology?

The stop/start system was developed to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, to create a safer environment. A stop/start system shuts off your vehicle while stationary and can be restarted once the driver puts pressure on the accelerator or clutch. By shutting the engine off after about 1.5 seconds and prolonging this until it is safe to drive off, this technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 5-10%. However, vehicles with stop/start technology place a greater demand on a vehicle’s battery – and this is where the AGM battery stands head and shoulders above the more conventional acid flooded lead battery.

What are the advantages of an AGM battery?

The AGM battery is cheap to manufacture compared to other strategies used to help reduce carbon emissions, making vehicles more efficient and cleaner. AGM batteries offer a number of advantages over traditional lead batteries, including;

  • Less expensive – they can typically last up to two times longer.
  • More reliable – greater tolerance to hot and cold temperatures.
  • Greater performance – ideally suited for vehicles equipped with lots of electronic devices and accessories.
  • Slower discharge whilst not in use.
  • More durable – greater vibration resistance.
  • Safer – no free-flowing electrolyte, therefore no spill hazard.
  • More powerful – improved performance.
  • AGM technology batteries can typically reduce CO2 emissions by up to 8% more than traditional batteries.

Vehicles fitted with AGM batteries must be re-coded whenever removed or replaced; therefore is is recommended this be done by a professional. Do you need a replacement AGM car battery? Or would you like to know if your vehicle is compatible with AGM battery technology? Simply enter your registration number or make and model. Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. If you would prefer to speak to one of us, give us a call on 0800 164 9361. We’re happy to help.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

RAC car battery guarantee

The RAC Car Battery Guarantee is designed to ensure peace of mind for motorists when purchasing new car batteries. We offer a five year guarantee for all RAC branded batteries and the more usual three year guarantee for all others.

To help keep you mobile and minimise the inconvenience a flat or dead battery can cause, the RAC car battery fitting service will replace your dead or faulty battery at a time and location to suit you, reducing disruption to your plans and schedule.

RAC patrol fitted new batteries

If your battery is defective due to faulty materials or workmanship after fitting by one of our patrols, it will be replaced without quibble or delay. The replacement battery can be fitted at your home, by the roadside, your workplace, or at any other location of your choosing.

This no fuss guarantee begins from the time the new battery is fitted, and lasts for three or five years, depending on the battery that you have purchased – RAC branded five years, three years for all others.

RAC approved garage fitted batteries

If your car battery was fitted by an RAC approved garage and is now faulty, we can arrange for you to visit a garage that is most convenient for you, or replace and fit it at a location of your choice.

Making a claim

In the first instance, please contact us on 0800 096 2968 to make a claim so we can determine the most appropriate course of action based on the information that you provide us with.

In order to ensure a speedy resolution to your claim, please make certain you retain and have to hand your invoice or receipt of purchase, and your RAC membership number if applicable, together with your vehicle registration number/model/mileage.

For non RAC members (including lapsed members) or members where assistance is not covered by their terms of membership at the time of claim we will require a deposit of £30 to cover our call out costs. This deposit is refundable when it is confirmed the fault is covered by the battery guarantee.

Please also refer to our standard RAC Shop Terms and Conditions which apply to your purchase.

Guarantee conditions

Please be aware that battery replacement guarantees do not cover the following:

  • Accidental damage
  • Battery failure caused by an electrical or mechanical fault associated with your vehicle
  • Batteries where the vehicle covers less than 2,000 miles a year
  • The replacement car battery will have the benefit of the remainder of the guarantee period of the first battery supplied

When you need a new car battery, simply visit the RAC Shop and enter either your vehicle registration or the make and model – then pick from the selection of batteries suitable for your car. You can then decide whether you want to fit it yourself, or leave the job up to a professional by contacting us here at the RAC Shop.

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.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

RAC battery fitting service

Looking to get a battery fitted at a location and time that suits you? the RAC battery fitting service is for you. Our fast and convenient service is available for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you’re a member of not. With two battery fitting options available to ensure you’ll be mobile again quickly, without the headache of finding the right battery for your vehicle or disposing the old battery.  You will also have peace of mind knowing it has been fitted correctly by a professional.

RAC battery fitting service

Our patrol fitting service is perfect if you can’t get to a garage, wherever you may be in the UK mainland.

If you’re an RAC member, you can enjoy a nice discount worth £35.

If you’re an RAC member in a breakdown situation, you can simply just call our emergency breakdown telephone number 0333 2000 999.

Why choose the RAC battery fitting service?

We have developed our battery fitting service to take the hassle out of finding and fitting a new battery.

All you need to do is:

  • Enter your vehicle registration or vehicle model into our Battery Finder.
  • Click on patrol fitted options.
  • Choose a time and place.
  • Go to the checkout.

We have a wide range of batteries available, including the latest technology.

Before replacing your existing battery, we always test your old battery to make sure you actually need a replacement. If your battery isn’t at fault, we will also find the real problem and give you a selection of options for repair.

We will also take away your old battery and recycle it so you don’t have to worry.

We promise to provide the right battery for your vehicle. this is part of our “correct fit guarantee”. If you do accidentally order the wrong battery, our patrolmen will let you know in detail and help you choose the right one.

If the new battery costs more than the one you ordered by mistake, you will get a refund for the difference. Alternatively, you can pay the extra amount with a credit or debit card if its more expensive.

Whichever battery you have, make sure you use the right charger. If you require any assistance, give us a call on 0800 862 0676. We’re here to help.

Enter your registration to find car batteries

Are snow socks legal in the UK and Europe?

There are often added precautions to take whilst driving in the winter which aim to improve your safety and increase your confidence as it can often be scary to drive in adverse weather conditions. However, the confusion can often set in when trying to differentiate between what is a legal requirement and what isn’t.

So, snow socks, what actually are they? And what are their benefits? We are here to answer all of your questions to put the myths to bed and provide you with everything you need to know about them.

Basically, they are fabric covers that can be pulled over the tyres to increase the grip on ice and snow. They are perfect to be used on vehicles that are mainly driven around gritted areas but who occasionally encounter some bad weather conditions. The main point to remember is that even though they are cheap and convenient, they should not be used instead of winter tyres, they should simply be used to create more of a grip to the roads surface.


Are snow socks legal in the UK?

Snow socks are completely legal in the UK, however even though they are helpful and can enhance the safety of a motorist, they are not a necessity. The confusion around the legality has arisen from the mix up between snow socks and snow chains, it is in fact, snow chains that are not allowed to be used normal tyres on well gritted roads. The reasoning behind this is because the chains can cause damage to the road if they are not used properly. Whereas, snow socks are the complete opposite, being made from the softest fabric possible.

On icy roads, snow socks could improve braking distances by around 20m which shows how they could prevent you from having accidents.

It’s essential that you remove the snow socks as soon as the weather has cleared up and we strongly advise that you purchase a set of winter tyres.


In most parts of Europe, winter tyres are mandatory, meaning that it’s likely that you won’t need to use snow socks, even though they are legal.

In treacherous conditions as specific times of the year, you must use snow chains on particular terrains. To put it into perspective, there will be road signs in mountainous areas to warn motorists to fit snow chains or socks before they go any further with the journey.

Ensure that you take the speed limits into consideration if you are using snow socks as it can completely differ to you not using them. However, snow chains are preferred, meaning that if you are ever in an accident and don’t have any snow chains, it could count against you.

Before you drive in different countries in Europe, ensure that you check their specific requirements regarding snow socks, snow chains and winter tyres to ensure that you stay on the right side of the law. See the next section for a breakdown of the different laws in Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.


During the coldest months of the year, winter tyres are a legal requirement and motorists must always carry snow chains, which concludes that snow socks are not actually required.

Winter tyres are recommended in Italy between October and April, but are not a legal requirement. During this period, motorists are required to carry show chains with them, which again, shows that snow socks are not a necessity.

Please be aware, that specific areas within Italy have introduced legislation’s which state that winter tyres are compulsory, so check this out before you travel.

In Spain, motorists need to carry snow chains or have winter tyres fitted, meaning that snow socks are rarely seen around the country. There are signs in specific areas which indicate when snow chains should be used.

Winter tyres are not compulsory in Switzerland, although, they are recommended. However, it is essential to be properly equipped, otherwise you could be left with a hefty fine if you get stuck in the snow whilst you are in traffic.


Even though snow socks are not a compulsory item, we advise that you invest in a pair to help you out during adverse weather conditions and to increase your safety.

Take a look at our Winter Driving Kits to help you out during the colder months and to prepare for an emergency situation.

Will a dash cam reduce my insurance?

Being cautious on the road is a given, although there are many careless drivers that are putting other people at risk. For this reason, dash cams are becoming increasingly popular with motorists as they act as a 24/7 silent witness that can be used to provide recorded evidence, that can protect drivers from any fraudulent claims and in some instances, reduce your insurance premiums.

There is an extensive range of specification dash cams on the market with the less expensive dash cams offering simple video recording whereas the more premium cameras offer HD quality footage along with several features, such as built in GPS, Road Safety Alerts, Time and Date stamps, Images, Parking Mode and G – Sensor Detection. The innovative technology makes driving easy and most of all provides you with important evidence if an accident does occur, it can prove who was at fault. Some insurance companies will provide reduced car insurance for drivers with dash cams, although this doesn’t apply for all companies.


With the increasing popularity of dash cameras, insurance companies are recognising that drivers with a camera fitted are more likely to be cautious on the roads and therefore dash cam insurance discounts are becoming more common.


Dash cams start from £26.50 and can save you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds through providing recorded evidence of a faultless accident. Along with eliminating any blame disputes this footage can be shown to your insurer or police after a traffic accident.


If you choose to invest in a dash cam to record video footage of your journey it is recognised by insurance companies that drivers who have installed a dash cam are careful, confident drivers who want to feel safer on the road by providing video evidence of every journey, so that if a traffic incident occurs they are not subject to blame for another party’s fault.
Therefore, some insurance provides, bearing this in mind offer special discounted insurances. However, this only applies if your dash cam is of a high quality that provides clear and crisp footage that captures all element of the drive with number plate recognition. Manufactures such as Thinkware offer a high specification dash cam that includes various Road Safety and GPS features. The higher the resolution of the camera the better-quality footage you will receive. Often cameras cheaper than £150 will be a low resolution and therefore not accepted by insurers.

If you are looking to purchase a dash cam solely to reduce your insurance premium, it is advised that you contact your insurance provider before investing in it.



In some instances, a dash cam can reduce your insurance premiums, however they are guaranteed to protect you against false insurance claims.

What is a dash cam?

As the integration and need for high tech in modern vehicles is constantly growing, you are probably looking for some clarification on what their benefits are and how they can improve your driving experience. In the past 3 to 5 years the consumer demand for a dash cam has surged to try and combat the growing amount of fraudulent insurance claims.

They serve a much narrower purpose than other gadgets, but they are one of the most useful providing you with quality video evidence in the case of an accident or incident. The footage can be used to settle disputes about who was at fault.


Are dash cams different from normal cameras?

One of the main questions asked is, how do they differ from a normal camera? Firstly, they have been developed to seamlessly integrate with the vehicles existing electronic devices by running on 12V DC they can simply be attached to your rear-view mirror, windshield or dashboard due to their small size.

They will be permanently running whilst the vehicle is in full motion and some dash cams have integrated features to record even when the engine is turned off. They can overwrite old data if it isn’t useful, however if the motorist wants to keep it, they simply need to press save.

As the footage is saved straight to its server, you cannot be accused of modifying the footage.


After the footage, has been recorded, you can upload it to your smartphone or PC to use it as evidence.

Depending on your budget, the sophistication level of the dash cam can differ.

Dash cams usually can be hardwired into the vehicles electronic system; however, you don’t need to worry about this, our patrols can fit them for you whether you’re at work or at home.


The impressive features that are included in the best dash cams go beyond their core function, such as lane departure detection, collision detection and velocity change detection. The more advanced dash cams can be used to capture the most unforgettable travel moments.

They are a great money saving solution as they could reduce insurance premiums and often can alert you when you are approaching speed cameras to prevent you from gaining hefty speeding fines and points on your licence. However, this function is illegal in other European countries, so ensure you disable it before you begin to drive around specific countries.


Compare our dash cams to see which is most suitable for your specific budget and requirements. We guarantee that each one contains technology of the highest spec to deliver to the clearest results possible. It will be one of the most invaluable investments that you ever make.

Is having a dash cam legal?

A dash cam recording the road in front.

Motorists are starting to think more about buying and using a dash cam as these can be used to by people who want to try and protect themselves against bogus insurance claims after an accident/incident has occurred by gaining quality video footage. The evidence can be sent straight to insurance companies or the police to settle any disputes, but you are probably wondering whether they are actually legal or not.

Are dash cams legal in the UK?

In the UK, dash cams are a desirable device that can be used to capture idyllic scenery of your journey as well as provide police with recorded evidence if a traffic incident occurs. Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have dash cams fitted in their vehicle which could help you save money and ensure road safety.

Providing your view of the road is not obstructed by your dash cam it is legal to have it installed in your car and there are many discreet and slimline dash cams on the market that have incorporated innovative technology to give you high quality recorded footage and safety warnings that help you drive with confidence.

Cameras can often ring alarm bells in people’s minds as a question of personal privacy can be argued. Although, dash cams have not been designed to intrude in personal privacy therefore, there is no “reasonable expectation of privacy” on public roads.

If you own a vehicle and are an executive driver or taxi driver, then it is important that passengers are informed of a camera in the vehicle. If sound can be recorded on the device this could cause a breach of personal privacy and misuse of the device therefore it is advised to keep this muted.

When driving in Europe it is important to recognise that there are some restrictions on the use of dash cams. For example, in Luxembourg the use of dash cams is illegal, but owning one is not. Their government see this as a breach of a person’s data protection rights therefore they are not permitted. However, in France, dash cams are thought to be a great device and a development in the right direction to provide recorded evidence and for road safety.

If you are thinking about using a dash cam abroad it is important to understand the rules and legalities before doing so.

Dash cams are completely legal in the UK, however in some parts of Europe they are not permitted, meaning it is essential to check with the authorities before you drive around the country with a in car camera unit.

Dash cam installation guide

Over recent years, the demand for a dash cam has surged. Dash cams are becoming a popular item that can be integrated into vehicles. You can gain quality footage in case an accident arises, which will help to protect them against false insurance claims.  

We have the most advanced range of dash cams available which can be suitable for different vehicles and budgets. Each of our dash cams include the most sophisticated GPS features velocity tracking alongside being able to detect collisions.  

There are endless benefits of installing a dash cam, motorists are often put off as it seems quite intruding, however, you will not even know it’s there!

 

How to install a dash cam

Dash cams can either monitor the front of the vehicle or the rear, or both in some instances, so it probably seems like an impossible task to install it, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Firstly, you need to ask yourself where do you want in mounting?

If your device is the simplest mirror mounted camera or front facing wired camera, it is likely that it came with a simple installation kit, so all you need to do is plug it in and go, by attaching it to the window and pointing the lens to road, then adjust the viewing angle by rotating the camera.  

When you have secured it into the right place, simply run cameras wire around the body of the car, under its carpet in the foot well, then plug it into the cigarette lighter or other alternative power socket. You can conceal the wire under the windows edge.  

If your windscreen is heat reflective, the GPS function will not be able to work, however the camera will still be able to function without it. Be aware that they often have blank patches which allows a GPS signal to penetrate through. However, they are not guaranteed.  

Ensure that it doesn’t obstruct the view of the driver.  

Hardwiring a dash cam

The higher end dash cams often require hard-wiring into your vehicles electronics permanently. However, you don’t need to worry, our patrols can do this for you, in a location that’s best for you.  

We recommended that you invest in a dash cam in case an emergency arises which potentially could save you tonnes of money.  

Take a look at our dash cam range which all go above and beyond their core function.

Choosing the best dash cam/in car camera

As the demand for high tech devices is growing, so is the demand for dash cams, especially for those who do a lot of driving. The main function of a dash cam or in car camera is to provide you with video, image or audio evidence if an accident occurs to prevent against fraudulent insurance claims. Also, some insurance companies often offer discounts for those who have them installed, meaning you can save tonnes of money after the initial investment.

We have a range of dash cams that all include the most sophisticated features but we understand that it can prove difficult to choose one that is most suitable for your specific requirements, so we have put together a guide to help you out with your decision which will probably depend on how much you drive and what your budget is.

How to find the most suitable dash cam

Whether you are looking for a video only model or a camera with advanced features, we guarantee to have one that will be perfect for you.

Obviously, the more driving you do, the more sophisticated camera you will need, especially if you drive at night on motorways, as they contain night vision, lane departure warnings and front collision alerts.

If you only partake in short journeys but you would like some extra coverage in case an incident occurs, a simple model that records in continuous loop will be perfect for you.

The high-end features in dash cams means that they do a lot more than just fulfilling their core function.

Some of dash cams allow footage to be shared straight to the server, meaning that it is easier to be shared with insurance companies or the authorities and you cannot be accused of modifying it in any way. However, the lower range dash cams are only stored on a memory card.

Some have G-sensors which detects and harsh deceleration, then the footage will automatically be saved before and after it occurred which reduces the need for you having to manually save the footage.

Swiftcover are one of the insurance companies that offer around a 10% discount for those who have a dash cam installed, however they need to be “insurance company approved”, meaning that it has GPS and velocity detection features and saves the footage efficiently. Also at the RAC, we offer a £30 discount to those with a RAC model.

If an incident occurs, you could save money on false claims which also could prevent your insurance premium from rising the following year.

A dash cam is the perfect investment to make to cover yourself in the occurrence as an incident. Take a look at our dash cams for further information.