Battery Issues

**Common Car Faults: Unravelling Battery Issues**

The heart of your car’s electrical system, the battery, plays a pivotal role in starting your engine and powering onboard electronic components. But when this heartbeat falters, it’s crucial to know the symptoms, causes, and remedies.

**UK Statistics**:
Battery-related issues consistently rank among the top reasons for breakdown callouts in the UK. In fact, the RAC reportedly attends over half a million battery-related breakdowns annually. With colder months exacerbating battery troubles, it’s especially vital for UK drivers to be vigilant.

**Symptoms of Battery Issues**:
1. **Difficulty starting the car**: A weakened battery might still light up the dashboard, but fail to turn the engine over.
2. **Dimming lights**: If your headlights or interior lights are dimmer than usual, this can be an indicator of battery problems.
3. **Electrical components not working efficiently**: Issues like power windows operating slower than usual can also hint at a declining battery.

**Understanding the Causes**:
– **Age**: Car batteries typically last 3-5 years. If yours is older, it might be time for a replacement.
– **Corroded terminals**: Battery terminals can corrode over time, leading to reduced efficiency.
– **Frequent short journeys**: Regularly driving short distances without giving the alternator enough time to recharge the battery can shorten its lifespan.

Did you know it takes approximately 40 minutes of driving for the alternator to put the same amount of charge back into the battery that it takes just from starting your car?

**DIY Fixes and When to Consult a Professional**:
1. **Terminal Cleaning**: If there’s visible corrosion on the terminals, turn off the car, and wearing safety gloves, clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water, followed by a thorough rinse.
2. **Regularly run your car**: To prevent your battery from draining, especially in colder months, ensure you run your car for extended periods every week.
3. **Battery testing**: Car Friend & other reputable garages offer free battery testing. If yours is underperforming, they can advise if it’s time for a change.
4. **Professional help**: If you’ve tried the above remedies and the issue persists, or if your battery constantly drains even after a jump-start, it might be time to consult a mechanic.

**Fun Fact**: Did you know electric vehicles (EVs) use a completely different type of battery compared to traditional cars? They use lithium-ion batteries, the same technology powering most of our smartphones! It’s also important to note that all car batteries but especially EV & Hybrid car batteries can be extremely dangerous! It’s always worth seeking the advice of a trained mechanic for any battery-related problems.

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