subject: Give Your Car Battery A Boost This Winter [print this page] Your car battery is essential for getting your car started, and also provides the power for all the electrical equipment in your vehicle - yet despite its importance, it's often neglected by drivers until it's too late.
Winter is a particularly vital time to give your battery a bit of attention. Cold weather and increased use of heaters, wipers and lights can all affect your battery's performance, which is why winter is a peak time for breakdown callouts due to battery failure.
A flat battery will cause all sorts of problems, not least that you won't be able to start your car. It's usually easily fixed with a jump start - however, prevention is always better than cure, so it's a good idea to take action before winter hits. That way your battery will be in peak condition and have the best chance of surviving through the cold temperatures.
Even some basic maintenance will help to boost the performance of your car battery. Firstly, you should check the clamps and terminals to see if everything is connected up properly, and also to ensure there's no corrosion. If the battery appears worn and corroded, take it to your local mechanic or car parts retailer for a further check, as you may need a new one. Be careful when checking your battery as it contains acid - wear gloves and goggles as a precaution.
Think about what you have switched on when driving your car, as each piece of electrical equipment will contribute to draining the battery. Do you really need the radio turned up full, the heater blasting out hot air and the sat nav turned on? Wipers, headlights, phone chargers and in-car DVD players will also draw power from the battery, so it's no wonder it can be placed under strain. Make sure you turn everything off when you leave the car, and also check that it's all off before switching the ignition back on again.
All batteries will lose charge over time as they are used again and again. However, buying a car battery charger is an excellent way to help your battery keep its power. You simply plug the charger into the mains and hook it up to the battery to top up its charge. This is especially recommended if you use your car for lots of short journeys, as short trips will not give the alternator sufficient time to recharge the battery properly.
If you're going to be doing lots of driving in cold conditions, it may be a good idea to invest in a quality battery such as one from the Bosch Silver Plus range. These have a longer life and provide higher starting power, so are better equipped to cope with everything winter can throw at them.
