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FREE BATTERY CHECK
Car Batteries
Research shows that car batteries are the biggest cause of breakdowns in the UK. Figures suggest that 2 out of every 3 breakdowns is caused by a car battery related issue. All vehicles rely on the health of their battery to operate and, as modern vehicles feature increasing smart technology, car batteries have become much more advanced.
We stock a very wide range of Exide car batteries in all our branches. All Exide car batteries come with a 4-year warranty as standard. If you think you need a new battery for your car please contact our friendly team for a quote or book a free battery health check online. A battery check takes just a few minutes and we provide a full report on the health & charge level of your battery.
Do I need a new car battery?
So do you need a replacement battery for your car? There are a few signs that it’s time for a new battery:
Your car is struggling to start
If your engine sounds sluggish when you start it up it’s a sign that your battery may need replacing. Listen to how your engine sounds, if it’s slower to respond than normal it’s time to get your battery checked.
Dim lights
As the vehicle battery also powers electrical components throughout your vehicle, if it’s starting to fail you’ll notice these are dimmer than usual. The headlights are the most obvious to be affected by a failing battery, but this may be apparent in other lights both inside and outside the vehicle.
Clicking noise
When you turn the key to start your car the vehicle battery omits an electrical current to start the engine. If the power is insufficient then you may hear a clicking noise.
Car battery testing
If you suspect your battery is starting to fail then it’s a good idea to get a battery health check. We carry our battery checks free of charge in all our branches and are able to provide you with a printed report showing the condition of your battery for your records.
What’s tested in a battery test?
There are 2 main checks we carry out when testing your battery. These are:
Battery voltage
Our battery test measures the voltage of your battery. If it’s lower than 12.6V this indicates it needs either recharging or replacing.
Start Capacity
The battery test measures the starting ability of the battery from cold. If the start capacity is below 75% of the capacity this shows that the battery is starting to deteriorate and you may experience problems.
Battery test results
- Good battery – no action required
- Good battery Recharge – battery needs re-charging, this can be done by taking the car for a 45-min journey to allow the battery to recharge.
- Recharge Battery then re-test – the battery is drained and in need of recharging, this will need to be re-tested again in 7 days’ time
- Replace battery – the battery is entering the end of its service life and a new battery is recommended.
Conventional car battery
If your vehicle is over 10 years old then the chances are it’ll need a conventional vehicle battery.
Less expensive than specialist batteries, most conventional batteries will last between 3-5 years.
Stop/Start battery
If your car features stop/start technology then you’ll require a specialist AGM or EFB battery. Stop/Start batteries last longer than conventional batteries but are more expensive.
Having a new battery professionally fitted and registering the battery will ensure all the smart features of the vehicle’s on-board computer continue to function correctly.
Hybrid car battery
As Hybrid vehicles have become more popular there has been a rise in the need for specialist hybrid batteries.
Hybrid vehicles have two batteries, a main electric battery and a 12V battery. The electric battery is designed to last as long as the vehicle whilst the 12V battery may need replacing at some point.
How long does a car battery last?
The lifespan of a car battery can vary depending on several factors. On average, a car battery typically lasts between 3 and 5 years. However, this is a general estimate, and several factors can influence the actual lifespan of a car battery:
Driving Habits: Frequent short trips and stop-and-go driving can put more strain on the battery compared to long motorway drives.
Climate: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect the performance and lifespan of a car battery. High temperatures can cause fluid to evaporate, while extreme cold can reduce the battery’s ability to generate power.
Vehicle Usage: The electrical demands of modern vehicles can impact the battery’s lifespan. If you frequently use accessories like air conditioning, entertainment systems, and other electronic devices when the engine is off, it can discharge the battery faster.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as checking and cleaning the battery terminals, can help extend the life of a car battery.
Quality of the Battery: The quality and brand of the battery also play a role. Higher quality batteries may have a longer lifespan.
Charging System Health: If the vehicle’s charging system (alternator, voltage regulator) is not working properly, it can lead to overcharging or undercharging the battery, affecting its lifespan.
Storage Conditions: If a vehicle is left unused for an extended period without a battery maintainer, the battery can discharge and potentially be damaged.
It’s important to monitor the condition of your car battery regularly and replace it if you notice signs of deterioration, such as slow engine cranking, dimming lights, or the need for frequent jump-starts. If you’re concerned then call into your local Eden Tyres & Servicing garage for a free battery health check.
FAQ's about Car Batteries
If you need a replacement battery then choosing the right one is essential if your vehicle is to perform as it should.
Just because a battery fits into the vehicle’s battery holding tray doesn’t mean it’s the correct one. Along with battery size you also need to check where the terminals are located, what type of terminal you need, the voltage, ampage & number of cells.
If that sounds complicated then you’ll be relieved to know that our technicians can do all the hard work for you. Simply contact your local branch and they’ll be able to find the battery for your vehicle using your registration number.
- Everyday driving over a period of time
We’ve been supplying and fitting Exide batteries for over a decade and believe they deliver the perfect balance in being very high quality yet affordable.
All Exide batteries come with a 4-year guarantee as standard.
If you’d like a quote on an Exide battery for your vehicle please contact our team with your requirements and registration number.
The number one reason why batteries fail is their age. On average, a good battery will last around 5 years. During its lifetime, something called “sulphation” happens, which means the lead plates are affected, and the battery is less able to hold a charge over time. If you do not use your car very often, your battery might also go flat if it’s not used for a long period. It’s easy to forget about a battery as it does not need replacing as often as, say, your windscreen wipers. But it’s just as important to keep your battery in good condition so that it’s less likely to fail when you least expect it.
What does it look like?
The light often looks like a battery with plus and minus battery symbols
What should I do if it appears?
Although this light should always appear when you initially start your car, if it hasn’t disappeared after a few seconds, it could indicate a problem with the electrical system. If the light appears, get your car checked over as soon as possible to determine the cause of the fault
If your vehicle is equipped with stop/start technology, you’ll need a specialised AGM or EFB battery. While stop/start batteries have a longer lifespan compared to conventional ones, they come with a higher price tag. Ensuring a professional installation of a new battery and registering it will guarantee the proper functioning of all the smart features in your vehicle’s on-board computer.
