Battery care tips

This is a problem that often appears to occur at the worst possible time, when you're running late for work, when you're in a deserted parking lot or when everything else has already gone wrong that day.

"What most people don't realise is that there are actually simple steps you can take to look after the health and overall longevity of your car battery," says the marketing director of Battery Centre, Andrew Webb.

Here are Battery Centre's top six tips for ensuring maximum battery life:

1. Check that the terminals on your battery are clean and clear of corrosion.
   
2. Make sure connections are tight, to avoid any unnecessary loss of power.

3. If storing the car for an extended period, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery to stop it from running flat.

4. Taking a short drive around the block won't 'recharge' a flat battery. You would need to drive a considerable distance to ensure your battery is in a sufficiently charged condition to start your car. Rather disconnect the battery and place on a bench charger, or, preferably, take it to your nearest Battery Centre for a complete recharge.

5. Make sure you know how to correctly jump-start your car. Jump-starting incorrectly can cause major damage to the vehicle's electrical system. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before attempting a jump-start.

6. Have your battery and vehicle electrical system checked once a year or before any extended journeys.
   

Trust the specialists

"If you're experiencing any problems starting your car and suspect the battery might be playing up, just pull into the closest Battery Centre for a free check-up," says Webb.