DON'T LET 'POLAR' CHILL KILL YOUR BATTERY

If the frosty mornings aren't biting hard enough, a flat car battery will likely push you over the edge, and with a 'polar blast' sweeping Australia, the country's leading battery retailer is educating motorists on how to avoid being caught out this winter

According to Battery World's market data, more than 50% of vehicle breakdowns are battery-related. Further, more than 85% of early battery failures are the result of a flat or faulty battery.

"From March to August, we see a surge in car battery sales due to the colder weather conditions, which reduces the battery's ability to start the car," says Battery World General Manager, Johnny Kennedy.

"We see on average a 25% increase in car battery sales over this period compared with the September to February timeframe."

Mr Kennedy says winter is a risky time for car batteries. They need to be regularly tested and maintained to keep them in good working order, especially when your car isn't being used.

Temperature extremes like the 'polar' blast currently sweeping across Australia, including WA, SA and NSW, often lead to cars failing to start. 

According to Mr Kennedy, car batteries may seem fine during warmer weather, but if you don't remember when you last replaced the battery or haven't had it checked in the last 12 months, chances are you are going to get caught out with a faulty battery failure. 

"The average life of a car battery is about three and a half years, so if you've had yours a while and it's starting to sound sluggish, perhaps consider replacing it before you find yourself in a pickle when it comes to school drop-off, an important meeting or that last-minute appointment.

"Our advice is don't panic, save yourself the stress and hefty fees associated with an emergency callout. Get yours tested, it's completely free at all Battery World stores."

The franchise network's data shows that the 'Don't Panic, Plan' message is being heard, with bookings for free car battery tests up year-on-year.

"Motorists are becoming more aware that it's cheaper and more convenient to test early than pay for the delay," added Mr Kennedy.

CAR BATTERY HEALTH TIPS

Here are three quick, simple steps to ensure you get the most out of your car battery.

1. Keep your battery charged: A flat battery is the number one cause of early battery failure. Here are a few tips that will reduce the self-discharge of the battery when the car is not in use. 
   1. Always lock the car. This will power down the vehicle's electrical system, reducing the discharge on the battery.
   2. Keep the keyless remote away at least five metres from the vehicle to prevent the remote from communicating with the vehicle and draining the battery.
   3. Don'tl eave the car idling for long periods of time, assuming this will recharge the battery. Vehicle charging systems are designed to reduce CO2 emissions when idling and, in many vehicles, will not charge the battery.
2. Ensure the battery terminals are free from corrosion: Along with dust and debris, it's important to inspect and clean battery terminals and cables and ensure there's no corrosion. Battery World recommends that if you see any white powdery corrosion around the battery terminals, simply grab an old toothbrush, baking soda and a little water and scrub. Once clean, smear a small amount of grease or Vaseline on the terminal to prevent corrosion from returning.
3. Get your battery regularly checked: The days are over when your car will provide warning signs that your battery was starting to fail, including lights dimming when the car is not running and a slow winding noise when you are trying to start the car. With the technological advancements of vehicles today, there is little to no warning that the battery is going to fail, so pop into any of our 114-plus Battery World stores across Australia and get your car battery tested for FREE! It only takes a few minutes and will save you time, money and inconvenience in the long term. 
   
   For more information or to talk to a battery expert or book a test, visit www.batteryworld.com.au