FAQ’S

How do I know if I need a new battery?

The only fool-proof way to make sure you vehicle is in need of a replacement battery is to have your battery tested. However the usual symptoms are a sluggish turn over, vehicle not starting at all and/or a clicking noise coming from the car when you try to turn the ignition. 

What does CCA mean?

CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. This is the amount of power exerted by your battery when starting your vehicle on a cold day. The definition by Battery Council International (BCI) is the discharge load in amperes which a new fully charged battery at 0 degrees Fahrenheit can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain a voltage of 1.2 volts per cell or higher.

If I put a more powerful battery into my vehicle will this be ok?

Yes, it will simply improve performance.

Should I keep my battery on charge?

Keeping your battery on charge is always beneficial as batteries work using chemical reactions. As the battery discharges, it begins to sulphate and so may lead to the chemical reaction inside the battery being affected, therefore this will affect the performance of the battery. 

My battery looses charge over night, what does this mean?

This sort of discharge could be due to the battery having a dead cell inside, meaning if the battery doesn’t have a charge going through it, it will cause the battery to drain. Either that or something is drawing a current from the battery all the time. You can stop that for the short term by disconnecting the positive (+ sign) battery cable. That may give you problems if the power draw is something designed in like a clock which maintains the programmed settings on your radio or a security accessory like an alarm. A trickle charger (http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/cgi-bin/megastore/commerce.cgi?page=BatteryChargers.htm) can help to keep a battery charged if your vehicle is going to be left standing for some time. 

How do I dispose of my old battery?

Most landfill sites have a special battery section where they will be willing to take your battery off your hands. Or you could even ask around a few local garages in your area some may be willing to take it off your hands as scrap batteries do still hold value due to the amount of lead which is inside them. 

When I drive along my lights go dim, why?

Usually this isn’t so much a problem with the battery, but could be the alternator. Your battery is there mainly to get your car started, after that it is the alternator that is used. To have your alternator checked out would be a good idea. 

Battery basics                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Check your car battery is fully charged and avoid running it down by making sure you turn off your lights when you leave the vehicle and avoid playing the radio when the engine isn't running.  Always carry jump leads in case your battery does fail.