Everything You Need To Know About Car Batteries
Does your car frequently struggle to start? If you find you’re jump starting a car more often than you think you should have to, you might need a new car battery. Car battery replacement doesn't’ have to be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you should know about batteries and how you can make yours last longer, when you’ll need a new one, and we’ll make sure to save you time and money in the long run.
How do I know if I need a new battery?
The tell-tale signs of completely dead or dying battery are:
- Complete refusal to start, even after a jump start
- Struggling to start in normal weather conditions
- Failure to hold a charge for any extended period of time
- Electrical system issues or warnings in your car
How do I find the correct car battery?
We've made this part really easy for you. Head over to MicksGarage.com and either use our handy car registration lookup, or select your car make and model from the list. Then, you'll be shown a full list of car batteries compatible with your vehicle. We'd always recommend that you lift your bonnet and check the code on the car battery too, to make sure you're buying an exact replacement of what you currently have. To be extra certain, you can also measure the dimensions of the battery in your car and compare these measurements to the one found on the website. MicksGarage.com have the best value car batteries by the best brands, like Bosch, Yuasa, Exide and Varta.
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Buying a car battery from MicksGarage.com makes finding the right battery easy. For extra savings, equip yourself with knowledge and change it yourself at home (where permitting).
What is the lifespan of a battery?
What many people don’t realise is that every car battery only has a certain amount of starts that the battery is capable of. It can vary significantly depending on the technology used in the battery, but this can range anywhere between 20,000 and 400,000 starts over the lifespan of the battery. The more starts that a battery racks up, the more it begins to tire and degrade, resulting in poorer charge retention and general wear. So, the closer your battery gets to the maximum start capacity, the more you’ll notice decreased performance.
Often, batteries can just have a low charge and operate weaker. Uncharged batteries can often be regenerated by providing a full charge to the battery
What is a car battery?
A car battery is an essential part of a car that provides power for multiple electrical tasks that the car needs to perform. Batteries provide the electrical energy required to start the engine, power the vehicle's electrical systems, and operate various accessories.
Here’s the technical stuff - car batteries are typically lead-acid batteries, consisting of lead dioxide and lead plates which are submerged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. They come cased in a durable plastic housing, with multiple cells connected to provide the required voltage.
What do car batteries do?
Batteries Start the Engine: The main purpose of a car battery is to provide the initial surge of electrical energy needed to start the engine. When you turn your key in the ignition, this is providing power to the starter motor, which cranks the engine until it fires up.
Batteries Power Lights and Electrical Systems: Car batteries supply electricity to various electrical systems within the vehicle, including lights, indicators, dashboard instruments, entertainment systems, and more.
Batteries Power Operating Accessories: In addition to powering built-in electrical systems, car batteries also support external accessories such as GPS devices, phone chargers, and portable coolers via the 12-volt power outlet. Charging your phone while driving? That’s your car battery hard at work.
How much is a car battery?
On average, a standard car battery for most cars on the road ranges between €50 to €150. However, the cost of a car battery can vary and depends on the type of battery, the brand, the vehicle's make, and of course, who you buy it from.
Start-stop batteries, premium batteries or high performance car batteries will certainly cost more. You can certainly save money on installation fees by taking on the job to install a car battery at home yourself, as many battery replacement jobs are quite straightforward - usually only start-stop batteries will require to be registered with the onboard computer system.
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How to charge a car battery?
When a car battery is completely depleted and your engine won’t turn over, this is the ideal time to use a battery charger to get some power into the battery. Modern battery chargers are remarkably powerful and portable, capable of quickly regenerating a depleted battery. Our recommendation is NOCO Genius smart battery chargers. They are ultra safe, and highly efficient, and some models are so compact that they can be used without the need to remove the battery from the vehicle at all. Before using a charger, check that the battery charger matches the voltage and power requirements of your car battery; most NOCO chargers are compatible with both 6v and 12v systems, which is standard for vehicle batteries. However, for 24v HGV batteries, specific 24v chargers are necessary. Operating a charger is straightforward: plug it into a wall socket, connect it to your battery, and allow it to charge. A quality charger will feature an indicator to signal when the battery reaches full capacity. If, despite charging, your battery continues to lose its charge rapidly, then it’s definitely time for a replacement car battery.
How long do electric car batteries last?
Electric car batteries usually have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years, depending on factors like battery type, driving habits, environmental conditions, and mileage. Electric vehicles commonly use lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their longevity. Driving habits, environmental factors, and maintenance practices can impact lifespan, while advanced battery management systems help optimise performance. Warranty coverage often provides assurance for a minimum expected lifespan, with most electric vehicle manufacturers now happy to stand over an 8 year battery warranty as an industry standard.
How to install a new car battery
- Ensure the vehicle is turned off and put on protective gloves.
- Open the bonnet and disconnect the old battery. Loosen and remove the negative (black) terminal first, followed by the positive (red) terminal. Be careful not to touch both terminals simultaneously with your tools, as this can cause a short circuit.
- Loosen the battery hold-down clamp securing the battery in place and remove the old battery
- Inspect the new battery, making sure it matches the spec of the old one. Remove any protective covers or caps from the terminals and sit it into the battery compartment, securing the hold down clamp to keep it in place.
- Connect the positive (red) terminal first, then the negative (black) terminal. Tighten the terminal connections securely.
- Test the Installation: Turn on the vehicle's lights and accessories to verify that the new battery is functioning properly.
- Take the old battery to a recycling centre to dispose of it correctly.
If you're unsure about any step, always consult a mechanic.
What are stop-start batteries?
Stop-start batteries come in two types - enhanced flooded batteries (EFB) or absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries, and are designed specifically for vehicles equipped with start-stop systems. These systems automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, such as at traffic lights or in heavy traffic, and restart it when the driver releases the brake pedal or engages the clutch.
Stop-start batteries are different from traditional lead-acid batteries in that they are engineered to handle the frequent cycling required by start-stop engine systems. They are designed to provide reliable starting power even after multiple engine restarts and to withstand the increased electrical demands placed on the battery by modern vehicles with advanced electronics and accessories
Do car batteries come with a guarantee?
Yes! Guarantees and warranties vary depending on the brand and type of battery, but battery manufacturers have tried and tested their products and are happy to stand over their quality.
For example, here are some of the guarantees you can expect from the following brands:
What is the best car battery brand?
The top 4 battery brands are:
Bosch
Bosch is a trusted name in automotive parts, including batteries. Bosch batteries are known for their high performance, longevity, and advanced technology. They are designed to deliver reliable starting power even in extreme conditions.
Yuasa
Yuasa batteries are known for their durability, reliability, and consistent performance. They offer a wide range of batteries suitable for various vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Yuasa batteries often come with long warranties, providing peace of mind to customers.
Exide
Exide is another well-established brand in the automotive battery industry. They offer a wide range of batteries suitable for various applications, including cars, trucks, and marine vehicles. Exide batteries are known for their reliability, durability, and long service life.
Varta
Varta batteries are known for their high-quality construction and dependable performance. They offer a range of batteries for different vehicle types, including conventional, start-stop, and AGM batteries. Varta batteries are often praised for their longevity and durability.
How to dispose of an old car battery
Bring your old car battery to a recycling centre for proper disposal. Never put an old car battery into your household bin, and never ever flytip. Batteries contain acid and chemicals that are extremely harmful to wildlife and the environment, so responsible disposal is a must.
