With lockdown being eased, Exide Technologies provides some tips that can be passed on to customers about maintaining a vehicle’s battery in the current climate.
Throughout the recent lockdown, vehicles were left parked in the drive and were not used for long periods of time. While activity levels are slowly picking up again, we will continue to see altered driving patterns and reduced mileage for some time.
Car batteries struggle during extended periods of vehicle downtime. Batteries of more than four years old are especially likely to have started the lockdown with reduced capacity due to their age, so they are more likely to experience problems. Older batteries often have underlying issues that do not surface until winter, when lower temperatures create increased demand for cranking power.
The maintenance of every battery requires care and attention. With long periods of vehicle downtime, the battery management system could estimate the state of charge incorrectly.
Charging is key
To prevent problems, the battery can be charged with a battery charger, such as the Exide 12/7 or 12/15. These change mode and act as a maintenance charger once the battery is fully recharged, keeping it in a proper state of charge and preserving its service life.
Going the distance
From a consumer perspective, going for a weekly shop by car may not be enough to keep the battery healthy. Ideally, the travel should be around 15km-20km, with a stretch of motorway to give the alternator a chance to properly work.
In this period of reduced service, remember that most workshops continue to work in some capacity. They will be able to test batteries using professional testers such as the EBT965P, and possibly recharge them if needed.
