1. Keep driving
2. Switch off
All sorts of equipment can put unnecessary load on a battery. Heaters, wipers and lights are the obvious things, but also remember to unplug items from the 12V socket and USB ports as well.
3. Ease the strain
Depressing the clutch when starting the engine can help take the strain off your car. It reduces the effort needed to start, and therefore takes away some of the load on the battery.
4. Check your battery
You can do a visual check every time you lift the bonnet to look for corrosion, but it’s worth getting a professional inspection, too. If you’ve bought a used car, check the manual and make sure the previous owner had the correct battery installed.
• How to jump-start your car
5. Check other battery-related systems
If you’re concerned, get a professional to check over the alternator, starting system and charging systems for the car and battery. If any of these are malfunctioning, it could result in the battery being overcharged, undercharged or in some cases not charged at all – all of which will affect battery life.
6. Service your car
A poorly maintained vehicle can put extra strain on the battery – from underinflated tyres to an overworked engine. And if you have a garage, keep your car in it; warmer temperatures are better for batteries.
7. Know the warning signs
Noises like clicks as you turn the ignition, dashboard lights going dim or the engine turning over very slowly are all signs that a battery is flatter than it should be.
8. Don’t persevere
A battery won’t magically regain charge; if it fails to start the engine, stop trying, as you’ll only flatten it further for no reason.
9. Safety first
If you’ve conked out in a dangerous place – next to a junction, for example – try to get the car somewhere safer before continuing. See if some passers-by will help push.
10. Be ready to jump start
In an emergency, you may need to jump start the car. Keep a set of jump leads in the boot and learn the procedure.
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