How to stop your car battery from going flat

Here are five common reasons for a car battery going flat…

1. Your car isn’t turned off properly

For example, leaving the headlights or the interior light on, or not shutting  the doors or bot properly.

2. Your battery is draining when the car’s off

A parasitic drain refers to when your car’s battery continues to drain even after the car’s parked. This is probably due to a faulty accessory in the car, like a damaged relay switch, computer module, alarms, headlights, boot or glovebox lights, or other electrical components.

3. The alternator isn’t working properly

An alternator recharges your car’s battery whenever it’s put in gear and provides a constant flow of power to your car’s accessories. If there’s an issue with the alternator,  the battery will keep draining and eventually fail when you try to start your car

4. The battery is old and worn out

If your car’s battery is old and worn-out, you may notice corrosion or a drop in performance. If you see these signs on your car’s battery, it may be that it’s time to get a new one.

5. You’re only driving for short, slow trips

When you take a short trip, the alternator recharges. So, if you’re only taking short trips, there may not get enough time to recharge the battery again. Sometimes a long drive is what your car battery needs. 

There are a few simple ways to make your car battery stays charged when it's not in frequent use, which is crucial to avoid issues like oil leaking from the car or coolant leak repair costs. So, let’s take a look…

• Drive regularly

Take your car for a drive as often as possible, ideally for 30 to 40 minutes at a time. Modern cars have alternators that generate electricity to keep the battery charged while driving, reducing the likelihood of oil leaks in the car due to inactivity.

• Use a trickle charger

If you're unable to drive for extended periods, consider using a trickle charger or battery conditioner. These devices help preserve your battery's charge during long periods of non-use and prevent power drainage from features like immobilizers or dash cams. This can also help avoid issues like water dripping from under the car.

• Monitor your battery's charge

If your car battery is running low, recharge it using the methods above – this also helps prevent problems like coolant in the car or car leaking water.

• Replace your battery

If your battery frequently goes flat, consider replacing it or getting it checked to prevent further issues such as oil leak repair or coolant leak repair costs.

• Avoid complications like brake fluid issues or DEF fluid

In colder weather, your car works harder, so pay special attention to your battery in the winter months.

If your battery fails you, our Breakdown Cover is here.

• Do high temperatures affect electric car batteries?

Yes. Keep your car in the shade to prevent overheating, which can lead to coolant leak repair costs.

• Do low temperatures affect electric car batteries?

Yes. Reduce exposure to low temperatures, especially when charging, to prevent oil leaking from the car.

• How to maintain electric car batteries

Keep your battery between 25% and 75% to avoid extreme conditions that can lead to car leaking oil or coolant in the car.

• Are fast chargers good for electric cars?

You should avoid using fast chargers unless necessary, as they can strain the battery and lead to issues like water dripping from under the car.

• How to conserve battery life

Use your battery's charge efficiently by using your car regularly and only charging when needed. This will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear, which can result in oil leak repair or coolant leak repair costs.

So, you’ve got some ideas on what  causes a car battery to go flat, and some top tips on how to avoid it! But just in case your battery still falls flat, Britannia Rescue is here to help!