Battery Maintenance

Why Car Battery Maintenance Matters

Your battery is a crucial part of your car or motorcycle. It provides the power to start your engine and keep it running, as well as supporting the operation of other components, including the lights and radio. Show your battery the love that it deserves with our battery maintenance and charging accessories. In-store or online, you’ll find a handpicked selection of  car battery chargers, battery charging accessories, jump starters, jump leads and other charging essentials. Everything has been tested to perform, so you can shop with confidence from a brand you trust.

At Halfords, we’ve been helping drivers stay on the road for over a century, so we know what works. Alongside our tried-and-trusted own brand maintenance equipment and accessories, you’ll also find leading brands like NOCO, CTEK, and Ring - all at great prices. As well as the batteries and accessories for four wheels, we stock a variety of bike battery chargers and motorcycle battery maintenance products too.

How to Maintain Your Car Battery

Your battery should be regularly checked and cleaned to keep it in tip-top condition. Avoiding very short journeys and turning off electrical components like the radio, before shutting down the engine can help to preserve battery life.

If you need any advice on the right battery maintenance accessories for your vehicle, drop into your local Halfords store where our colleagues will be happy to help you. It’s our job to keep you on the road and enjoying the ride.

Batteries installed on vehicles that aren’t driven for longer periods of time should be disconnected to prevent ‘parasitic discharge’ by electrical accessories like clocks and alarms. However, please note that you should always ensure you use a charger compatible with the battery technology installed on the vehicle. For example, an AGM battery must be charged using an AGM-compatible charger type, as failure to do so will result in permanent damage and premature failure.

Periodic maintenance

If you’re removing the battery, you should fully charge it before storage. Check if its voltage is more than 12.40 Volts every month and charge if required. Remember to recharge the battery every three months regardless of the voltage to refresh and mix the electrolyte solution.

Constant maintenance

If you decide to leave the battery in the vehicle, connect a smart charger that’s compatible with the battery technology. It should also feature a pulse mode as this will maintain the battery at 95 to 100% capacity by monitoring voltage and applying a pulse charge when required.

When to Replace Your Car Battery

Generally, car batteries will last between three to five years, depending on factors like climate and temperature, driving habits, and battery maintenance.

You can keep an eye out for the signs of a weak battery to limit your chances of getting stranded. Signs can include dim headlights, a sluggish engine start, bad smells or a clicking noise, and/or vehicle malfunctions like dashboard lights.

Car Battery Testing

If you’re experiencing persistent problems with your car battery or motorcycle battery, it’s worth having a battery service at your local Halfords store. We offer a free battery check where we identify any underlying issues before they manifest into problems. Then, you will be contacted to explain any recommendations and receive a no-obligation quote.

Otherwise, you can buy a battery in-store and have it fitted by our professionals or take advantage of our mobile battery fitting service where our experts will come to you. Whether it’s your driveway or place of work, we can help while you get on with your day.

Bike Maintenance FAQs

How often should I check my car battery?

For general maintenance purposes, it’s best to check your battery 1-2 times per year. However, if you drive in very warm or cold conditions or if you don’t drive much at all, you’ll likely need to check your battery more often, around every 3-6 months.

How long does a car battery usually last?

Typically, lead-acid batteries can last between 3-5 years, but battery life depends on factors including climate, usage, and maintenance. With proper upkeep and satisfactory driving conditions, a battery can last 5+ years.

Do car batteries need servicing?

Yes, car battery maintenance and regular servicing is important when it comes to preserving the life of your battery. You can visually inspect your battery and check for any corrosion, cracks, dirt or damage that may cause problems. For non-sealed batteries, you should check all cells are topped up – if necessary and the plates are exposed, refill using distilled water.

At Halfords, we offer battery servicing, including a free check and a 5-point examination where we examine different components of your vehicle including the battery.