Get Help With A Flat Battery

Modern Car batteries have an average life span of about 3 to 4 years in normal/city country driving.

Some of the factors that can shorten the life of your battery are covered below.
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Battery Tips for preventative breakdown

​Battery needs to be tested and recharged using a battery charger

Headlights/interior lights, rear boot/door left ajar, ignition or accessories left on will drain your vehicle’s battery. The battery needs to be tested prior to charging, most new testers today will automatically do this and won’t charge if there’s an issue. Older testers may start charging as it doesn’t have the technology to do this. Also if a battery is bulging the tester can’t see this so a visual inspection must also be carried out.

Have someone drive your vehicle while you’re away or use a trickle charger

If your vehicle is not driven for a while, say when you are on holidays, the vehicle’s electronics continue to drain a small amount of charge from the battery. Over time, Sulfation can occur in the battery and the battery loses charge rendering the battery without sufficient charge to start your vehicle. The battery now needs to be tested and recharged using a battery charger.
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​Longer drives needed or use a Trickle Battery Charger

​Driving habits: Short trips don't give the alternator enough time to keep the state of charge up in the battery which can cause the battery to fail prematurely. Longer drives are needed or use a Trickle Battery Charger.

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Tips for maintaining your new Jim’s battery

Battery Life in Australian Weather

Summer: In summer the batteries electrolytes (liquid) can evaporate due to high temperatures which intern weakens the charge. If the battery gets hot enough the internal components corrode.

Winter: Car batteries must work harder in cold weather to turn your engine. At zero degrees, your car’s battery may operate at only half of its’ charging capacity, possibly preventing your car from starting.Make sure that any interior lights, car stereo’s etc are off prior to starting your car. This reduces the drain on your battery when starting your car.
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Alternatively park your car in a garage if possible, to protect it from extreme weather. Remember, never idle your car in your garage as toxic fumes are dangerous. If you notice corrosion on your battery, give Jim’s a call and we can asses and clean it for you.

Car batteries usually loose charge in cold weather, mostly because any damage done during the summer doesn't show up until the battery is more worn out. A cold battery has reduced cranking power, and cold temperatures thicken motor oil, making it harder to turn the engine over.

Check Under the Bonnet

Be aware of your battery's maintenance requirements (interior lights or headlights left on will drain your Jim’s car battery) and mindful when the time for replacement is approaching. If an installed battery is over 3 years old you might notice your vehicle is slower or harder to start, if this is the case you should check your battery connection, broken wires and loose or corroded terminals regularly as this can also be a factor.

Test Batteries Annually

​Inspections should be part of a vehicle owner's regular maintenance. It is important to check your battery before taking a long road trip. If you notice a swollen looking battery, then it must be replaced immediately as the battery case has been damaged and the battery compromised.

Battery Warning Lights

If your dashboard battery warning light illuminates it is most likely a fan belt or an alternator issue.

Battery Charging Warning

When charging your battery ensure the Battery is suitable for charging. Bulging or swollen batteries must be replaced as the battery & case have been compromised. This happens when the battery has been overcharged or has sulphated due to the battery being discharged. In this case if the battery is overcharging the alternator must be checked with a new battery.

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