Cold and batteries

Winter is when your battery is prone to failure

When you turn the ignition key to start your car, everything depends on the battery hidden somewhere in your car's engine compartment. Batteries don't have to work too hard in the summer, but when the temperature drops and the winter chill sets in, stay alert because it's that time of the year that your precious battery is prone to failure.

The NRMA knows all about people being stranded by bad batteries, with NRMA patrols attending close to 400,000 calls for assistance for battery-related problems last year.

So what can you do to avoid a dead battery?

The NRMA recommends that car owners start paying close attention to their batteries after three years of installation. If your battery is starting to go, the first thing you'll probably notice is that the car turns over sluggishly before starting. That is a major warning sign.

If you hear those much feared, sluggish sounds when you start up your car, do not immediately assume that the battery needs replacing. Before you do this, check that the battery connections are tight and that the wires are not broken or disconnected. Ensure that your terminals are cleaned regularly during every major service by your mechanic.

Some batteries are permanently sealed, but if yours has battery caps, remove them and check that the fluid inside is about 5mm above the plates, or between the levels as indicated on the battery case. If low, top up with distilled water and avoid overfilling. Mop up any spillage.

If none of this reveals the source of the problem and you think the battery needs to be replaced, call NRMA Batteries on 1300 726 751 and we will come to you anytime, anyplace and test the cars charging system thoroughly before installing a new battery.

Battery testing, as well as delivery and installation by a qualified technician is free for NRMA Members.

For a free quotation on a new NRMA battery call 1300 726 751.

Winter Car Care Quiz

How time flies when your car had been running well throughout the summer months.

Now the weather has turned cold and you've done nothing to your car since spring, beyond changing the oil and replacing a tyre.

Contrary to popular thinking, vehicles do require seasonal attention to be kept safe and dependable. More to the point, their owners may need a seasonal reminder to pay attention to their vehicles needs.

To emphasise the importance of keeping up with scheduled maintenance, the NRMA has produced a true-false quiz underscoring five forms of vehicle maintenance that are among the most neglected. Some of these questions or answers may trigger reminders to ensure the well being of your own car.

Questions

1. To reduce the chances of a vehicle aqua-planing in heavy rain be sure that the tyre tread is at least 2 - 2.5mm. True or False
2. The most common cause of windscreen wipers chattering and smearing the glass is that the rubber blades wear out. True or False
3. A car's battery should typically be replaced every three years. True or False
4. The brake fluid filter should be replaced when new brake pads are installed. True or False
5. When the heater puts out cold air, the problem is usually a frozen radiator. True or False.

Answers

1. True. When a tyre loses contact with the pavement on a rain-covered road surface the driver can lose control, especially at high speeds. Known as hydroplaning, this condition usually is more pronounced on vehicles with badly worn tyres
2. False. Windscreen wiper blades can deteriorate even on a new car that has been sitting in storage. The rubber in the blades is vulnerable to the elements as well as road contaminants. That's why blades should be changed periodically, ideally twice a year, as a preventative measure
3. True. The key word is typical. The average battery life is three years. However if most of your driving is stop and go, around town, or your car has many electrical features then the battery life may reduce. Try to ensure that you take a steady hour-long daylight drive each week
4. False. There is no such thing as a brake fluid filter. However, the fluid should be changed as part of a braking system overhaul or at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Contaminated fluid not only is corrosive to vital parts of the hydraulic system, it also can affect braking action
5. False. More likely reasons for lack of heat from the heater are: a sticking thermostat open in the engines cooling system or a malfunctioning valve that controls air or coolant flow.

The auto battery (PDF 211KB/2 pages)