ADVERTISEMENT
A flat car battery is one of the most common causes of roadside callouts for the NRMA, with Patrols responding to nearly 600,000 battery jobs every year.
However, this type of setback is often preventable with the right care, regular maintenance and a few small changes in driving habits and vehicle care.
You pay a decent amount for your car battery, so you need it to go as far as it can. Here's how to make it last
Avoiding short trips also helps. Frequent five-minute drives don’t allow the battery to fully recharge, especially if you’re using accessories like air conditioning or the infotainment system at the same time.
Some causes of a flat battery are unavoidable, like ageing batteries or extreme weather, but others come down to preventable mistakes:
All batteries degrade eventually, but these habits can speed up the process and leave you stranded. The NRMA recommends a battery health check once your battery is over three years old. This is a free service for members and only takes a few minutes.
Replacing a car battery might seem like a quick job, but modern vehicles are more complex than they look. Professional installation is not only safer but also helps protect your vehicle’s sensitive electronics. Here’s why it matters:
Batteries fitted by the NRMA come with a nationwide warranty and include safe recycling of your old battery. In contrast, buying a cheap battery online or from a discount parts store may save a little money upfront but often results in poor performance, compatibility issues, or shorter lifespan. It’s also likely that you’ll have to pay someone to put it in, so you won’t actually save money.
Most batteries last between three to five years. You might notice signs like:
If any of these apply to your car, don’t leave things until it’s too late. An NRMA Patrol can come to your home or workplace to test your battery and, if needed, replace it on the spot. Even if you’re not a member, you can still access the same service for a small callout fee.
If you have a flat car battery or think it might be time for a replacement, call the NRMA on 1300 906 479. A mobile battery specialist can test your battery, diagnose the issue and install a new one on the spot if needed. You can also book car battery replacement online for a time and place that suits you.
Whether you’re at home, at work or stuck at the side of the road, the NRMA offers expert, 24/7 battery replacement across NSW and the ACT – with quality batteries, professional service and reliable support every step of the way.
