Drivers urged to check car batteries as cold weather could cause breakdowns

DRIVERS are being warned to check their car battery as the weather gets colder.

Car batteries are commonly missed item when motorists check their vehicles over or get prepped for winter driving – and this could prove a costly mistake.

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Car batteries use a chemical process that produces and stores electricity.

But cold weather can affect this, slowing down the battery and stopping it from holding a charge.

Richard Bruce, motoring director at Halfords said: “Car batteries are put under a lot of pressure over the winter months.

“It’s important that drivers are as prepared as possible, so we’re encouraging motorists to take advantage of our free 10 point checks and ensure they have the right equipment to deal with a flat battery if they are caught out.”

What you can do to check your battery

The RAC recommends charging your battery once a week if your car is regularly used for short trips throughout the winter.

Halford recommends cleaning the battery often and checking its water levels.

If battery plates are exposed, it means your water level is low and needs filling with distilled water.

If you want to check to make sure your battery is still running smoothly, you can do it yourself using a multimeter or you can take it to a local garage and have a professional take a look.

If you aren’t using your car often enough during the colder periods, sporadically turn your car on, just to make sure the battery is still running.

And it’s not just your battery you need to regularly check during the colder weather to avoid a breakdown.

The RAC uses the acronym FORCES, reminding drivers to keep check of their fuel, oil, rubber, electrics and screen wash.

Most drivers will have a pretty good idea of how much fuel they have left in the tank but check it daily to make sure you have enough for your journey.

Oil is commonly forgotten about and needs checking regularly.

Double-check the wear and tear of your tyres and wiper blades to make sure they’re ready for action.

Coolant levels need to be kept an eye on so the engine doesn’t freeze.

Make sure all lights are working, it’s hazardous to be on the road with any faulty lights.

No one wants a dirty screen, so keep your screenwash nice and topped up.

If you want extra tips for checking your car over the winter period, read our six top tips to avoid breaking down.

Driving in winter conditions isn’t always easy and cars need to be kept safe against snow and ice.