Here at Car Tech Leighton Buzzard, we offer a free battery check that will show the condition of the battery. If required we offer a Battery Replacement & Fitting service.
Although batteries can be ordered from online platforms such as eBay it is still worth having this looked at by a garage first as there are many types of batteries with different specifications. We check the new batteries Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), Cranking Amps (CA) and Amp-Hours (AH) match or better the old battery insuring longevity. (for more information, please see below)
Regularly checking your car battery is crucial for several reasons:
A weakened or dead battery can leave you stranded, especially during inconvenient times or in harsh weather conditions. By proactively checking your battery, you can identify potential issues early and avoid the hassle and expense of a breakdown.
A healthy battery delivers consistent power, contributing to efficient engine starting, smooth electrical system operation, and improved fuel economy. Checking your battery helps maintain this optimal performance and prevents sluggish starts, flickering lights, or other issues.
Batteries naturally degrade over time, but proper care can significantly extend their lifespan. Regular checks allow you to detect problems like corrosion, electrolyte levels, or loose connections, addressing them before they cause permanent damage.
A neglected battery can lead to major electrical problems down the line, impacting the car’s overall value and resale potential. Regular checks ensure your battery stays in good condition, contributing to a well-maintained vehicle.
Knowing your battery is healthy provides peace of mind when you’re on the road, allowing you to drive with confidence and avoid the worry of potential breakdowns.
The discharge load in amperes that a new, fully charged battery can deliver at 0 degrees F for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of 1.20 volts/cell or higher. This measures the battery's ability to start (crank) an engine under low-temperature conditions where the chemical reaction inside the battery slows down: A battery puts out 100 percent of its rated power at 80 degrees F, 65 percent at 32 degrees, and only 40 percent at 0 degrees.
CCA is great for comparing battery performance in cold climate areas, but in hot climates lead-acid batteries with extremely high CCA ratings may actually have a shorter life than those with lower ratings: Within a given overall battery case (group) size, upping the CCA requires thinning out the internal plates to squeeze more out of them within the same case volume. Thinner plates are more susceptible to vibration and overheating.
The discharge load in amperes that a new, fully charged battery at 32 degrees F can continuously deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining a terminal voltage equal to or higher than 1.20 volts/cell. CA ratings can be misleading because they can be up to 30 percent higher than the equivalent CCA rating. The BCI requires that a battery carrying a statement of its CA performance must also list its CCA capacity.
While there's no set schedule, it's generally recommended to have your AC system checked every 2 years for potential leaks, refrigerant level, and overall performance.
If listed, this is the number of minutes a new, fully charged battery at 80 degrees F can be discharged at 25 amperes while maintaining a voltage of 1.75 volts/cell or higher. For a 12-volt battery (six cells), RC is the number of minutes it can maintain a voltage of 10.5 volts with a 25-amp draw; therefore, a "75-minute" battery lasts 75 minutes under these conditions. The bigger the RC, the better; modern cars with lots of accessories can see a current discharge rate much greater than 25 amps.
This one's a little tricky. Sometimes also known as the "C20" rating, usually you'll see this on a deep-cycle battery sticker. It's a measurement of how much energy a battery can deliver continuously for 20 hours at 80 degrees F without falling below 10.5 volts. If a battery is rated at 100 amps/hour, it will supply 100 amp/hours of power, or 5 amps/1 hour.
Most batteries have a date code, usually a long string of numbers and letters that show when the battery was purchased. One row of one- or two-letter codes indicates the month, the other row of numbers is the last digit of the year. The relevant date code in the ID should have been stamped or highlighted at the time of purchase.
This is the standard "envelope size" of the battery case that equates to its height, width, length, and terminal position.
A battery stores and releases electrical energy, using chemical reactions between sulphuric acid and lead paste within the plastic case.
Over time, the acid erodes the lead content and this reduces the battery's capacity. Batteries, therefore, cannot last indefinitely.
Before replacing a battery, we recommend that it is tested for its state of charge and state of health.
Difficulty starting the engine, dimming lights, sluggish electrical components, unusual smells, and corrosion around the terminals can all indicate a battery issue.
With caution and the right equipment, yes. Follow safety precautions and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions
Yes, we accept used car batteries for recycling. It's important to dispose of them properly due to environmental concerns.
If you can safely jump-start it, follow proper procedures. Otherwise, call roadside assistance or if you are local please feel free to contact us.
Common types include flooded, AGM, and gel batteries. Each has its own characteristics and suitability for different vehicles. Consult your owner's manual or contact us for guidance.
