Drivers are encouraged to check car batteries because cold weather can cause damage

Motorists are being warned to check their car batteries as the weather turns colder.

Car batteries are often overlooked when motorists check their vehicle or prepare for winter driving – and this can be a costly mistake.

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Car batteries use a chemical process to produce and store electricity.

But Cold weather can affect This slows down the battery and stops charging.

“Car batteries come under a lot of pressure during the winter months,” said Richard Bruce, automotive director at Halfords.

“It is important for drivers to be as prepared as possible, so we encourage motorists to take advantage of our free 10 point checks and make sure they have the right equipment to deal with them. deal with battery drain if stuck.”

What you can do to check your battery

The RAC recommends charging the battery once a week if your vehicle is frequently used for short trips during the winter.

Halford recommends cleaning the battery regularly and checking its water level.

If the panels are open, it means your water level is low and need to be filled with distilled water.

If you want to check to make sure your battery is still working properly, you can do it yourself using a multimeter or you can take it to a local garage and have it checked by a professional. .

If you don’t use your car often during colder periods, turn it on infrequently, just to make sure the battery is still working.

And it’s not just the battery, you need to regularly check it in colder weather to prevent damage.

RAC uses the acronym FORCES, prompting drivers to check their fuel, oil, rubber, electrics, and wash their screens.

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

Oil is often forgotten and needs regular testing.

Check wear and tear on your tires and wiper blades to ensure they are ready to go.

The coolant level should be monitored so that the engine does not freeze.

Make sure all the lights are working, it’s dangerous if you go on the road with any faulty lights.

No one wants a dirty screen, so keep your wipes nice and full.

If you want more tips for checking your car in winter, Read our top six tips to avoid breaking.

Driving in winter conditions is not always easy and cars need to be kept safe from snow and ice.