Workshop Activities

Batteries often die in cold weather.

The battery generates electricity using a chemical process. This chemical process slows as the battery temperature falls. A battery which struggles in warm weather will have little hope of successfully starting a vehicle during the Winter months. The battery's efforts to start a cold engine are further frustrated because the motor oil thickens as it becomes colder. This problem is irritated by old or poor quality motor oils.

Batteries will typically last from 2 to 5 years depending on many factors including luck, however some points to consider which may help are:

·        Keep the battery fully charged when off a vehicle. If you have a spare which has been lying around the shed for a year neglected it is probably useless.

·        Avoid bumpy road conditions as shaking the battery about will reduce its life expectancy.

·        Most batteries gracefully die of old age and Winter operating conditions conclude their useful life, however some will fail spontaneously without warning.

·        Just because your vehicle appears to have battery problems check the charging system before you purchase a new battery. Replacing the battery is not always a cure for poor starting.

Don't drive in poor weather without your headlight on to save the battery. Modern vehicles are easily capable of charging the battery and operating the lights on any reasonable run. If you need to compromise your vehicle's lighting you have a serious problem which will result in system failure, and should have the charging system professionally tested.

A partnership established 1983

Telephone 01443 231135

Pratt's Garage, Unit 5 Cambrian Ind. Est. Coed Cae Lane, Pontyclun, CF72 9EW

The web site sets out typical work undertaken and some technical topics which may interest you.