As the winter season looms, drivers in the UK are facing a common and frustrating issue – dead car batteries. With repair expenses rising and cold temperatures adding strain to vehicles, motorists nationwide are on the lookout for cost-effective ways to ensure their cars run smoothly during the darker months.
A motor expert has highlighted a straightforward £5 solution that could potentially save hundreds of pounds in battery replacements and breakdown callouts. Kazimieras Urbonas, the Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, a major online marketplace for used car parts in Europe, emphasizes the importance of basic preventative maintenance in extending battery life. Applying a small amount of dielectric grease on battery terminals, a quick and easy step, can create a protective shield against corrosion and connection issues that commonly lead to winter breakdowns.
Urbonas stresses that maintaining a battery doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Routine checks, such as knowing the age of the battery (most last 3-5 years) and ensuring tight connections, can prevent many winter breakdowns and save drivers significant money. Keeping a set of jump leads in the vehicle is also recommended as a backup measure for unexpected battery failures.
Cold weather poses a significant challenge to car batteries due to the slowed chemical reactions within the battery cells, reducing their ability to hold and deliver a charge. Additionally, the thickening of engine oil in low temperatures demands more power from the starter motor to initiate engine ignition. The added electrical load from winter driving accessories like heated screens and lights exacerbates the strain on batteries, leading to difficulties in the colder season.
While the impact of cold weather on batteries is well-known, drivers often overlook the issue of terminal corrosion, which can impede battery performance significantly. The buildup of white or blue-green crust on terminals hampers the electrical connection, preventing proper charging and power delivery, ultimately leading to premature battery failure.
A simple and affordable fix for terminal corrosion is dielectric grease, available for approximately £5 at auto parts stores. This non-conductive silicone-based compound forms a waterproof seal around terminals, safeguarding them from moisture and contaminants. Applying dielectric grease involves cleaning the terminals, applying a small amount of grease, and reattaching and tightening the connections to create a protective barrier that can last for months.
Apart from preventing corrosion, maintaining clean and protected terminals ensures efficient charging from the alternator, prolonging battery life. This maintenance step also ensures reliable power connections when maximum power is required, such as during freezing mornings. The minimal effort and cost of applying dielectric grease can prevent breakdowns, saving drivers from the inconvenience and expenses associated with roadside assistance and battery replacements.
In conclusion, a simple and quick maintenance routine can go a long way in preserving battery health, enhancing vehicle reliability, and saving money for drivers during the challenging winter season.