Why should you buy seasonal tyres?

Several factors are responsible to affect the health of your tyres, such as road conditions, weather, driving habits, and tyre ageing.

Among these factors, changing seasons have a vital role in affecting the performance and quality of tyres.

Therefore, most drivers like to replace their tyres according to the upcoming season.

In some countries, it is compulsory to use winter tyres Banbury in winter season whereas certain drivers change the tyres as per their own wish.

Actually, these drivers change their tyres according to the weather since they want to protect themselves from the adverse effects of seasonal changes.

Before we talk about the seasonal tyres, let us have a look at common seasonal effects.

Winter season:

Winter seasons are full of challenges and risks as a white layer of snow covers the roads.

This layer makes the surface very smooth to reduce friction. Therefore, it is never easy to maintain proper road-holding for the tyres.

Moreover, events like snowfall are always ready to test the patience of the car drivers.

Summer season:

Summer season is not favourable for the drivers with its scorching hot roads. Extreme heat is said to be the main enemy of your tyres because of increasing the air pressure.

Due to extreme friction on hot roads, tyres often face blowouts in the middle a journey.

Therefore, most drivers like to install specialist tyres in their vehicles.

Rainy season:

During the rainy season, roads are wet due to rainwater. It means you always have a risk of skidding in the rainy months.

In the scientific language, this phenomenon is called hydroplaning when a layer of water eliminates the contact between the tyre and road surface.

As a result, the tyres lose friction and the driver loses the control over the car for a couple of moments.

As you see, these seasonal conditions are not favourable for the car drivers.

Therefore, they have to choose specialist tyres according to related season.

There are three main types of seasonal tyres called winter tyres, summer tyres and all-season tyres.

Winter tyres:

Winter tyres are specially designed for the severe condition of the winter season. The tread pattern of winter tyres supports driving on snowy roads because of the increased number of sipes and deeper grooves.

The design of winter tyres makes them capable of dispersing water and holding snow effectively.

Moreover, these tyres provide optimum grip on the icy roads. It means your car is safe from skidding or hydroplaning in the winter months.

Tyre material used in winter tyres is not going to harden when the temperature is at the freezing point.

Summer tyres:

Summer tyres keep you safe on the hot road surfaces, reducing the risk of blowouts with the help of their tread design.

Reduced number of grooves in summer tyres increases the contact area to improve grip and traction on summer roads.

All-season tyres:

These tyres are said to be effective in different weather conditions. Tyre makers make these tyres with compromising the qualities of winter and summer tyres.

The design of all-season tyres is supportive if the conditions are now severe. It means you may use these tyres on slightly snowy roads but a thick layer of ice will seriously affect their performance level.

Therefore, it is really essential for you to choose your tyres Crawley according to weather conditions.

All-season tyres seem effective in moderate conditions but you have to rethink if you want to use all-season tyres during heavy snowfalls.

In unbearable weather conditions, you must use winter or summer tyres as specialists.

Experience Freedom with All-Season Tyres

If you love to drive and enjoy going out on short and long trips any time of the year whenever there’s a scope, then you need your car.

As we all know, even if every other part of your car is in good health and if your tyres are not right then there’s no point in maintaining anything. Now the question is what kind of tyres would be a great match for your car? 

There are several varieties of tyres available now but not all are for every vehicle. Each has its purpose and unique efficiency. But, if we speak of tyres that can run on all kinds of roads and be ever ready for trips, then it is the all-season tyres without a doubt.

Why All-Season Tyres?

This is a tyre of the seasonal tyres category. In this category, there are other choices such as summer and winter tyres. But all season is the proper blend of both. 

As summer tyres are made only for the summer season, it means it is only capable of moving on rough and dry roads and maybe even slightly wet roads too. On the other hand, winter tyres are made for the chilly season when the temperature is below 7degrees and the roads are covered with snow or sticky ice. But these winter tyres cannot be used in temperatures above 7 degrees and neither can they be used to run on rocky and dry road surfaces. Similarly, summer tyres cannot be used once the temperature is below 7 degrees.

This is where All-Season Tyres Oxford is the best to have if you generally drive on all kinds of roads. Especially if you are the traveling kind then driving through various seasons is not an unusual occurrence, and this is why you should stick to these tyres. These tyres are designed in a special way for facing all kinds of road situations up to a moderate level. Since most of the places in the United Kingdom have a moderate climate and very few regions face extreme climatic situations, all-season tyres are the most fitting ones for anyone belonging from here.

All-season tyres shall save a lot of time and money since with these fitted to your vehicle you will not need any other set of tyres. The requirement of changing tyres with the change in season is also ruled out easily. So, it relieves you from the unnecessary stress and tension related to tyre change and also saves you the expense of it. In case you are the one to change tyres of your car then you shall not have to invest any more effort behind it.

Moreover you are let off from the tension of storing seasonal Tyres Oxford during the off-season as well. Often if the tyre storage is not done properly they wear out or get damaged before the next use. Since tyres are expensive, nobody would like to waste tyres like that.

The handling of the vehicle is smooth and comfortable on dry and wet surfaces as well as in low temperatures. With all-season tyres fitted to your car, you can have a relaxed drive without any worries and feel a different kind of freedom in traveling.

When Is It The Best Time To Fit Winter Tyres

From personal experiences, it has been clear that winter tyres provide more grip, more safety, and stability than conventional tread in lower temperatures. Moreover, there is a question which is stated as “When is it the best time to fit winter tyres?” for which there are specific advice offered.

Slippery trip to Finland

A few years ago, a showroom standard Ford Mondeo which was fitted with winter tyres was driven north through Finland, where the temperature dropped below minus 20 degrees at night. In this region, the road is so slippery that one has to hold onto the bonnet for staying upright.

Winter tyres, when compared to a summer tyre, have just a half of the stopping distance on an icy road. They provide extra support while going up or down a hill, cornering, and accelerating.

As UK winters are cold and damp, there is no need for winter tyres. Now the modern tyres are engineered for various conditions, due to which swapping is considered to be unnecessary.

Working of Winter tyres

When the temperature of the thermometer falls below 7 degrees, the standard rubber begins to lose the elasticity needed to grip the road properly. These tyres have a mix of different ingredients which help them to retain that flexing as they have more silica in their compound.

They have a tread pattern with a different design, which has deeper grooves that `bite’ into the ice or snow. They are combined with sipes and grooves which are wider, and they provide better drainage capability for making a way through slush or puddles.

When should one switch to winter tyres?

One must use the rule of thumb to change to winter rubber when there is a drop in average temperature below seven degrees. The rule of thumb refers to winter tyres being specific to the season and being damaged when is driven on surfaces in warmer weathers.

As the compound wears faster, one will have less gripping and stability during cornering and braking. Hence when the temperature is taken as seven degrees as a guide and is then swapped when the average changes above or below.

Myths of winter tyre

There are some myths about winter tyres, and they are as follows

By fitting only two winter tyres, one can save money, on the axle which feeds power to the road.

It is risky and is illegal to use summer tyres, and by reducing the air pressure in them, they can be used for winter conditions.

Tyres work best in climates for which they are designed for, which means maintaining a pressure that is strictly recommended. When one lets air out, it decreases the grip making the vehicle less stable and leading to premature wearing or damage.

Winter tyres are made and also known as cold weather tyres rather than being called snow and ice tyres. But one does have to remember to use it appropriately and must be guided by an average temperature for some days.

Late 2012 was when Constancy tyres had touched down first in Ireland. These tyres try to take an extra mile with peace of mind.

Some of their varieties are as follows:

Constancy LY688 Tyre

Constancy LY566 Tyre

Constancy Commercial – Van Tyres

Constancy LY788 Tyre

Constancy LY166 Tyre

Phillips Tyres is one amongst the few centres for best tyres Newbury which is specialised in mechanical, supply, and fitting of tyres for vans, cars, and 4x4s to all leading manufacturers like Pirelli, Sumitomo, and others. Its team provides advice on the best tyres for meeting the requirements of driving.

Check The MOT History Of A Car Online

The MOT test is an examination of your vehicle that is done annually. The aim of conducting this test is to check whether your car is safe to drive or not. Many vehicle components are checked during the MOT test. It takes place annually and can be done at a certified test centre.

When is my vehicle eligible for the test?

Every vehicle that is 3 years or older needs to pass the MOT test. This is an annual test, therefore, 3 years after buying the vehicle you must get the MOT test done every year. Driving a car without passing the MOT Oxford test is illegal and you may have to pay a fine as well.

How long does an MOT test take?

The MOT test usually takes 45-60 minutes to complete the test. However, in case your vehicle fails it, you may either have to leave it at the test centre itself for repairs. The test centre will not allow you to take your car if it has failed the test. You can either take it to get the repairs done or your MOT certificate has not expired yet.

Some test centres may even ask you to drop your vehicle in the morning and take it back when the test is done.

How much does an MOT test cost?

There is an official fee set for the test centres to charge. They can not charge more than the standard amount. Currently, it is £ 54.85 for cars and motorcaravans, and £29.65 for motorbikes. Many garages charge almost 50% less than the standard amount.

How to avoid failing the test?

People usually make a few mistakes in the test that can certainly be avoided. Most of the cars fail the test due to minor faults. Here are some tips to avoid failing the test:

• Wash your car before the test. Clean it well and remove all the unnecessary stuff from the vehicle. Clean all the mirrors and windows appropriately. This is one of the many reasons for failing the MOT test.
• Screenwash of the vehicle should never be topped up. This task is so simple and yet people forget to notice it.
• Remove all the stickers from the windscreen that seem to block the driver’s view. All stickers should be placed outside the wiper’s sweep area.
• The warning lights on the dashboard should be error-free. Repair them before taking the vehicle for the test.

MOT retests

If your car has failed the MOT test, you will need to get a retest scheduled. But before that, you should get all the repairs done. If you leave your vehicle at the test centre itself for the repair, you will get the partial retest done for free. But it should be done within 10 working days.

In case you take your vehicle away for the repairs, you will be charged the normal test fee.

Check the MOT history online

Did you know that you can now check the MOT history online?

It is easy for you to track the history of a vehicle’s MOT test. This proves to be useful when you are buying a second-hand car. This can tell you about the actual condition and the past repairs of the car. All you need to do is enter the vehicle registration number and you’ll get all the information you need.

What are the Benefits of All Season Tyres

All season tyres are one of the most persistent and reliable kinds of tyres. All season tyres can be used throughout the year, for every weather. Now you won’t have to change tyres of your car twice a year. All season tyres are made with the combination of winter and summer tyres, keeping in mind the benefits of both. However, they cannot be compared to the best summer tyres or winter as they are made for milder climates and can only perform till an extent in extreme weathers, unlike summer tyres and winter tyres in their respective season.

These tyres are made for countries with mild weather as moving on ice would be difficult with these tyres. For snow and ice, the winter tyres will work perfectly. All season tyres can be used throughout the year to perform in a variety of conditions and weathers. Most reputed tyre manufacturing companies have all-season tyres as they are highly functional and in demand these days. At Phillips Tyres we have all season tyres Waddesdon available at our disposal from many of these well-known companies. These tyres are designed, keeping in mind the safety and comfort for your ride, all year round.

Here are some benefits of all-season tyres:

Cost–effective: You won’t have to change tyres twice and neither will you have to buy two sets for different weathers, hence you’ll be able to save more.

Easy to drive: These tyres are made to provide an easy drive. They provide stable cornering and strong traction for both wet and dry road conditions. All season tyres also have a better tread life than that made for specific seasons.

Mileage: The low rolling resistance provided in these tyres helps save up on energy. This increases the mileage and thus reduces the fuel cost.

Safety: These tyres are designed for safe travels in mild weather conditions but if winter’s strikes, the high-density grooves on the tyres will make it easier for you. The treads have great grip for handling and braking on cold, snowy weathers as well.

Comfort: These tyres are usually made to produce the least sound and eliminate discomfort on the road, as compared to winter or summer tyres.

So if you live in Wallingford or anywhere near, that has the same weather conditions, check out all seasons tyres Watlington at Phillips Tyres. These set of tyres might make your daily life a bit easier as you won’t have to worry about changing tyres with the changing seasons and weathers. Hope this helped you figure out if these tyres are the best ones for you. Visit a Phillips Tyres to get more information on the specifics if you lean towards getting yourself all-season tyres.

Low Rolling Resistance Tyres: Are They Worth A Shot?

The market today is full of variety when it comes to tyres. There are off-road tyres, winter tyres, summer tyres, all-weather tyres, and more. Based on the use of one’s vehicle and their local terrain, motorists decide on the tyres they want to invest in. All that is very good, but what if you are worried more about the climatic effects of vehicles or the money you shell out to refuel your car than performance and handling?

Opt For Low Rolling Resistance Tyres Or Green Tyres

So what exactly are LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) tyres?

The rubber used in the manufacture of tyres depends on the weather condition and terrain they have been designed to handle. Winter tyres are made of soft compound and summer tyres of hard compound. Other tyres, depending on the terrain, use a mix of these compound and ingredients.

LRR’s or green tyres are a composition of rubber which focuses primarily on reducing the resistance presented by the road on the tyre. This resistance is not the same as grip; the grip of the tyre enables it to hold on to the surface of the road, and more than necessary grip becomes resistance. Think of it this way, the more force lost by the rubber in the tyres in the form of heat, the lower the force they transfer; lower the transfer, higher is the rolling resistance.

Another important aspect of tyres is their weight. The harder and lighter the compound they are made of, the lower the rolling resistance; but this also makes them inefficient for good grip. Similarly, the heavier and softer compounds have higher rolling resistance. So, to achieve the desired grip with the least rolling resistance and weight, silica is added to the compound in the manufacturing of tyres. This drastically changes the properties of the rubber and makes the tyres a lot more desirable.

Therefore, lrr Tyres Wheatley ensures that they have optimum grip without the problem of resistance.

Now that we know what LRR tyres are, let us look at why they are a good choice.

Increase Efficiency

As we know, low resistance tyres have only the necessary amount of grip; they avoid extra grip to reduce resistance. As such, they are perfect for fuel-efficiency. Studies show that such tyres can save over £500 on fuel, throughout their lives. This makes them an ideal choice for the cost-conscious.

Longer Tread Life

Because of their lower rolling resistance, the wear caused due to use on such tyres is low. So they last longer than normal tyres. Add long life to the fuel savings, and you have one of the best tyres available on the market.

Lower CO2 Emissions

A vehicle which has to burn less fuel to travel a mile automatically reduces its carbon footprints. Thus, low rolling resistance tyres are also called green tyres. They are a part of the ecosystem, that is, to help make commuting with private vehicles less harmful to the environment.

Now that we know what they are, and how they are beneficial to consumers as well as the planet, let us look at some of the popular brands at Philips Tyres that offer LRR tyres.

Continental Tyres: The Continental Pure Contact is an ideal grand touring tyre. It is a great fit for luxury sedans and sporty coupes. It flaunts the latest developments in the low rolling resistance tyres and ensures that you have a safe, comfortable, and quiet experience inside the cabin of your car.

Michelin Energy Saver: Specifically designed to ensure better fuel economy for your vehicle, the tyres are all-weather. This means that the hassle of getting tyres changed with the change in seasons can be forgotten. Also, the LRR feature ensures that you have a comfortable and economical run every time you are in the driver’s seat.

Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus: From the house of Pirelli, these tyres are great for use in all types of weather conditions and offer very low rolling resistance. Thus, they are great to use and economical to run.

Now that you know about low resistance tyres, book a visit to Phillips Tyres to get your hands on the best brands at the best prices. Remember, the better the tyres on your vehicle, the better will be its performance for your pocket and the planet.

Know Some Revolutionary Nexen Tyre Innovations

Innovation is the backbone of any company as that helps it stand against other competitors in the business world. Innovation is the prime function of any business; the second one is of course marketing. When we talk about tyre innovation, no motorist exists who is not impressed by modern tyres selection developed by Nexen Tire Co. Originated in 1942 as the first tyre company in Korea, Heung-A Tire Company, now Nexen Tire Co. (since 2000), drew the attention of the tyre industry by introducing its first vehicle tyre in Korea in 1956. In 1992, the company launched its first V-shaped directional tyre.

Nexen Tire values tomorrow. With the mission of becoming one of the global top ten by 2025, Nexen Tire Co. is constantly striving to provide the most innovative tyres to the industry. The new generation of tyres is thankful to Nexen for its continuous improvements. The company takes pride in becoming the first company to attain the world’s top design awards- IF Design Award, Dot Design Award, G-Mark, and IDEA Award (2011-14) Let’s have a look at a few award-winning tyre innovations by Nexen that revolutionised the entire tyre industry:

At ‘The Tire Cologne 2018’ (tyres and wheels trade fair held in Germany), Nexen Tire exhibited 14 tyres belonging to summer, winter, all-season, and concept tyre categories. N’Fera Sport, Roadian AT 4×4, N’Fera RU1 (OE for Porsche Macan), Breathre, Winguard Ice Plus, and Winguard Sport2 SUV are a few new generation tyres that were displayed in the trade fair.

1. Green Hive Concept Tyre: In 2014, Nexen Tire bagged IDEA Award for developing Green Hive Concept Tyre. Under this concept, the steel wheels are dressed with a separate and demountable tread, which can be replaced 3-5 times. This apparently means that with this type, the users will be able to enjoy an increased lifespan of their tyres by, approximately, 300%. This concept saves money as well as the environment.

2. Nanotechnology: Nexen was patented for its modern tyre design to produce tyres by blending the rubber compound with stratified silicate nano-composite. In 2006, the company accomplished its development on the Ultra-High Performance and Winter LTR and SUV designs.

3. N’Blue Eco Tyre: Looking at the term ‘eco’, you possibly have the idea that this tyre is fuel-efficient. To achieve improved fuel economy, the tyre features low resistance. Apart from that, the advanced tread pattern allows the tread to last longer. The three ribs in its centre maintain great vehicle stability at fast speeds. Furthermore, the wet, as well as dry braking performance, is exceptional.

4. Winter Snow Technology: Nexen snow tyres stay supple and provide better grip and control better in temperatures lower than 7 degrees C. The tyres with 3D sipe tread patterns enhance braking performance, while the dual Z shape pattern offers unmatchable lateral snow grip. Winguard Ice Plus and Winguard Sport2 SUV are two popular, new innovative winter tyres.

5. Air Purifying Technology: Breathre is Nexen’s first future-oriented concept tyre armed with this technology.

6. Winguard Winspike SUV Tyres: This variant is constructed with V-shape tread pattern for improved snow traction performance with the help of rigid blocks. These tyres offer superior traction on snow/ice surfaces and reduced stud noise by optimally allocating 12 multi-random stud lines. Also, its edge effects enhance straight directional driving stability and snow/ice performance.

Besides modern designs, Nexen is recognised in the industry for providing jaw-dropping warranties, covering mileage warranty on tread wear along with a two-year limited road hazard warranty. Not only this, it offers roadside assistance for three years to its consumer.

All Nexen Tyres are modern, safe, and highly reliable. Get in touch with Phillips Tyres to choose your Nexen out of the premier selection of technologically advanced tyres.

4 Best Maxxis Tyres in the UK

Hunting for new tyres for your prized car in this crowded market? Well, we have made it easier. We have picked up the four best tyres from the brand Maxxis, a brand that strives to deliver the best in class, quality, efficiency, and innovation. Neat, right? Read on to find the distinct features and much more to make an informed choice.

1. Maxxis HP5:

Who doesn’t like quiet and refined rides? The Maxxis Premitra HP5, an ultra-high-performance summer tyre is designed to provide precisely that in passenger cars. They have a sound reduction bar and curved shoulder blocks to cut down road noise. These tyres provide short dry braking, balanced wet performance, and optimal handling. This tyre gives you that much sought after, luxurious car performance. They give excellent handling stability and passenger comfort which provides excellent drivability. Their full silica tread compound delivers high-speed traction, gives you full control, and excellent dry and wet grip. The tyres have a re-designed rib pattern which prevents wheel damage and provides enhanced straight-line stability even at high speeds. Their linked shoulder blocks offer lateral traction and swift steering performance. There are four main grooves on these tyres which dissipate water and provide aquaplaning resistance.

2. Maxxis M36+ :

Tired of changing tyres with changing seasons? Maxxis M36+ all-season tyre is the solution for those looking for high mobility and handling on both dry and wet roads. They are specially designed to perform in all weather conditions- wet, dry, warm or cold. These tyres have an advanced tread compound with V-shaped directional grooves to enhance wet traction and increase rolling resistance performance. They have high-density 3D sipe technology to provide additional stiffness when you drive on grumpy roads. These grooves stay open during contact and lower the risk of hydroplaning in all-weather conditions. What’s even more impressive is the steel belt construction and the double-layer high strength steel belts. They improve impact performance and provide optimum contact patch for better handling.

3. Maxxis AP2 : 

Searching for the safest all-weather tyres in the market? Well, we have the result and that is Maxxis AP2 tyres. They offer superior value, both in terms of quality, and the asking price. With better rolling resistance, these tyres also improve the fuel economy. They are the best tyres for smooth and comfortable rides.

4. Maxxis MT-762 Bighorn:

These tyres are the best for those who love racing in muddy terrains. They deliver terrific performance and offer an added traction with shock absorption to your tyres on rocky terrains. Cleaning tyres after those exhausting championships can be draining, but these tyres have deep tread blocks with self-cleaning capabilities. No racer would ever want to be stranded because of a puncture en route, which is why we recommend these tyres which have enhanced puncture resistance and outstanding handling capability on rough terrains. Bighorn’s extra large shoulder lugs give your vehicle a sporty look and protect the rim and sidewall from cuts and abrasion.

The above Maxxis Tyres, along with the manufacturer’s other ranges and other branded tyres are available at Phillips Tyres. We also have all kinds of tyres from leading brands in stock. You can even visit us for tyre checks, car servicing, and a lot more.

Understanding the Reasons behind Battery Troubles and Ways to Prevent them

Take a moment to think about what you do when you slide into your car. First, you put your key into the ignition and start the engine. Next, you probably turn on the air conditioner and the stereo as you begin your journey. It is your car’s battery which is responsible for providing power to all these functions, which is but only a fraction of what the battery does.

An automobile battery is a relatively low maintenance component when compared to some other parts of the car. However, it does require the occasional inspection which many motorists tend to forget or overlook. An average car battery lasts anywhere between 3-5 years. It may vary depending on the power consumption of your car, the place you live in and a host of other factors. Notwithstanding these variations, you can make your car battery last considerably longer by inculcating some battery maintenance habits in your driving schedule.

However, to understand how one can extend the service life of their batteries in Oxford, it is necessary to understand what affects it the most.

1. Temperature

Extreme temperatures on either side of the spectrum are not ideal for long battery life. In sub-zero temperatures, the battery will struggle to generate enough power. In scorching heat, it drains considerably faster. So, if you live and drive in such areas where the weather is extreme for most parts of the year, you’re likely to get reduced battery life.

Solution

• In winters, park your car overnight inside a garage. In summers, always park it under a shade.

• There are a lot of weather-specific batteries available in the market. Install a battery made for specific climatic conditions to get the best out of it in extreme temperatures.

2. Trip Duration

According to automobile experts, taking too many and too frequent short trips can decrease the life of a battery by as much as 30%. When one takes too many short trips, usually lesser than 15 minutes, the alternator doesn’t get enough time to charge the battery fully. Driving with a partially charged battery severely affects its service life.

Solution

• Consolidate your trips. Club more than one short trip.

• If you have to make a quick trip, make sure that you compensate for it later in the day by driving your car for at least 30 minutes at a stretch.

3. Usage

Overuse of too many power-hungry appliances like the heater, high-intensity fog lamps, AC, etc. drains the battery faster, especially if you’re using them when the car is in idle.

Solution

• Use electrical appliances sparingly. Turn them off if not absolutely necessary.

• Never run these gadgets when the car is idling. If you are getting out of your car to go to a store or gas station for even 5 minutes, remember to turn those off.

Timely and adequate battery maintenance can go a long way in ensuring a long battery life. The next time you visit a professional garage like Phillips Tyres, ask the technicians to service the battery as well. Maintenance will also ensure that it won’t break down suddenly and you won’t have to perform a regular Battery Repair Wheatley.

Poor Battery Performance? Know the Most Common Issues and the Easiest Solutions!

Modern batteries do not need much maintenance. However, they can give rise to occasional problems. Often, the main problem with a car battery is a depleting charge.

Modern batteries or SLI cells are designed to supply a high amount of electricity in a short duration to start the engine rotation. SLI batteries cannot handle deep discharge, which can ultimately shorten lifespan. This deep discharge is the primary reason for a dead battery. Other factors can drain the battery as well.

Factors that drain the battery

1. Electrical components

Leaving electrical components ‘on’ like cabin lights, indicator lights, radio, etc. after exiting the car is a mistake many people make. This results in drainage of the battery over time without your knowledge.

2. Parasitic discharge

Parasitic drain happens due to components that keep on running even after the engine is turned off. Common parasitic drains include glove box and trunk lights. Short circuits in any electrical components will also cause parasitic drainage. It can also happen when the battery terminals have corrosion deposits on them, which results in added resistance.

3. Faulty charging

A defective alternator will not charge your battery while driving. Hence, your battery keeps on draining even during your drive. In a majority of instances, a defective alternator diode causes it to malfunction.

4. Extreme temperatures

A weak or old battery is highly susceptible to too hot or cold temperatures.

Some of the above situations are unpreventable and beyond one’s control, for example, extreme weather conditions. Faults in electrical systems are also quite common and occur inadvertently. So, knowing the solution to these issues can be quite handy.

DIY car battery checks

• Electrolyte levels

Typically batteries have a part of the casing that is translucent to allow you to keep an eye on the fluid level. If the fluid level is below the lead plates, topping it up with distilled water is a temporary solution. You should go ahead with a car Battery Repair Bicester for a permanent fix.

• Voltage and ampere output

A way to test this is to use a load tester. This tool exerts a load on the battery similar to the draw of a starter motor. By doing this, you can see the voltage before and after the load, which will give you an estimate of the battery’s condition.

• Cables and terminals

Inspect if there are any loose terminals or corrosion in the terminal. Look out for lead sulphate deposits in the form of white powder on them. Use sandpaper, baking soda and water to clean and keep the terminals corrosion-free.

• Power drain

A way to check for a parasitic drain is to check the current flow after disconnecting the battery cables from the starter motor. You will have to use a multimeter for this test. Connect the multimeter to the terminals of the battery and monitor whether the ampere and voltage ratings are as should be. You can use a light bulb as well for this test. Disconnect the negative battery terminal, and complete the circuit with the bulb using the ground. If the test light illuminates, it is indicative of the presence of a drain.

• Battery case

A bloated battery case means the battery has been affected by excessive heat. A replacement is advisable for such situations.

• Smell or odour

A pungent rotten egg smell around the battery tells that there has been a leakage of electrolytic fluids.

Doing these tests by yourself will allow you to evaluate the state of the battery properly. After you have done so, seek expert service, either for a repair or a replacement. Professional auto garages such as Phillips Tyres deliver battery servicing and replacement according to your vehicle specifications. They also carry out other component-specific services such as a Brake Repair in Bicester.