How to make sure you don't have a flat car battery

20 April, 2020   By: Kirsty Petrides

And while that’s great for your fuel consumption and kilometres, it’s not so great for your battery.

Batteries like to be kept fully charged, so leaving your car stationary for a long period of time can cause the battery to fail. That means that once you’re ready to hit the road again, your car may break down or not even start at all.

Since WA’s COVID-19 restrictions started relaxing and Western Australians have started moving around again, our Roadside Assistance Patrols have seen a huge spike in battery-related breakdowns.

In addition to reduced usage, there are other factors like the make and model, age, condition of the battery and even the temperature of the space you keep your car can all affect your battery’s life.

However, there are some basic things you can do to take care of your battery, so that when you’re eventually ready to hit the road again, your car is too.

• Consider getting a battery charger. Driving your car around the block isn’t enough to charge your battery. Short journeys often involve lots of stop/start driving, making components such as your car battery work harder. Eventually, because more current is being drained from the battery than the alternator can put back, your battery will not have enough charge to power the starter motor. That’s why using a battery charger ensures it stays fully charged while your car isn’t being used.  

• If you can't get your hands on a battery charger, borrow one instead. If you can’t buy a battery charger outright, see if any nearby friends, family or neighbours have one they could leave at their door for you to pick up (because of social distancing) so you can borrow it intermittently.

• Don't drain the battery unnecessarily. Before you leave your car, check to make sure its locked, that all the doors and boot are closed properly and not left ajar, and that all the lights are off. 

• Bring it in for a free check before hitting the road. RAC members get one free 30 minute fault diagnosis each year, so if you think you have a fault with your car battery, let us look at it first. Give any of our nine Auto Service Centres a call to organise a time for one of our technicians to look over your car and its battery to help avoid the chance of a road trip breakdown^. 

RELATED: Check out our guide on how to do a basic car check.

How to charge your battery

If you've got a battery charger, it's relatively easy to charge your battery. 

• Make sure you do it in an open space where there is good ventilation, and ensure there are no open flames nearby. 

• Also make sure to check the battery for cracks, leaks or build-up first – if there is any sign of damage, do not charge it. If you’re in doubt, call RAC’s Motoring Advice line.

• Once you’ve checked it’s safe to charge, always connect the charger to the battery before switching the charger on. 

• Once it’s fully charged, switch the battery charger off before disconnecting it from the battery. 

What not to do

• Don't disconnect your battery. We don't recommend doing this with modern cars, as disconnecting the battery can cause electrical system fault or loss of your car’s computer and infotainment system settings. 

• Don't run the engine while your car is sitting idle. Running your car for a little bit while its sitting still in the garage will not fully recharge the battery - in fact, doing this when the battery is already weak may even lower the battery capacity and shorten its life. Doing this is also bad for your car’s engine, and if you’re in a poorly ventilated garage, potentially dangerous. 

*Please note this contact number is for car advice only. For other queries please call 13 17 03. 

^Offer is limited to one diagnosis a year, per membership. If diagnosis takes longer than 30 minutes you will be charged for the additional time. MRB 935.