FAQ Batteries

There are a number of different factors that can affect how long a battery can remain unused, including the condition of the battery and the temperature it is being left at. Generally speaking, a car battery should be ok for 1-2 months before it is worn out and will need recharging before it can start the car again. This time will be shorter if the battery is particularly old, or if the car is going to be left in cold conditions.

Car battery life can vary depending on a number of factors, but in ideal conditions you can expect a battery to last 4-5 years. In order to ensure that you get the best out of your battery life it is important to make sure the vehicle is regularly driven for 20-30 minute trips to give the battery enough time to recharge, as many short trips can drain the battery over time. Extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold, can also have an adverse effect on battery life. If you’re unsure of the condition of your car or van battery then why not pop down to your local Kwik Fit centre for a free battery test:

As is the case with all batteries, electric car batteries will eventually deteriorate and need replacing after prolonged use. While a range of factors can increase the rate that batteries lose power (such as exposure to hot conditions, and excessive use of fast charging), electric vehicle manufacturers have been working hard to produce batteries that will stand the test of time, and most EVs will now come with a battery that will last upwards of 100,000 miles. Manufacturers will be able to offer more accurate details for specific models.

Even though AC (Alternating Current) is easier to generate using kinetic energy from a generator, car batteries can only produce, and only be charged by, DC (Direct Current) voltage.

Every car has an alternator, or generator, which is used to charge the car battery while the engine is running. Most modern cars will use an alternator, whereas older ones may be fitted with a generator – the only real difference is that an alternator is able to charge a car battery at a lower RPM that a generator. The higher the engine RPM is, the faster the battery will charge, so travelling on the motorway will charge your battery faster than driving in stop-start city traffic.

A healthy car battery should read no lower than 12.6V when the car is not running (battery is resting) and is measured with a multimeter. This figure can rise to between 13.8V – 14.4V when the car is running. If the reading on a resting battery shows as lower than 12.6V it would suggest that it is partly depleted and if the reading shows below 12V it is considered to be completely discharged. If your battery is depleted or discharged then it should be charged as soon as possible and re-tested – if the problems persist then it may be time to replace the battery. If you think your battery is depleted, or if you’re just not sure and would like peace of mind, why not bring your vehicle to your local Kwik Fit centre for a free battery health test: