Car lighter gadgets and battery advice
 Car batteries cause most winter breakdowns and mainly fail on a Monday morning 13 December 2007 Battery-related breakdowns peak in December, so read our crucial advice to avoid a dead car battery, and find out what to do if it goes flat. Dominic Sacco looks at the best battery-powered gizmos. How to avoid a dead car battery | What to do if your battery runs out 1. Dashboard decorations If you drive much over the Christmas period, then an in-car decoration could be ideal. You can carry Christmas cheer on the move with musical trees, fairy lights and other festive-themed electriconics which plug into your car lighter. Some even come with sticky pads to attach to your windows. Prices vary depending on the object, but most are relatively cheap – search online or visit a Christmas gift store.  2. In-car TVFor the complete 007 experience, why not get a television and DVD player fitted to your car? You'll be able to watch your favourite programmes and computer games from the comfort of your back seat. Although it doesn’t plug directly into the car lighter, in-car entertainment systems runs off the battery and is without a doubt one of the coolest pieces of in-car of kit available. Prices vary, and you can buy a system online from Auto Trader’s Motoring Shop. 3. The Charger Whether it’s a mobile phone, MP3 player or portable games console, the cigarette lighter is a goldmine for long distance travelling - and perfect for family holidays. When the battery to a travel game runs out, simply plug in the charger and continue your journey in comfort. Rechargeable battery chargers are £9.99 from our motoring shop. 4. Mini-heater These handy little fans clear your windscreen from mist, and heat your car up long before the engine can completely warm up. Perfect for icy mornings. They cost just £17.99 from our Motoring Shop.  5. Car air purifierEver wanted the new-car smell again? The ionizer comes close – by sending out hundreds of negatively charged ions into your car’s interior, absorbing pollutants like cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. The ions grow in size and fall to the ground, keeping your car clean and smelling fresh. You'll never have to buy a Christmas tree air freshener again. Top battery saving tips Dead car batteries are the main reason cars breakdown in winter – and most fail on a Monday morning. According to research from the RAC, most breakdowns occur between 8am and 8.45am, usually after a vehicle has been parked all weekend. Follow these tips to avoid a flat battery this winter: 1. Switch off electronic controls including lights, wipers, radio and the heater before turning your engine off. This allows extra charge to run into the battery. 2. A glowplug is a heating device used to help start a diesel car’s engine. Replace your glow plugs at the first signs of failure to save wear on your battery. Car Parts Direct sells long-life glow plugs for around £6 each. 3. Check your alternator belt (which converts mechanical energy to electricity). Replacing a faulty alternator should make the battery recharge again. 4. Use a car battery charger to check your battery's condition. The Sparkrite Booster and Starter Charger costs £41.70 from Car Parts Direct. 5. Low air temperatures can cause a battery to freeze, especially when exposed to the extreme cold for long periods of time. Park in a warm garage to avoid this. 6. Make sure battery fluid levels under the bonnet are between the minimum and maximum marks, if the unit isn’t sealed. Top up with distilled or deionised water (the acid in the battery doesn’t need replacing since it’s not consumed). 7. Clean battery terminals with a wire brush and use anti-corrosion products mixed with water. You can also use petroleum jelly on the terminals to prevent corrosion. 8. Car batteries generally last around two to four years, and should be changed at least once every three years. What to do if your battery runs out • If your engine fails to start, the battery may not be completely dead. Turn off all lights and other electrics, then leave the car standing for 20 minutes. This allows enough power to charge and restart the engine. • Use a car battery charger to boost start a low battery from the mains. The Sparkrite Booster and Starter Charger costs £41.70 from Car Parts Direct.  • Attempt a jump-start1. Make sure your car and the rescue car are switched off. 2. Ensure you put jump leads on the right way round – attach the positive cable to the positive terminal on the rescue car and the positive terminal on the dead battery. Then connect the negative cable to both negative terminals. 3. Start the rescue car and allow it to charge the dead battery for 20 minutes. 4. Switch off the rescue car and start up your car – if the battery still doesn’t work, repeat step three. • If all else fails, call your breakdown firm and wait for them to reach you |
Page 1
ESSENTIAL AUTO TRADER LINKS
RSS FEEDS 
Receive the latest news and features directly to your internet browser or RSS reader.
Find out more and how to subscribe
Bookmark this page with: