As winter draws near, British drivers are bracing for the common issue of a dead car battery. With repair expenses on the rise and chilly temperatures straining vehicles, motorists nationwide are on the lookout for budget-friendly ways to maintain their cars during the darker months.
An expert in the automotive field suggests a straightforward £5 solution that could save individuals money on battery replacements and emergency breakdown services. Kazimieras Urbonas, the Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, a prominent online marketplace for pre-owned car parts in Europe, highlights the importance of minor preventative measures that can significantly extend the life of a battery.
The key is to apply dielectric grease to the battery terminals, a simple maintenance technique that forms a protective shield against corrosion and connection issues that commonly lead to breakdowns in winter.
Urbonas emphasizes that battery upkeep doesn’t have to be complex or costly. By conducting basic checks, such as monitoring the battery’s age (usually lasting between three to five years) and ensuring all connections are secure, drivers can avoid many winter breakdowns and save a substantial amount of money. Additionally, keeping a set of jump leads in the vehicle can be beneficial for unexpected battery failures.
The dielectric grease method is highly recommended by Urbonas for maximizing the battery’s lifespan with minimal effort. It is a maintenance task where a small investment of time and money can yield long-term benefits.
Winter poses a significant challenge to car batteries due to the adverse effects of cold weather on their performance. Low temperatures slow down chemical reactions within the battery, reducing its capacity to store and deliver power. Simultaneously, cold weather thickens engine oil, increasing the power required by the starter motor to initiate the engine.
Moreover, the elevated electrical demands during winter, such as extended use of heaters, lights, and screens, further strain the battery. Batteries that appear functional in the summer may struggle to meet the demands of winter driving.
In addition to the well-known challenges of cold weather, drivers often overlook the issue of terminal corrosion on batteries. The buildup of white or blue-green crust on terminals not only affects the battery’s appearance but also hampers its efficiency.
Urbonas points out that even minor corrosion can impede the battery’s charging process and power delivery, leading to premature failure. Consequently, many drivers replace batteries prematurely due to poor connectivity caused by corroded terminals.
A cost-effective solution to this problem is applying dielectric grease, which can be purchased for around £5 from automotive stores. This silicone-based compound creates a protective seal around the battery terminals, preventing moisture and contaminants from causing corrosion.
Urbonas provides a simple guide on how to use the grease effectively: clean the terminals, apply a small amount of grease, and then reattach and tighten the connections. The grease, being non-conductive, blocks moisture without causing short circuits and can safeguard the terminals for months, even under harsh conditions.
Beyond preventing corrosion, maintaining clean and protected terminals ensures efficient battery charging from the alternator, leading to prolonged battery life. It also guarantees reliable power connections when maximum power is required, such as on cold mornings.
Most importantly, this quick maintenance task can prevent the inconvenience and expense of a breakdown. Given that roadside assistance calls can cost between £80-£150 and battery replacements range from £100-£200, investing in a £5 tube of grease offers exceptional value for drivers.
