Electrical & Technical

Battery Charging System

When you turn the key to start your vehicle, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, which turns the engine over. At the same time, power from the battery is supplied to the spark plugs in order to ignite the fuel and air mixture that has been compressed in the engine combustion cylinders.

The battery power used during the starting up process is then replaced by the alternator, which supplies the bulk of electrical current to your vehicle's electrical systems, keeping your battery fully charged.

The battery strength or cranking amp is generally affected by the amount of work it does and the conditions in which it has to work. The growth of in-car technology such as air conditioning, digital music players, satellite navigation systems and other electronic gadgetry are placing greater strain on your vehicle's battery. All of these increase the demand on your car's battery and charging system which can lead to premature battery failure. Consequently, more frequent checks are recommended so that your car battery maintains its optimum working level.

Regular battery checks can help identify and prevent premature battery failure, which can result in a vehicle breakdown at the most inconvenient time.

Common Questions

Battery Charging System FAQ

How do I know if my battery needs replacing?
Common signs include a slow or sluggish start, warning lights on the dashboard, or a car that won't start at all. Batteries typically last 3 to 5 years, so if yours is older it's worth having it tested.
Can you test my battery without replacing it?
Yes. We carry out a full battery health check to tell you whether the battery simply needs charging or whether it needs replacing. There's no obligation to have work done based on the test results.
What is included in a charging system check?
As well as the battery itself, we test the alternator and the starter motor. If any part of the charging system is underperforming, we'll let you know and give you a quote before any work is carried out.
Can a bad alternator damage a new battery?
Yes, it can. A faulty alternator won't charge the battery correctly and can drain it or shorten its life significantly. If you find yourself replacing batteries regularly, it's worth having the alternator tested at the same time.
Electrical & Technical

Battery Charging System

When you turn the key to start your vehicle, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, which turns the engine over. At the same time, power from the battery is supplied to the spark plugs in order to ignite the fuel and air mixture that has been compressed in the engine combustion cylinders.

The battery power used during the starting up process is then replaced by the alternator, which supplies the bulk of electrical current to your vehicle's electrical systems, keeping your battery fully charged.

The battery strength or cranking amp is generally affected by the amount of work it does and the conditions in which it has to work. The growth of in-car technology such as air conditioning, digital music players, satellite navigation systems and other electronic gadgetry are placing greater strain on your vehicle's battery. All of these increase the demand on your car's battery and charging system which can lead to premature battery failure. Consequently, more frequent checks are recommended so that your car battery maintains its optimum working level.

Regular battery checks can help identify and prevent premature battery failure, which can result in a vehicle breakdown at the most inconvenient time.

Common Questions

Battery Charging System FAQ

How do I know if my battery needs replacing?
Common signs include a slow or sluggish start, warning lights on the dashboard, or a car that won't start at all. Batteries typically last 3 to 5 years, so if yours is older it's worth having it tested.
Can you test my battery without replacing it?
Yes. We carry out a full battery health check to tell you whether the battery simply needs charging or whether it needs replacing. There's no obligation to have work done based on the test results.
What is included in a charging system check?
As well as the battery itself, we test the alternator and the starter motor. If any part of the charging system is underperforming, we'll let you know and give you a quote before any work is carried out.
Can a bad alternator damage a new battery?
Yes, it can. A faulty alternator won't charge the battery correctly and can drain it or shorten its life significantly. If you find yourself replacing batteries regularly, it's worth having the alternator tested at the same time.
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