At Corbridge Road Garage, we often see customers only when a vehicle has completely broken down. However, a recent visit from a local mother and daughter served as a perfect reminder that your battery often gives you warning signs long before it leaves you stranded.
The Range Rover: A Clear Warning
One of our regular customers contacted us when her Range Rover Evoque failed to start. After we advised her to jump-start the vehicle and bring it to the workshop, our diagnostics confirmed what we suspected: the 'start-stop' battery had reached the end of its life.
Modern start-stop batteries typically have a lifespan of four to five years. Even though we were managing a busy schedule, we were able to source the specific unit required and have it fitted the following day to get her back on the road.
The Mini: The Subtle Signs
The more interesting case was her daughter’s 2016 Mini Clubman. As a new driver with her first car, she had noticed some minor 'glitchy' behaviour—specifically, the heating system was cutting in and out unexpectedly.
We recognised these as classic symptoms of a struggling battery. We performed a quick battery health reading and found it was dangerously low. By identifying this during her mother’s appointment, we were able to order and replace the battery within a couple of days, preventing a stressful breakdown for a young driver.
What Should You Look Out For?
Your battery does more than just start the engine; it stabilises the entire electrical system. Here are the key signs that your battery is running low:
Erratic Electrics: If your heating, radio, or dashboard lights behave strangely or flicker, the battery may be struggling to provide consistent voltage.
Start-Stop Failure: If your car no longer automatically switches off at traffic lights, it’s often because the battery hasn't enough 'health' to support a restart.
The 4-Year Rule: Most modern batteries begin to degrade significantly after four years. If you don't know how old yours is, it's worth checking.
Slow Cranking: If the engine sounds laboured or takes longer than usual to fire up in the morning.
Our Advice: Don’t wait for the morning your car won't start. If you notice "glitches" or your battery is over four years old, visit us for a professional battery reading. It’s a small check that can prevent a significant headache later.
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