The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start, but modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like non-essential functions not operating correctly - things like idle stop-start function not working, or the car's air-conditioning not working effectively.
Other signs you might need a new car battery include:

• Vehicle is slow to start
• Engine won't start
• Dash Lights work, but engine won't start
• Constantly needing a jump start
• Film or corrosion on the battery
• Cracked swollen or leaky battery
• Rotten egg smell under the hood

The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when your car won't start. Modern motor vehicles can show symptoms like the idle stop-start not working or the car's air-conditioning not working to full capacity.

Other signs include cracked, dirty or leaky batteries, a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, or regularly needing a jump start or recharge. The best way to know if you need a new battery is to get a car battery test at Derek Steen's Auto Care

Yes! When your car battery is running flat, the alternator works harder to recharge the battery. This added load on the engine means it burns more fuel.

Come in and see us! As a Repco Authorised Service Centre, Derek Steen's Auto Care have access to the highest quality batteries to suit most vehicles.

Derek Steen's Auto Care can do a battery load test. Phone us or visit the workshop today.

If you have concerns about your vehicle's performance, it is wise to get your battery tested at a full-service workshop like Derek Steen's Auto Care rather than at a parts store. That's because we take into consideration the whole vehicle and can diagnose any deeper issues.

There is nothing worse than replacing your car battery only to find the problem actually lies elsewhere… except maybe being told your battery test is fine with no explanation for your ongoing issues!

Yes, in fact the battery is being recharged by the alternator in your car whenever the engine is running. Sometimes this fix isn't enough, and your battery requires an external recharge. It's best to ask the professionals like our team at Derek Steen's Auto Care about this, as you could void the battery warranty by recharging it yourself.

Sometimes external recharging is not the best option because every battery eventually reaches a point in its life where replacement is the only answer to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

The short answer is yes...But! Modern vehicles are “computers on wheels”, so if you decide to DIY you must follow proper installation procedures to avoid damaging the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module).

Plus, if the battery gets incorrectly installed, items like the radio, the navigation system and security codes may need to be professionally reset.

Talk to Derek Steen's Auto Care today. We can recommend the right battery for your needs and install it for you.