Everything You Need To Know From Battery Health To Replacement

At Volks Autos, we are an independent specialist garage focused on German vehicles, dedicated to helping you maintain your car’s performance. Your car battery is crucial for powering the ignition system, vehicle computer, lights, radio and more. Since all car batteries will eventually fail, often without warning, it is essential to monitor the condition of your battery regularly. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about battery health and replacement to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Battery Lifespan

In ideal conditions, a car battery should last between three to five years, but its lifespan depends on factors such as vehicle type, electronic demands, driving habits, and weather conditions.

Causes Of Battery Strain

While battery age is a common cause of failure, factors like long periods of inactivity, short journeys, using electronics while the engine is off, and faults within the car can also strain the battery and lead to a dead battery.

Maintaining Your Battery

To maintain your battery’s charge, always turn off your headlights and interior lights after driving. Disconnect any GPS, phone chargers, or other electrical accessories, as they draw power directly from the battery.

How Do I Know If My Vehicle Needs A New Battery?

Apart from a failed battery test, look out for these warning signs:

  • Difficulty when starting your vehicle.
  • Engine cranking (turning over) more than usual.
  • Battery / Alternator warning symbol displayed on your dashboard.
  • Your lights are dim or you are experiencing electrical issues.
  • Your car battery is cracked, swollen or leaking.
  • Is your car cranking over?

Is Your Car Cranking Over?

Many components and scenarios can cause a non-start issue. If your engine cranks (turns over) but doesn’t fire, it may indicate a component failure, such as a faulty injector or spark plugs. On the other hand, if the engine doesn’t crank at all, it suggests a battery or starter motor issue.

If your battery is in good health and the starter motor has a good supply from the battery, it would indicate a starter motor issue. If your alternator has failed, your battery will be unable to recharge when the engine is on, causing the battery to run low and then not be able to turn the starter motor to turn over the engine.

What Is The Difference Between A Start/Stop And Regular Battery?

A start/stop battery provides a larger current to the starter motor, enabling the car to restart quickly when you engage the pedal. Unlike regular batteries, it automatically shuts off the engine when the car stops, conserving fuel and reducing emissions. While start/stop batteries may look similar to regular batteries, their functions are different. Regular batteries are designed solely for starting the car, whereas start/stop batteries continuously discharge and recharge.

With the increased demand from modern vehicles’ electrical systems, it’s essential to ensure the correct battery is fitted for optimal performance.

How Long Does An Electric Car Battery Last?

Electric car batteries are slightly different from fuel car batteries. Electric cars rely on their batteries to get you from A to B, whereas fuel cars depend on petrol or diesel. An electric car battery is made of lithium-ion, which means it can deteriorate over time. In ideal conditions, an electric car battery should last around 10 years, however extreme temperatures, overcharging or using the battery’s minimum capacity can impact its lifespan.

Battery Health Checks And Replacement At Volks Autos

At Volks Autos, we specialise in servicing German vehicles, including VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, and VW Commercial vehicles. As part of our health check during an oil change, we assess your car battery’s condition to give you peace of mind. However, if you have concerns about your battery between services, why not book a free battery health check* with us? This quick 5-minute assessment can help identify potential issues and prevent premature battery failure.

Should your battery need replacement, our experts are here to assist with the fitment, programming and environmentally friendly disposal of your old battery. While our battery health check is complimentary, please note that battery replacement services are provided at a competitive price.

If you’re worried about your vehicle’s battery or want to schedule your free battery health check, please contact our service team.

Book Your Battery Test

T&C’s apply

*Some vehicles are exempt from our complimentary battery health check due to battery location. We will only fit parts that are supplied from our trusted supplier. For more information, please contact our service team.

What We Test And Why

Our technicians will use the latest equipment to test the battery’s voltage, starting capacity and overall condition. Our equipment measures the voltage reading, which should be no lower than 12.4v. If it is lower, this indicates that the battery requires recharging or replacing. We also test the starting capacity of the battery. If the starting capacity is below 70%, this indicates that the battery is beginning to deteriorate. It is important to note that if your car has stop/start function, it will stop working if the battery registers below 75%.

The results of a battery test will be displayed as:

  • Good & Pass – Great news, no action is required. We will recheck at your next service.
  • Good & Recharge – The battery is in good health but needs re-charging.
  • Recharge & Retest – The battery is low, and we cannot determine its integrity until a charge is carried out. Another battery test can be performed afterward. 
  • Bad Battery – The battery is entering or at the end of its service life, a new battery is recommended. 

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FAQs

Why do I need to service my vehicle?

Service Volks Autos

Regularly servicing your vehicle not only ensures its safety but also helps prevent unnecessary additional repairs, keeping it in the best possible condition. Routine oil and filter changes are essential, as the oil lubricates internal components, and the filters collect particles that contaminate the oil during use. By regularly servicing your vehicle, you can avoid costly mechanical repairs in the future and maintain optimal performance.

What service do I need?

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Minor Service: Typically recommended every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first.

Minor Service With Pollen Filter: Typically recommended every 2 years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Major Service: Typically recommended every 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Please Note: Service intervals may vary depending on your vehicle’s needs and the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are unsure about the type of service your vehicle requires, our friendly and knowledgeable service team is here to assist you. We can access your manufacturer's technical data, service intervals, and schedules. We will guide you through the manufacturer's recommendations based on your vehicle's age and service history.

What is an air filter?

The function of an Air filter is to help stop contaminants from getting into the engine, helping to extend its life. It also lets the engine breathe more easily, which can help enhance performance and efficiency.

What is a pollen filter?

The purpose of a pollen filter is to stop contaminants getting into your interior via its heating and ventilation system. The pollen filter prevents dust, dirt, soot and pollen entering your vehicle interior. As well as having the added benefit of protecting against pollution gases, exhaust fumes and bad odour.

Must I use a main dealer until my manufacturer’s warranty expires?

You are not required to have your vehicle serviced by a main dealer to maintain the manufacturer's warranty. Thanks to the European Block Exemption regulation introduced in October 2003, you can choose where to service your car. At Volks Autos, our brand-trained technicians ensure that your service follows the manufacturer's recommended schedule using approved parts. We will update your service book or digital service schedule to reflect the completed work.

Can only main dealer update my Digital Service Record?

As a registered German car specialist, we have secure access to check and update your service record for all German vehicles and most manufacturers currently using Digital Service Records. Additionally, we can review your Digital Service Record to provide advice on any upcoming service items that may be due, all in line with your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications. 

Explore Our Guide to Digital Service Records

Can you reset my service light once the service is complete?

Yes. We have all the necessary electronic equipment to be able to reset your service light and variable service indicators once we have completed your service here at Volks Autos.

Do you perform a health check on my vehicle during the service?

Volks Autos Health Check For Service

During your oil change service, our brand-trained technicians will perform a detailed Health Check on your vehicle. This check covers various aspects of your vehicle's health, and the results will be sent directly to your phone, allowing you to see any issues first-hand.

Learn more by visiting our Health Checks Explained

Will you let me know if there is any additional work needed?

We will not proceed with any additional work without your authorisation. If further repairs are needed, your service advisor will contact you with an estimate for the required work.

3rd party warranty – Can I use this at Volks Autos?

Yes, you can use a third-party warranty at Volks Autos. After diagnosing the fault, we can communicate with your warranty company on your behalf, explaining the issue and providing a repair estimate. Typically, customers pay the repair fees to the garage, and the warranty company reimburses them. Most warranty companies require the customer to authorise and cover diagnosis costs before agreeing to contribute to the repair.

Do you offer warranty on repairs you carry out?

We use only the highest quality parts from trusted suppliers and offer a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on all mechanical repairs.

Do I need to pay upfront?

Payment is due upon completion of the work when you collect your vehicle. We accept most credit and debit cards or cash. Some special order parts may need to be paid for before ordering.

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