Car Battery Care & Maintenance Guide

Your vehicle owner’s handbook will explain the location of your car battery and the basic checks you can safely perform.

Most car batteries are located under the bonnet. However, some manufacturers place the battery under the rear passenger seat or inside the boot, which is more common in larger executive vehicles. Brands such as Mercedes, Porsche, Rolls Royce and Mitsubishi may sometimes use two batteries, particularly in vehicles with larger engines.

Always take care when handling a car battery. They are heavy and contain sulphuric acid, which is highly corrosive and can cause serious injury if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

How Your Car Battery Works

When you turn the key or press the start button, the battery sends power to the starter motor, which turns the engine. At the same time, the battery powers the spark plugs that ignite the fuel and air mixture inside the combustion cylinders.

Once the engine starts, the alternator replaces the energy used during startup and supplies electricity to your vehicle’s electrical systems, keeping the battery fully charged.

Battery strength (also known as cranking amperage) depends on how hard the battery has to work and the conditions it operates in. Modern in-car technology such as air conditioning, digital music systems, satellite navigation and other electronic devices place additional demand on the battery. Increased demand can lead to premature battery failure, which is why regular battery checks are recommended.

Regular battery checks by an expert can help identify potential issues early and prevent unexpected breakdowns or MOT failures.

Battery Checks You Can Perform Yourself

Most modern car batteries are maintenance-free and include a built-in performance indicator. In most cases, the only checks you can perform are ensuring the terminal connections are tight and free from dirt or corrosion.

Keep the terminals clean and free from grease or debris. Applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the terminals can help prevent corrosion buildup.

Be careful not to overtighten the terminals, as this can damage the battery casing or lead posts, which may cause premature battery failure. Also avoid crossing the positive and negative terminals, as this could cause electric shock, damage the battery cells, or in extreme cases lead to an explosion.

Free Battery Check at ESP Servicing

If you are unsure about the age or condition of your battery, visit ESP Servicing for a professional battery health check. Our fully trained technicians use advanced Bosch testing equipment to check battery performance and charging systems.

The check is completely free and our technicians will advise you if any parts need replacing now or in the near future.

Order a Replacement Battery

ESP Servicing stocks a wide range of batteries suitable for most vehicle makes and models. If your battery needs replacing, you can order a new one online or visit ESP Servicing for professional fitting

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