Knowledge & tips
Car care blog
Practical advice on servicing, engine oil and looking after your car.
Symptoms of a faulty alternator
A warning light, dimming lights and a battery that goes flat despite being new are typical alternator symptoms. Find out what to look out for.
Replacing the battery yourself, safely
A battery change looks simple, but the wrong order and small mistakes risk a short circuit or lost settings. See how to do it safely.
Weak alternator or weak battery — how to tell them apart?
The car stalls or starts poorly, but what’s to blame — the battery or the alternator? Find out how to tell them apart quickly by symptoms and a measurement.
How to extend a battery’s life?
A few simple habits can extend a battery’s life by years. Find out what really helps and what quietly shortens the battery’s life.
The battery in a hybrid and an electric car
A hybrid and an EV have two batteries: the traction one and an ordinary 12 V. Find out which one wears like in any car and why it immobilises the vehicle.
How much does a battery replacement with call-out cost?
The price of a battery replacement depends on the battery type and the car. Find out what makes up the cost and why a mobile change can pay off.
Short trips and an undercharged battery
Driving mainly in town over short distances slowly drains the battery. Find out why it happens and how to counter it.
Charging a battery with a charger — safely at home
A flat battery can be recharged with a charger at home. Find out how to do it safely and when charging no longer helps.
Parasitic drain — why the battery goes flat while parked
The car sits a few days and won’t start? Parasitic drain is often to blame. Find out where it comes from and how to diagnose a parasitic draw.
Battery terminal maintenance — corrosion and grease
A white or green deposit on the terminals can make starting harder. Find out how to clean and protect the battery terminals.
Do settings get lost after a battery change?
Disconnecting the battery can reset the clock, radio or windows. Find out what resets and how to keep your settings during a change.
Battery replacement and coding/adaptation
In many newer cars a new battery has to be registered in the computer. Find out what coding involves and why skipping it shortens the battery’s life.
How to choose a battery (capacity, starting current)?
Choosing a battery isn’t just about capacity. Starting current, dimensions, polarity and type all matter. Find out what to look at.
A battery for a start-stop car — why AGM/EFB
A start-stop car needs an AGM or EFB battery, not an ordinary flooded one. Find out why and what registering the new battery gives you.
AGM vs EFB vs flooded battery — which to choose?
AGM, EFB or an ordinary flooded battery? The choice depends on the car, especially the start-stop system. Find out the differences and pick the right type.
A jump starter power pack — is it worth it?
A portable jump starter starts the car without a second vehicle or leads. Find out how it works, how to choose one and when it really helps.
Jump-starting with leads, step by step and safely
Jump-starting is simple, but the wrong connection order risks damaging the electronics. See the safe procedure step by step.
A flat battery — how to start the car?
The car won’t start and the battery’s flat? You have several proven options. Find out how to start the car safely and what not to do.
How to check the battery’s condition?
You can check the battery with a meter in seconds. See what voltage is correct and when a load test is needed.
How many years does a car battery last?
An average battery lasts 4–6 years, but the way you drive can shorten that a lot. Find out what shortens battery life and how to extend it.