Car Batteries Dorchester
Most modern car batteries are now maintenance-free and built with smart performance indicators, meaning there’s little hands-on upkeep for drivers. However, keeping an eye on your battery’s health is still important—especially before colder months. Ensure your terminal connections are clean and secure, and consider applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to help prevent corrosion.
Be careful not to over-tighten the clamps, as this could crack the casing or damage the lead posts, leading to early failure. And never cross the positive and negative terminals—it could cause a short circuit, serious damage, or even a risk of explosion.
What does your car battery actually do?
The car battery provides the high-voltage current needed to start your engine—especially in petrol vehicles, where it powers the spark plugs during ignition. It also works alongside the alternator to run the vehicle’s electrical systems (lighting, infotainment, climate control) and stores additional charge to meet high demand.
Modern vehicles—especially hybrids or those with stop-start systems—place even more strain on the battery due to energy-intensive features like heated seats, sensors, and dashboard displays. That’s why regular battery checks are essential, even if the car starts without trouble.
Why do car batteries go flat?
It’s not just age. Short journeys, cold weather, parasitic drain from electronics, or a failing alternator can all shorten your battery’s lifespan. Something as simple as leaving a light on or charging your phone overnight could leave you stranded. If your car struggles to start or if the electronics flicker, it could be a sign your battery is on the way out.
Can I get a Free Battery check in Dorchester?
At Elite Garages Dorchester, our experienced technicians will perform a FREE battery test using the latest diagnostic tools. If a replacement is needed, we’ll recommend the best option for your vehicle and budget. We stock a wide range of high-performance car batteries suitable for all major makes and models.
Need a battery check or replacement in Dorchester? Pop in or give us a call. It’s quick, easy, and might just save you from a cold morning breakdown.
While visiting Elite Garages, head to Shire Hall Museum for a deep dive into local justice history, or pop into the Dorchester Cornhill Market for fresh produce, antiques, and unique finds. Fancy a bite? The Kitchen at Poundbury offers a cosy atmosphere and delicious food, just a short drive away.
FAQs on Car Batteries
To find the answer to some of the questions we often get asked, simply click the + symbol or visit our FAQ page to review the most frequently asked questions across all our Elite Garages Locations, including Dorchester.
If you click on a ‘Category’ or ‘Tag’ link, the page will ‘refresh’ and reload the page showing the top of the page first, you’ll then just need to scroll down to the FAQ section to see the results for the Category or Tag you selected.
Category:
Batteries
Common signs of a car battery that is running low include dim or flickering lights, difficulty starting the engine, rapid clicking when turning the key and the battery warning light appearing on the dashboard. If you notice any of these symptoms, we highly recommend getting an expert to look at your battery and find out whether it needs replacing.
Category:
Batteries
While several things can drain a car battery, the most common cause is leaving the lights or the radio on after the engine has been switched off. Other causes of battery drainage could be a faulty alternator, corroded battery cables and parasitic drains caused by an electrical short in the system. If you are concerned about your battery, book a FREE battery check at Elite Garages!
Category:
Batteries
Generally speaking, the average lifespan of a car battery is between three to five years but may depend on several factors, such as the quality of the battery, your driving habits and how well it’s maintained.