What is included in a car battery check?

Our experienced mechanics will visually check your battery, its terminals and connectors for signs of damage and corrosion. They will assess the efficiency of your battery and its ability to retain charge. They can then advise whether or not they think a replacement is needed.

DS

DS is the premium automobile marque of the Groupe PSA. First announced in 2009 by Citroën as its premium sub-brand; it was suggested to be an abbreviation of different spirit or distinctive series. However, in French, the name is considered a play on words, as the translation of déesse becomes goddess in English.

How popular is DS in the United Kingdom?

As a newcomer to the UK market in its own right, there were around 35k DS cars on the roads in the UK by the end of 2018. Whether those figures will continue to rise at the same rate shown since their introduction in 2015, only time will tell.

Looking to provide a standalone marque to initially compete with brands such as Volkswagen and Audi, PSA decided that neither Citroën nor Peugeot would be able to carry the brand strength that would be able to make a serious threat in the market with an elevated price-point at the level of quality and luxury they set out to achieve.

DS: Establishing a new range of upmarket models

To compete with the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, DS introduced a range of hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs but it’s undoubtedly their supermini city car that is proving the most popular.

The DS3, sold as a 3-door hatchback or a convertible, is available in countless customisation options and also as the subcompact luxury crossover SUV DS3 Crossback. The DS3 was voted Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine, and first place supermini four times in a row in the JD Power Satisfaction UK Survey.

DS: Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just a one trick pony

At the other end of the range you’ll find the DS7 Crossback. Here’s a large SUV designed to compete directly with the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC; that’s quite a jump for a car that’s built by Citroën.

The models that you’ll find between the DS3 and the DS7 are created with the same style for the market in mind. The DS4, a mixture of hatchback and SUV, and the DS5, a bigger hatchback priced and pitched against the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class saloons.

What does a car battery do?

The car battery is responsible for powering all of the electric components in your car. As well as the lights, stereo, windscreen wipers, etc. it is also responsible for powering the ignition system that starts your engine and keeps it running.

How do I know if my battery needs replacing?

Some common signs that your battery may need replacing are:

• Trouble starting your car

• Your car completely fails to start

• Problems with your car's electrics

• Rust or corrosion around your battery terminals

How long do car batteries last?

Car battery life spans vary across models and conditions. Ideally your battery should last anywhere from three to six years, however extreme temperatures and conditions can shorten a battery’s life. Additionally, if you leave your vehicle idle for months at a time or only do short journeys in your car, your battery will lose charge faster than expected and struggle to recharge.

What are the signs of a weak car battery?

The following are all key indicators of a weak or failing battery. Dim headlights. A clicking sound instead of the engine igniting when you turn the key. A slower cranking sound as the engine attempts to start. Engine backfiring when trying to start the vehicle. Issues with your car's electrical system. Dim headlamps and internal lighting.

What happens to your car when the battery dies?

If your battery dies when your car isn't in use, it won't start the next time you try. If the battery dies while you are driving your car, then performance will most likely deteriorate until the vehicle stops to run. There simply won't be enough charge to power the spark plugs or injectors as the load from the electrical system continues to drain the remaining battery charge.

How long is the warranty on car batteries?

It depends on the battery, where you bought it and whether it was installed by the manufacturer. You should check your vehicle warranty for the exact details pertaining to your car.

If you bought your battery from a third-party dealer or service centre, then they could be covered by anything from a single-year up to a 5-year warranty.

Are car batteries under warranty?

Some vehicle manufacturers only cover the battery for the first year of the vehicle warranty, where others will cover them for the full term.

If you bought your car from a used-car dealership, then it's unlikely to be covered. You need to consult the terms and conditions of each warranty, as every dealership will have their own rules or operation.