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.

Kia

Kia Motors Corporation (widely known as Kia Motors) is South Korea’s second-largest automobile manufacturer, behind their parent company, the Hyundai Motor Company.

They were initially established in December 1944, over 70 years ago, as a steel tubing and bicycle parts manufacturer who started building cars in the 1970s.

Coming from a background of building cars under licence for the likes of Fiat, Mazda and Peugeot, it wasn’t until the 1980s when Kia started to produce vehicles under their own brand name, and only more recently were they to become minority owned by Hyundai, who currently holds a 33.88% stake in the company, in 2015.

How popular is Kia in the United Kingdom?

From the mid-1990s, the amount of Kia cars on UK roads has seen a steady increase to the current number of around 800k today.

Given their reliability, value for money and market-leading 7-year, 100k mile warranty, Kia is a marque that is heading for further popularity, greater sales and added respect.

Superb value for money

With an extensive range of models to choose from, Kia cars offer excellent value. From their city car Picanto starting at under £10k, through to their luxury spec SUV Sorento at £30k, Kia cars compete with more established mainstream brands, offering not only strong price-points but with advanced levels of technology and the extended benefits you’d expect from a car of a higher price.

Kia Sportage: The 10th best selling car in the UK

Given the rise in growth of the Korean car brand, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see its best selling model sneak into the top 10 best selling cars of 2018. This great value and practical SUV is ideal for family motoring; not only is it rugged and good looking, but it’s also backed with Kia’s impressive reliability and extensive warranty.

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.