Harlow
Harlow, located in the county of Essex, is a bustling town known for its vibrant community and proximity to London. With a population of approximately 85,000, it is a thriving hub for residents and commuters alike.
The most popular cars in Harlow
When it comes to car ownership in Harlow, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. Topping the list as the most popular car in the town is the Ford Focus, a favorite among Harlow residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to the aforementioned information, it is worth noting that Harlow residents have a preference for compact and efficient cars that are suitable for urban driving. This aligns with the town's layout and the need for practical transportation in a busy environment.
Vehicle numbers in Harlow
Harlow boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 40,000 cars registered in the town. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Harlow
Harlow is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include CM17 (Old Harlow, Church Langley, and Newhall), CM18 (Harlow Town Centre, Potter Street, and Great Parndon), CM19 (Sumners and Kingsmoor), and CM20 (Harlow Mill, Little Parndon, and Tye Green). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of Harlow.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Harlow residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Harlow's automotive landscape.
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.
What's the difference between an electric car battery and a petrol/diesel car battery?
Petrol/diesel car batteries are small, lead-acid batteries designed to provide a quick burst of energy to start the engine and power accessories, whereas electric car batteries are large, lithium-ion batteries that store significant energy to power the vehicle over long distances.
Electric car batteries are much higher in capacity, weight, and voltage compared to petrol/diesel car batteries. Additionally, electric car batteries have sophisticated management systems and longer lifespans, but they require external charging infrastructure.
Which other factors could lead to a battery replacement?
Leaving the radio or air conditioning on
If you leave your car radio, air conditioning or other electrics on overnight, there's a good chance that the battery will die. At that point, it's possible that a recharge is all you need. However, you may need to call out for a mobile mechanic in order to receive a mobile battery service, so try not to let this happen!
Not fitting the right battery
It's super important to make sure that you select the right battery for your vehicle. Otherwise, it's likely to drain more quickly or, worse, it can cause damage to other components of your engine.
Older cars or batteries
The simple fact of the matter is that if you have an old car battery, or just an old car, you'll run of juice more quickly. If your car battery is flat, it might not be a fault, it could just be age.
Other defective car parts
Problematic alternators and other engine parts can cause a total battery failure. That's why when we fit a new car battery, we'll check to make sure that things are running smoothly first.
The law, vehicle regulations, and your MOT
The physical condition of your battery will not cause your car to fail an MOT, but if the car won’t start, run or operate the electrical components properly because of your battery, then that will.
What happens during a car battery replacement service?
If required, your battery will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
You will also be advised of any other parts, for example, the cables, that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the battery has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of your vehicle and make any required adjustments.
Seven other signs that your car battery needs replacing
If you're experiencing any of the following issues, there's a good chance you're going to need a new battery for your car.
Your car won’t start
If your car doesn’t start when you turn the ignition switch, especially when the engine doesn’t make any attempt to turn over, your battery could be flat.
None of the electrical components work
If the lights, fan, radio or any other electrical components in your car don’t turn on or operate, then your battery could be drained or damaged.
The terminals are corroded
If the terminals (connection points) on your battery are corroded, then your battery is likely to be damaged or worn out.
Your battery has powdery deposits on it
If there are white or blueish powdery deposits on any parts of the battery, this is a sign of acid leaking and incorrect operation of your battery.
A swollen battery case
A bloated or swollen battery case indicates that your battery is overheating. This could be due to overcharging or a fault within the battery itself.
An unpleasant smell
A rotten egg smell from the battery suggests it's leaking sulphuric acid, and a solid indication that the battery is dying.
Your dashboard battery light is on
If your dashboard battery light is illuminated, it might be the only warning before your battery fails. Driving with this light on, especially on a long journey, is risky as it could indicate a dead battery, faulty alternator, or wiring issue.