Kingston
Kingston, a bustling city located in the heart of England, is renowned for its vibrant automotive scene. With a population of over 160,000, it stands as a hub for car enthusiasts and owners alike.
The most popular cars in Kingston
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Kingston, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the reliable Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Kingston residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
Moreover, it is worth noting that Kingston exhibits a strong inclination towards SUVs and 4x4 vehicles. This preference can be attributed to the city's diverse terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Kingston's residents seek sturdy and versatile cars that can navigate through any challenge, aligning perfectly with their adventurous spirit.
Vehicle numbers in Kingston
Kingston boasts a substantial number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This significant figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the demand for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Kingston
Kingston is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct charm. Notable areas include KT1 (Kingston upon Thames, Hampton Wick, and Norbiton), KT2 (Kingston Vale, Coombe, and Canbury), KT3 (New Malden, Old Malden, and Berrylands), and KT6 (Surbiton, Tolworth, and Long Ditton). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Kingston.
As a car maintenance platform dedicated to serving the needs of Kingston's residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to keep their cherished vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of Kingston's unique automotive requirements.
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.