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There are a number of different factors that can affect how long a battery can remain unused, including the condition of the battery and the temperature it is being left at. Generally speaking, a car battery should be ok for 1-2 months before it is worn out and will need recharging before it can start the car again. This time will be shorter if the battery is particularly old, or if the car is going to be left in cold conditions.
Car battery life can vary depending on a number of factors, but in ideal conditions you can expect a battery to last 4-5 years. In order to ensure that you get the best out of your battery life it is important to make sure the vehicle is regularly driven for 20-30 minute trips to give the battery enough time to recharge, as many short trips can drain the battery over time. Extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold, can also have an adverse effect on battery life. If you’re unsure of the condition of your car or van battery then why not pop down to your local Kwik Fit centre for a free battery test:
As is the case with all batteries, electric car batteries will eventually deteriorate and need replacing after prolonged use. While a range of factors can increase the rate that batteries lose power (such as exposure to hot conditions, and excessive use of fast charging), electric vehicle manufacturers have been working hard to produce batteries that will stand the test of time, and most EVs will now come with a battery that will last upwards of 100,000 miles. Manufacturers will be able to offer more accurate details for specific models.
Even though AC (Alternating Current) is easier to generate using kinetic energy from a generator, car batteries can only produce, and only be charged by, DC (Direct Current) voltage.
Every car has an alternator, or generator, which is used to charge the car battery while the engine is running. Most modern cars will use an alternator, whereas older ones may be fitted with a generator – the only real difference is that an alternator is able to charge a car battery at a lower RPM that a generator. The higher the engine RPM is, the faster the battery will charge, so travelling on the motorway will charge your battery faster than driving in stop-start city traffic.
A healthy car battery should read no lower than 12.6V when the car is not running (battery is resting) and is measured with a multimeter. This figure can rise to between 13.8V – 14.4V when the car is running. If the reading on a resting battery shows as lower than 12.6V it would suggest that it is partly depleted and if the reading shows below 12V it is considered to be completely discharged. If your battery is depleted or discharged then it should be charged as soon as possible and re-tested – if the problems persist then it may be time to replace the battery. If you think your battery is depleted, or if you’re just not sure and would like peace of mind, why not bring your vehicle to your local Kwik Fit centre for a free battery health test:
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.