AA’s advice for car battery care in lockdown

The AA Roadside service attended 24000 callouts after last year’s lockdown. Photo: AA

The Automobile Association is reminding Kiwis to think about their vehicles during lockdown to prevent battery failure.

After last year’s major lockdown restrictions lifted in April, the AA Roadservice went to a record-breaking 4208 callouts nationwide in the 48 hours with the majority of which were battery-related. In normal circumstances, the AA attends about 2400 callouts in 48 hours. 

“If you’re not using your car at all at the moment, we recommend starting your engine for 30 minutes at least once a week, to ensure the battery is topped up and the engine oil and coolant are circulated,” General Manager Roadside Solutions Bashir Khan says.

“Reverse your car into your driveway or leave the garage door open and put it in park. This can also be done on the street. Don’t switch on electrical devices which will make the engine work harder (e.g. radio, phone charger, lights) while doing this.

“If you have a maintenance charger AKA trickle or float, use this to charge your battery. This is best done in your garage, away from weather elements.”

Bashir says that if you are doing a 30 minute run of your car, you don’t need to be in it, but it’s best to not leave it unattended.

He also says the AA is doing what it can to prepare for a spike in callouts when lockdown restrictions ease. 

“None of our team have forgotten those extremely busy days which overloaded our call system and saw battery job after battery job comes in.

“We will absolutely get to you as soon as possible if you do get in your car for your first day back at work and it won’t start, but ultimately a simple 30-minute-a-week run of your engine now could save you in the long run.”

For more information on keeping your car in tip-top condition when you’re not using it head here.