I-Zapped

RESEARCH by Halfords highlights the extent of battery drain caused by charging devices using your car battery.

The retailer warns that as temperatures continue to remain low, motorists will likely face the flat battery blues and these will continue to be a major cause for breakdowns. Using a vehicle to charge devices drains power from the battery and leaves cars short on the additional power that’s needed to get started during the colder months.

Millions of drivers will be suffering from low battery power, as Halfords found that almost 60 per cent of motorists haven’t checked their car battery since last winter.

Halfords’ YouGov survey of over 2,000 people found that 57 per cent of drivers use their car battery to charge their sat nav, that 31 per cent use it to charge their smartphones and 23 per cent use to charge their tablets.

Ella Colley from Halfords says: “Many motorists don’t realise the effect that charging an electric device can have on car battery. Though convenient it can lead to the car battery blues and even leave you with a car that doesn’t start.

“Also using your car's heater, air conditioning or lights will place greater demand on your battery. This combined with leaving your car standing idle in sub-zero temperatures could result in a less than positive start to your journey.”

For drivers seeking extra piece of mind, Halfords has launched a battery with a lifetime guarantee. The Yuasa Black Lifetime Guarantee range is designed to last for c. 130,000 starts or the equivalent of the average car’s lifetime of 15 years, three times longer than most car batteries. Built using enhanced plate additives and patented Nano Crystal technology it means motorists get increased battery durability and improved charge acceptance, meaning no more false starts.

Drivers can also get peace of mind with Halfords’ free nationwide winter checks, which are available now in Autocentres and shops and include checks on oil, checks and top up of screen wash, blades, bulbs, batteries, as well as a windscreen chip check service. Available now at over 700 Halfords shops and Halfords Autocentres, pop in today or book online at www.halfordsautocentres.com.

* Data comes from Halfords’ YouGov survey conducted in March 2016, 2036 respondents

For further information please contact Halfords@z-pr.com or 020 7896 3404

For more information visit www.halfordsautocentres.com or www.halfordscompany.com