Battery warning light
If the battery warning light stays on while driving, your charging system may be failing.
Car won't start?
Not sure which service
you need?
Whether it's a flat battery or a failed one, we'll get you back on the road fast. Answer 5 quick questions below and we'll tell you exactly what you need.
Find the right service for you
Answer honestly — the more accurate your answers, the better our recommendation.
Find the right service
Answer 5 questions — takes under a minute
Signs your battery needs replacing
Catch these early and you can replace on your schedule — not stuck on a roadside.
Slow engine cranking
A sluggish, laboured start — especially on cold mornings — is a classic sign of a weakening battery.
Electrical gremlins
Dimming headlights, flickering interior lights, or infotainment issues can all point to battery problems.
Battery over 4 years old
Most car batteries last 3–5 years. If yours is older, routine testing is highly recommended.
Swollen or corroded battery case
Visible swelling or heavy terminal corrosion means the battery should be replaced immediately.
Keeps going flat
A battery that repeatedly discharges overnight — even without leaving lights on — has failed internally.
How long do car batteries last?
A typical lead-acid car battery lasts between 3 and 5 years, though this varies significantly depending on climate, driving patterns, and how frequently the vehicle is used.
Short urban journeys are particularly hard on batteries — the alternator doesn't have enough time to fully recharge the battery between starts. If most of your driving is short-distance, your battery may age faster.
Modern EFB and AGM batteries (used in start-stop vehicles) are built for heavier cycling demands and typically last 4–6 years.
Battery lifespan by type
- Average lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Hot climate lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Cold climate lifespan
- 4–5 years
- EFB / AGM (Start-Stop)
- 4–6 years
These are approximate averages. Extreme temperatures and driving habits affect lifespan significantly.
Jump start vs battery replacement
The right choice depends on why your battery died — not just that it did.
Jump Start — from ~£50
The right choice when the battery has simply been drained by an external cause and the battery itself is still in good health.
- Lights left on overnight
- Vehicle unused for weeks
- Battery less than 3 years old
- First-time no-start event
Battery Replacement — from ~£180
The right choice when the battery itself has failed and can no longer hold a reliable charge, regardless of how it died.
- Battery 4+ years old
- Recurring flat battery problem
- Failed a load test
- Swollen or corroded battery case
What to do when your car won't start
Stay calm. Follow these steps and you'll be back on the road quickly.
1
Stay calm and stay safe
If you are on a busy road, switch on hazard lights and stay in the vehicle until it is safe to exit.
2
Check the obvious
Make sure the gear selector is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual) and the handbrake is engaged.
3
Note the symptoms
Is there any clicking? Does anything happen at all? Are dashboard lights on? This helps us diagnose quickly.
4
Book the right service
Use our tool above to find out whether you need a jump start or battery replacement, then book in minutes.
Learn more in our guides
Detailed advice on battery maintenance, diagnosing common faults, and keeping your vehicle's electrics in top condition.
Browse guides and adviceReady to book?
Same-day service available. Our technicians typically arrive within 30-45 minutes.