A flat battery can be a massive inconvenience, especially on those dark winter mornings when you need your car the most. The following tips will help keep your car battery healthy and you moving.

Short journeys cause the most strain on your car battery – this is because short journeys prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. With this in mind, try making a few longer journeys occasionally – your battery will thank you for it.

Most cars are packed with energy-soaking features nowadays – which, if left on, drain your battery pretty quickly. Heaters, air conditioning, lights, and occupied USB ports will all negatively impact your battery, so make sure you don’t overuse them.

Battery terminals corrode over time, so keeping them clean from buildup is essential if you want to extend your car battery’s life. A simple scrub with a toothbrush dipped in water and baking soda should do the trick.

If your battery suddenly gives up on you on the driveway, it won’t magically recharge itself – stop trying to start the engine or you’ll only flatten it further. A completely flattened battery damages it and will cost you in the long run.

If you’ve broken-down because of a flat battery, it’s important to remember that your hazard warning lights may not operate. Get out of your car and stand somewhere safe. If you have a warning triangle with you, place it 50-metres behind your car to warn others.