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Van Batteries
Is your van reaching a certain age? Are you starting to find that it no longer starts as smoothly as it once did? It might now be time to start thinking about replacing your van battery. After all, you wouldn't want to leave anything to chance – not least if you depend on your vehicle as part of your job – book a FREE battery check now at National Tyres and Autocare.
Is it time to replace my van battery?
We know that you don't want to replace a van battery if there's no need. There are, however, some helpful tell-tale warning signs that will let you know for sure if it's time for a replacement:
- Warning lights on the dashboard: You may have a problem with your battery if the battery or engine warning light is showing on your dashboard. In the case of an engine warning light, this comes on because it provides low voltage to the on-board computer.
- Your van engine is slow to start: Even a heavy-duty van battery will have a lifespan. You can tell if yours is coming to its end if you find that your engine is slow to start. This is caused by internal components starting to erode and fail.
- Dimmed lights or electrical faults: As soon as a battery starts to fail, it no longer has the ability to properly power all your van's electrical systems. If things aren't working as they should be, then, this could be a sign that you have an issue with your battery.
There are other potential reasons why it might be time to replace your van battery. The sure way to find out, though, is by calling into your local National Tyres and Autocare for a free battery check.
Can I get my van battery tested?
It's so simple to get your van battery tested for potential issues or underlying faults. Either visit your local National Tyres and Autocare or book online for a free battery test. It only takes a few minutes and gives our battery experts a chance to check its voltage, start capacity and general condition. If there's anything not quite right, you can decide if it's time for a replacement.
By getting your battery checked, you can make an informed decision about whether you need a new one. Or it can help you to relax, safe in the knowledge that it'll keep your van on the road.
There are also some things that you can do by yourself. The latest vans all pack in new technological features and these can all put a strain on a battery so, if it's becoming a struggle to start your van, try switching off some of these features. Heated seats, infotainment systems, heated wing mirrors, mobile chargers and more – they all demand power from your van battery.
Of course, it might be that your test results suggest that a van replacement battery is in order. If so, don't worry. We're here to help you work out which battery you need for your van.
What gets tested as part of your battery check?
Voltage
Like car batteries, a van battery should give a reading of 12.6 volts. If it fails to reach this level, it'll either need recharging or replacing.
Start capacity
Your battery's ability to start from cold is a critical performance measure. At low temperatures, it must maintain 7.2 volts. In our test, this reading is displayed as a % of its start capacity. When this shows below 75%, this suggests that a battery isn't in its best condition and may cause issues.
General condition
The overall condition of your van battery is factored into our test, too. When you get the results, you'll have one of four outcomes:
- Good Battery – you don't need to do anything.
- Good Battery Recharge – your battery is in good condition but needs recharging. This can be achieved by going on a 45-minute journey.
- Recharge Battery then Re-Test – your van battery is running low and needs recharging. We also recommend re-testing it again in 7 days' time.
- Replace Battery – the battery is nearly at the end of its useful life and it's time to start thinking about getting a replacement fitted.
Which battery is right for my van?
The right choice of battery can be really important – but how do you know which battery is the one for your van? In the first instance, it can be a good idea to think about what it is for which you use your van. After all, a heavy-duty van battery will be best suited to those vehicles used regularly.
You can check your owner's manual for more information on the type and size of battery that you'll need.
Van Battery FAQs
Your average camper van has two batteries, a starter battery to power up the engine start and a house or leisure battery to power the 12V electronics and appliances that make up all of your living resources in the campervan itself. We’re here to help with your starter battery – the power source that gets your camper up and moving in the first place, rather than the one that’s providing the power for the likes of the TV and kettle.
Cars need batteries – so too do vans. They provide a rechargeable source of power that's used to start your vehicle. It also powers other electrical components as soon as you turn the key in the ignition (or start a button); that will include things like lights and infotainment systems.
The answer to this question depends on the type of van. In some models, the battery is located under the bonnet to the front. In other models, however, the battery may be located under the driver's seat. Our technicians can replace your van battery – no matter the make or model.
In some vans, you might find that there are two batteries. This is because the vehicle in question is more demanding when it comes to the amp requirements of the starter motor. If two batteries are installed, each one might have different functions. One might start the engine, for example, while the second powers auxiliary systems.
The battery is one of the most important components in your van. Without it, the engine won't start – and your van won't move. It generates the current needed to power the starting motor. It also powers electrical systems such as the lights, heating and infotainment systems.
If your van battery is starting to fail, it'll begin to impact on the performance of other systems – like the engine – so, if your van takes longer to start, you may want to get the battery checked.
It can depend. The lifespan of all van batteries is affected by several factors. How you use your van, weather conditions, driving habits and the amount of technology in your van can all affect how long a van battery lasts. That said, five years is a reasonable length of time to expect.
For more information, take a look at our battery lifespan guide.
One sure-fire way to keep a van battery charged is to drive your vehicle often. This may well be easily done but van batteries can self-charge when in a running engine so taking regular trips of at least 20 minutes will provide ample chance for the battery to keep its charge.
If a battery is completely flat, however, it's possible that a dedicated charger is needed to get it back to a usable state. Our guide on how to charge a battery can help you to do this. It might also be possible to jump-start your van using another battery.
There are several potential reasons why your van battery keeps running flat. The first is that it's no longer in good condition, which makes failure more likely, but other reasons can include how much demand is being placed on it. If you're using your van in difficult conditions or for tougher jobs, you may need to consider upgrading to a heavy-duty van battery that can take the strain.
It is possible for someone to change a van battery themselves but it will need the proper tools and equipment to do so safely. Our guide on how to disconnect a battery can be a helpful place to start. We do, however, always suggest that you let the specialists take care of it. Just pay us a visit and our technicians can replace your van battery for you.
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