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The battery keeps going flat

Replacing a battery that keeps going flat without finding out why often means buying two. The real question is whether it is not being recharged, or whether something is draining it while parked.

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  1. 1Describe the repair
  2. 2We look for garages
  3. 3Compare the offers

Common symptoms

  • It starts after a jump and goes flat again within days.
  • The battery warning light comes on while driving.
  • It only happens when the car sits for several days.
  • The battery is less than two years old.

You do not need to know which one applies: describe what you notice and the garage will do the diagnosis.

What changes the price

We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.

A parasitic drain
A module that never sleeps, a badly fitted accessory, a door switch: something is drawing current with the engine off. Tracing it takes time, and time is billed.
The alternator is not charging
If charging voltage is too low, the battery starts each day slightly emptier. The battery light coming on while driving is the clearest sign.
The battery itself
A battery can be faulty from new, or be damaged by repeated deep discharge. A load test settles it.
Journeys that are too short
Lots of short winter trips never fully recharge a battery. That is not a fault, but it produces exactly the same symptom.

When an inspection is needed

Several different problems can cause this symptom. A garage will most likely need to inspect the vehicle to identify the cause — this page helps you describe what you notice, it does not replace a diagnosis.

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us what your vehicle needs

    One request, a few minutes.

  2. 2

    We look for garages able to perform the work

    We contact garages in your area.

  3. 3

    Compare the offers you receive

    Price and availability, side by side.

  4. 4

    Choose the option you prefer

    You are free to walk away.

Common questions

Can I keep driving?

That depends entirely on the cause, which is exactly what this page cannot determine. A noise accompanied by reduced braking, a flashing warning light or unstable handling is a reason to have the vehicle checked without waiting.

Should I pick a specific repair in the form?

No, and it is better not to. Describe the symptom and leave the category broad: garages then see what you actually observe rather than a part you have guessed at. Asking for the wrong part is the most common way to pay for nothing.

Is the diagnosis charged for?

Usually yes: it is technician time. Some garages deduct it from the repair if they carry it out. It is one of the things worth comparing between offers.

Describe what you notice — the noise, when it happens, anything else you have spotted. We pass your description to garages in your area and you compare what they come back with.

Related pages

What we don't promise

We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.

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