When it comes to batteries, Steve Brown knows his stuff. As does his expert team at Marshall Batteries Newcastle.
“I’ve been in batteries for 30 years and we’ve got a team of really qualified guys here so we know what we’re talking about and we can do the job,” Steve said
“I’d also be very surprised if someone brought a car here and we didn’t have a battery for it.”
While Steve and the team at the Islington-based business can provide you with all of the expert advice and top-notch service you could hope for, he said there were some things you can do at home to ensure you get the most out of your battery.
“Batteries don’t like being left alone so not using them or disconnecting them doesn’t help at all,” he said.
“Lots of people buy batteries for jet skis and boats, for example, every year – use them seasonally and put them away and when they go to use them again, the batteries are no good.”
While it’s not as simple as set-and-forget, Steve said some prior planning can definitely prevent poor battery performance.
“If you’re going to be leaving a vehicle for any length of time, more than a week or two, it’s a good idea to make arrangements for the battery to be used,” he said.
“You can also buy a trickle charger which will maintain any battery for less than $50. You plug it in attach it to the battery and just unplug it when you want to go for a drive. Just leave it on and it will maintain the battery until the next time you want to use it.”
When it comes to battery maintenance, Steve added that a few peeks under the bonnet per year can do your battery a world of good.
I’ve been in batteries for 30 years and we’ve got a team of really qualified guys here so we know what we’re talking about and we can do the job.
Steve Brown – Marshall Batteries Newcastle
“A terrible amount of ‘mess’ can build up around the battery terminals and this can be easily removed with the likes of bi-carb soda mixes with boiling water,” he said.
“Just lift the bonnet every couple of months, have a look at the terminals, and if they need it, give them a clean because that white powder build-up around the terminals is sulphuric acid and it’s eating into the metal.”
“They’re not hard to look after, they can be quite expensive and it’s getting more and more difficult to fit your own battery, but we definitely know what we’re doing here.”
Marshall Batteries Newcastle is located at 22 Maitland Road, Islington. Phone 0413 193 334 or head here for more information.
