Has Your Car Been Sitting Over Christmas? Here’s How to Check Your Battery Health

By Belles2 min read43 views

If your car hasn’t moved much over the Christmas period, you’re not alone. Many cars sit unused during holidays, travel, or time off work. One of the most common issues we see after this period is a flat or failing battery.

Why Batteries Struggle When Cars Sit Still

Car batteries need regular use to stay charged. When a vehicle sits for days or weeks, small systems like alarms and onboard electronics continue to draw power. Over time, this drains the battery.

Dubai’s heat doesn’t help either. High temperatures shorten battery lifespan, especially if the battery was already ageing.

Early Signs Your Battery Is Struggling

Before your car completely refuses to start, there are usually warning signs. These include:

  • Slow engine cranking
  • Dashboard lights dimming
  • Electrical glitches
  • Stop-start systems not working

If you notice any of these, your battery may be near the end of its life.

How to Check Battery Health

The most accurate way to check a battery is with a professional load test. At I Service Any Car, we test:

  • Voltage levels
  • Cold cranking performance
  • Charging system health

This tells us whether the battery is healthy, weakening, or needs replacing.

Can You Prevent Battery Problems?

Yes, and it’s simple:

  • Drive your car at least once a week
  • Avoid short journeys only
  • Turn off unused electronics

If you’re travelling, consider disconnecting the battery or asking someone to start the car weekly.

Don’t Get Caught Out

A flat battery is one of the easiest problems to prevent. If your car has been sitting over Christmas, get it checked now — before you’re late for work or stuck in a car park.