Driving Safely in Fog With Proper Battery Care

Londoners often face foggy and misty conditions when out and about on the road. Many of the low lying areas of the capital, such as those by Rainham Marshes, by the A13, or the Colne Valley Regional Park, by the A40, will see fog that can be well-established by the time that the morning rush hour begins in earnest. Sometimes fog in the capital does not clear until the sun has got high into the sky and - during the winter months, at least – this might mean that it does not clear at all.

Okay, so fog in London is just like fog anywhere else but there is a particular issue that city dwellers face when it comes to driving in foggy conditions. This is slow-moving traffic. When you cannot get your car up to speed, the electrical services that are drawing energy from your vehicle's battery outstrip the engine's capacity to create enough electrical power to trickle charge it. In winter especially, you might want your heating on, your headlamps on and your windscreen wipers going, not to mention turning on your fog light, too.

In other words, commuting across the city will take its toll on your battery at the best of times unless you are lucky enough to find an open stretch of road and get up to 60 miles per hour for a few minutes. The situation is made worse by fog because you place an extra draw on your battery by turning your fog light on. Of course, other drivers may also slow down to remain safe which means you are less likely to go fast enough to charge your battery up.

In order to stay safe, you must always turn your fog light on when the road conditions demand it. To avoid stalling and your starter motor not working because the battery has run flat, turn off any electrical services which are not necessary, such as the radio, for example. Only turn on your rear windscreen heater when you need it and turn it off once it has become clear enough to see out of. If you have driven for a few days without ever getting out of second gear – something that Londoners know all about – then take your car out for a spin at the weekend so the battery replenishes itself. This goes without saying that you should never take a risk with your vehicle’s battery. If the battery is now old and you are looking for a suitable replacement for car batteries in London, you can check DAT tyres site here.

You should make sure that your battery is in good enough condition to cope with wintry conditions and foggy weather. Batteries don't last forever and need to be replaced from time-to-time. Your battery should last over four years but driving in London often reduces this level of longevity so don't delay if you think your one is getting beyond its best.