How to look after your battery

Long down-times, lots of short haul trips: There are many factors that determine when it’s time for a change. You can read the condition of the battery from the acid level indicator (“magic eye”) directly on the battery. Here, black is a good sign: If it's showing light yellow, it's time to visit your workshop. In general, you should have your battery checked on an annual basis. These signs can also indicate defects:

• Battery warning indicator is illuminated
  
• Impeded start behaviour
  
• Damages to case
• Voltage decreasing under load
  

Various types of starter battery are installed in Volkswagen vehicles: EFB/EFB+ (Enhanced Flooded Batteries) or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries in vehicles with automatic start/stop technology and lead-calcium starter batteries in vehicles without automatic start/stop technology. Since the approved battery types vary according to model, model year and equipment, simply ask your Volkswagen Partner about the right battery for your car. They can find it using the vehicle identification number, VIN for short.

Volkswagen grants the standard statutory warranty for brand-new vehicles with regard to all defects in materials and workmanship – of course, this also applies for a starter battery installed as standard.

The battery’s capacity reduces during its service life. The reason: Every time it discharges, lead sulphate crystals form on the lead plates of the battery, which reduce the flow of electricity over time. The greater the number of lead sulphate crystals on the plate surfaces, the lower the capacity of the battery.

Even if you have found online instructions on how to change a battery, we recommend having it done by a trained professional. There are many things to be aware of when changing the battery: Battery acid is highly corrosive, escaping gases may explode and an incorrectly installed battery may damage your Volkswagen.

Many Volkswagen contain a battery management system. It detects a number of aspects, such as the condition of the battery, and regulates the vehicle’s energy consumption. It only works if the battery is precisely coordinated with the vehicle and the system correctly identifies it via a code. Otherwise the battery may be charged unnecessarily or too strongly discharged. This can result in problems during vehicle operation.

Are you unsure about the age of your starter battery? Not a problem. In general, it’s clearly displayed on the negative battery terminal, where the calendar week and year are imprinted.

The model and energy level determine how long your battery needs to charge. Therefore, it’s not possible to give an exact time, but it generally takes several hours. Your battery has to be charged when the charging voltage is too low. Your Volkswagen Partner will be happy to help you with this.

Find your local Volkswagen Retailer.

If you allow us to replace your battery, we will also take care of its disposal. Otherwise, you can take your old battery to an official return centre. Find out more on the topic of returning and recycling of batteries.

Car batteries vary in cost depending on their type. One thing all our batteries have in common is a warranty that covers them for 3 years.

We recommend visiting your local retailer when your car key battery is empty. Getting your battery replaced by an expert will save you from potentially losing the data stored in your key, which means it may no longer recognise your vehicle.