My car's start-stop won't work because of a partly discharged battery - would a trickle charger solve the issue?

My 18 month old Mercedes-Benz E-Class won't automatically stop-start anymore due to a partly discharged battery. It's left in my garage for weeks at a time, so it's understandable. I took it for a 120-mile...

What battery should I use in my Triumph Spitfire?

I have a classic but every (fairish) day use Triumph Spitfire. The battery deteriorates in reliability if left unused for a while. Should I get a standard lead acid battery, as fitted by the original manufacturer,...

Solar battery chargers

We have two cars parked in a secure driveway (Ford Kuga and Lexus SC430) and are planning on being out of the country for the whole of December and into early January. Would it be wise keep the batteries...

Why doesn't my BMW's Efficient Dynamics system work for short journeys?

The AutoStop/Start on my 2009 BMW 120 M Sport stopped operating on a journey from Bromley, Kent to Cornwall. On return from holiday, 500 miles later, I booked the car into my BMW dealer. I was told my...

How should I store my Volvo automatic for four weeks?

Having read your advice on three months' storage, could you say which of the points are really necessary for an 11-year-old Volvo auto that will be garaged for four weeks, please?

How should we store our Chrysler Sebring for two months without a garage?

We have a 4-year-old Chrysler Sebring Coupe Cabrio. It is a little underpowered, but we like it. We are away for the whole of October and November and have no garage facilities. Is it advisable to get...

Can you recommend a car that we can leave in France for use when we're there?

My wife and I intend to make regular trips to Nice, France, in the future, and we are trying to decide which would be the best left-hand drive car to buy for use there. It needs to be small, about 18 months...

Why do I need to disconnect the battery when using my new trickle charger?

The instructions that came with the 6/12v 740/4355 automatic battery charger I bought from Argos yesterday say “disconnect the battery from the vehicle before charging to avoid possible damage to the alternator”....

Do I really need to disconnect my battery before charging it?

The instructions that came with the battery charger I bought from Argos yesterday say 'disconnect the battery from the vehicle before charging, to avoid possible damage to the alternator'. That could have...

How should I store my Kia Cee'd for three months during winter?

I shall be out of the country for three months from early January next year. I shall park my 2012 KIA Cee’d 1.6 Diesel in our unheated garage and would appreciate advice on what actions to take to ensure...