A Ford Ranger came into 1Stop Motor Shop Mallusk with starting issues caused by a weak battery. Winter temperatures make battery faults more common — we replaced it with a high-quality Bosch unit.
This Ford Ranger arrived at our Mallusk workshop after the owner noticed slow cranking and hard starting, especially first thing in the morning.
With temperatures dropping, this is one of the most common winter faults we see — cold weather exposes weak or failing batteries very quickly.
We carried out a full battery health and charging test and confirmed the battery was no longer holding sufficient charge. The only reliable fix was a replacement.
Cold weather thickens engine oil and reduces a battery’s ability to hold power.
That combination makes it harder for the starter motor to turn the engine over — especially on diesel pickups like the Ford Ranger.
Common winter battery symptoms include:
Slow or weak engine cranking
Clicking sound when turning the key
Dim headlights on startup
Electrical warning lights
Needing to “boost” the vehicle more often
If your vehicle is showing these signs, it’s best to get the battery checked sooner rather than later.
We replaced the failing battery with a high-quality Bosch S4 AGM unit to ensure strong cold-start performance — ideal for larger engines and winter temperatures.
Our technicians also checked:
Charging voltage from the alternator
Earth and battery terminals
Starter performance
Power draw from key systems
Everything checked out, and the Ranger now starts instantly even in cold conditions.
Cold weather affects both the battery and the vehicle’s electrical demands. Winter places extra strain on your battery because:
Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity by up to 35%
Heaters, lights, blowers and wipers increase electrical load
Short journeys stop the alternator from recharging properly
Diesel engines require more power to turn over in cold conditions
If you notice slow starting, get your battery tested — it’s a quick, inexpensive check.
If your vehicle is struggling to start, especially during colder mornings, our mechanics can test and replace your battery quickly using trusted brands.
