HALFORDS RELEASE NEW SOLUTONS FOR CAR BATTERIES IN NEED OF A BOOST

For drivers looking to rescue a depleted car battery, extend its working life or an emergency roadside boost, Halfords has introduced a trio of new products to help.

At this time of year a double whammy of colder temperatures and greater demand for power - as heaters and lights and wipers are used more - leads to the untimely demise of many batteries.

Halfords battery expert Paul Tomlinson explains: “More car batteries fail during January than any other month and last week we saw sales of car batteries increase by 169% over the same period in 2013/4.

“Whilst vehicles lying idle during the festive period or undertaking short journeys, which don’t replenish the battery, are partly to blame – all too often a lack of maintenance just accelerates the failure.”

So, with several months of winter left, whether you have purchased a battery recently or want to delay the need to purchase one for as long as possible, Halfords has three new products to help you protect your investment.

Smart charging

The latest version of Halfords’ SmartCharge 200 Battery Charger (£54.99) charges up to twice as fast as a conventional battery charger minimising waiting time and electricity costs. It’s suitable for all vehicle battery types including Lead acid (wet), Gel, Calcium and AGM Stop/Start and features a manual reconditioning function to help recover batteries from a deeply discharged state.

The “smart” element of the charger means it automatically stops full charging when required, minimising the risk of damaging the battery by overcharging. The unit also features a clear LED battery voltage and charge-rate display, plus a USB charging socket that allows the recharging of small electronic appliances, such as MP3 players and mobile phones.

Portable power

The new Ring Lithium Powerpack (£99.99) is a high power jump-starting solution exclusive to Halfords. Its light weight and ultra compact size mean the Powerpack can be easily stored in a glove box or boot - providing more than enough power (200A continuous current) to restart a vehicle if the driver is stranded with a flat battery.

The Powerpack incorporates both an AC charging adapter and DC charging lead with fully insulated battery clamps and reverse polarity protection. It even features an in-built LED torch to allow for maximum visibility when connecting its insulated battery clamps on dark winter nights.

Power packed

The Halfords Powerpack 200 (£99.99) is an evolution of its multi award-winning predecessor. This robust product is big on power – packing easily enough continuous current (300A) to jump-start a vehicle whether at the roadside or in your garage, as well as a high power 230v mains socket and 200w inverter.

There is also a traffic light battery condition monitor, a convenient USB charging socket and powerful LED work light to keep you safe when working in the dark. Last but not least this versatile product comes with the added benefit of a 150psi compressor and pressure gauge for checking and inflating tyres correctly.

To find out more about this electrifying new range or order online visit www.halfords.com

ENDS

To request samples for review contact:

Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk

Chloe Stewart, PR Coordinator, T: 01527 513315, E: chloe.stewart@halfords.co.uk

Editor’s Notes:

About Halfords plc

Halfords is the UK's leading retailer of automotive products and aims to enhance customers’ use of their vehicles by ‘Supporting the Drivers of Every Car’ and ‘Equipping Families for Their Leisure Time’.

Through around 300 Halfords Autocentres we are also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operators - delivering dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and servicing to motorists at affordable prices.

Halfords stores sell around 9,000 retail products, increasing to around 160,000 online - encompassing significant ranges in car parts, in-car technology, child seats and roof boxes.Customers are able to shop at 465 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland or order online and choose to either collect from their most convenient store or a home delivery.Halfords employs approximately 11,000 colleagues who are trained to offer expert advice and 8,000 of which help to deliver a while you wait fitting service for consumables including bulbs, blades and batteries as well as child seats and in-car entertainment systems.

For more information visit www.halfords.com or www.halfordscompany.com