Get the most from you car battery
“You can’t go anywhere with a flat battery, which is why it’s important to give it all the TLC it needs to keep you safe on the road.”
We love a car with all the bells and whistles. Too hot? Turn on the aircon. Raining cats and dogs? Power up the windshield wipers. Roadtrip? Hit your playlist. Frosty morning? Heat the seats.
These are all great to have at the touch of a button until one morning, nothing works. Sorry. Your day just became a non-starter. Your battery is flat.
The Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), an affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), reminded us that a battery is vital for starting the engine and maintaining the smooth operation of the vehicle’s electrical systems and accessories.
It’s a hidden gem your car (or you) can’t function without.
Also Read: Recharge your car battery knowledge
Dylan Petzer, the TEPA national and regional vice-chair central, explained that silently working under the bonnet when you turn the key or press the start button, the battery sends a high-voltage signal to the spark plugs and powers the ignition system, allowing the engine to start.
“The battery also supplies electricity to those favourite go-to buttons like the radio, air conditioning, lights, digital dashboards, heated seats, GPS and even the windshield wipers.
“It also stabilises voltage levels, preventing sudden power surges when you turn off or on high-power accessories.
“You can’t go anywhere with a flat battery, so giving it all the TLC it needs to keep you safe on the road is important.”
The good news is a car battery typically lasts three to five years, and you can extend its lifespan with good driving and maintenance habits.
Here are some best practices for giving your battery a longer (and happier) life:
• Always ensure the battery is fully charged, more so if you do not regularly drive the vehicle. Using a trickle charger or battery maintainer during lengthy inactivity prevents discharge and sulfation, which can shorten battery life.
• Avoid frequent deep discharges because lead-acid batteries are designed to remain near full capacity.
• Regularly inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, cleaning them with a mixture of baking soda and water if needed. Ensure all the connections are tight. Keep the battery and surrounding area clean and dry to prevent short circuits.
• Park your vehicle in a cool, shaded area to prevent excessive heat exposure that accelerates battery degradation.
• Drive your car regularly or take it for longer trips to keep the battery charged because short drives don’t give the alternator enough time to fully recharge it.
The worst has happened, and you’re stranded with a flat battery. What now? TEPA consulted with battery specialist First Battery Centre, who had these steps to follow:
• Pull over safely and put on your hazard lights;
• Check for visible issues like corroded or loose battery terminals. Don’t handle a battery that is leaking or swollen.
• If there are no visible problems, jumpstart the vehicle and, as soon as possible, go to an accredited workshop to have the battery tested and replaced if necessary.
Also Read: Why your battery can give you hassles in winter
