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 those 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!
TEPA (Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association), a proud affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), reminds us that a battery is vital for both starting the engine and maintaining smooth operation of the vehicle’s electrical systems and accessories.
It’s a hidden gem that your car (or you) can’t function without.
Dylan Petzer, TEPA National and Regional Vice Chair Central explains 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 high-power accessories are turned on or off.
“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.”
The good news is a car battery typically lasts three to five years and you can extend its lifespan with some good driving and maintenance habits.
“Battery lifespans can vary based on the amount of lead they contain and the type of technology used, such as lead-acid, AGM or lithium-ion. The warranty period generally indicates the minimum acceptable lifespan,” Petzer says.
“However, to maximise longevity, it is crucial to ensure the correct battery type and capacity are fitted to the vehicle, as using an underpowered battery can lead to premature failure or even a malfunction of the ignition system.
“In colder regions, batteries may last longer due to reduced heat exposure, while extreme heat in warmer climates can shorten their lifespan. Frequent short trips, which prevent the battery from fully recharging and leaving accessories on when the engine is off, can also cause premature failure.
“Regular maintenance, such as checking the battery’s charge and cleaning the terminals, can help extend its lifespan. It’s recommended to have your battery tested annually after three years of use at any accredited TEPA battery specialist to ensure it remains in good condition.”
Here are some best practices for giving your battery a longer (and happier) life:
Always ensure the battery is fully charged, especially if the vehicle is not driven regularly. Using a trickle charger or battery maintainer during long periods of inactivity prevents discharge and sulfation, which can shorten battery life.
Avoid frequent deep discharges, as 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 and ensure that all 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, which accelerates battery degradation.
Drive your car regularly or take it for longer trips to keep the battery charged, as short drives don’t allow 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 provided these 3 simple steps to follow:
1. Pull over safely and put your hazard lights on.
2. Check for visible issues, like corroded or loose battery terminals. Don’t handle a battery that is leaking or swollen.
3. If there are no visible problems, jumpstart the vehicle and as soon as possible afterwards go to an accredited workshop to have the battery tested and replaced if necessary.
“Jumpstarting can potentially damage your battery or vehicle if you don’t know what you’re doing or the cable is faulty,” says Petzer. Ensure that you acquaint yourself with the jump-starting procedure prescribed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
“Improper cable connections are the most common cause of damage, as reversing the positive and negative leads can create dangerous electrical surges that may fry fuses or damage the car’s electronic systems.
“Additionally, sparking from touching the cables together or connecting them in the wrong order can cause battery explosions, especially if flammable gases are present.
“Using a faulty or incompatible jump starter can also overload the battery. Modern cars with sensitive electronics, such as on-board computers and info-tainment systems, are particularly vulnerable to damage from power surges.”
Source Credit: First Battery Centre