Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Tips for taking care of your car’s battery

The average vehicle battery should last about 3 to 5 years. If you would like to keep it in its best condition, follow these 5 tips:

1. Keep it Clean! 
Corrosion and grime can build up over time so make sure all the battery terminals are clean – use a toothbrush and a corrosion cleaner to scrub the terminals, then wipe clean.

2. Drive often and limit short trips 
Leaving your vehicle parked for days on end or only making short trips won’t give your car’s battery enough time to fully recharge after starting, thereby reducing its voltage over time.

3. Minimise power usage when the engine is off 
Turning off the radio, aircon, seat warmers, etc. when the engine is off will reduce wear and tear on the battery; also make sure that all these are turned off when starting your car.

4. Avoid extreme temperatures 
Extreme heat weakens the battery while cold leads to higher power usage when starting the engine, so try to avoid both.

5. Test it regularly 
It’s recommended that you check your car battery’s voltage about every month to check if it’s still in good condition or if it is in need of a charge.

The importance of carrying an emergency kit

A car emergency kit is a first aid kit for your car; it holds everything you may need to keep your car running and to help you out in a sticky situation. Your emergency kit should include jumper cables (which are only effective if you know how to use them), a torch, screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape (perfect for any quick fixes to get you to the nearest petrol station or garage) and an emergency warning triangle which must be placed behind the car if your car has broken down. 

Be sure to include a blanket, a few bottles of water and perhaps some non-perishable food in the kit to sustain you if you need to wait for help. But most importantly, a charged power bank.