car battery Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

How to avoid getting stranded a flat battery this winter

vuyi on June 17, 2021

Winter is not a great time for your car battery and if it is not in a good condition, it will probably fail during these colder months.

A vehicle’s engine requires more power to start when it is cold and however, the colder temperatures make it more difficult for a car battery to provide the power that it normally does.

Getting stranded with a flat battery is more serious than in years gone by. This is because modern cars are equipped with a myriad of electronics that all rely on the correct battery voltage to perform optimally. Automatic gearboxes found in the latest cars also mean that it is not possible to push start a car; added to that, sensitive electronics can be damaged by jump-starting vehicles incorrectly.

In normal circumstances a car battery needs to be changed approximately every three years
– Corné Venter, CEO of Motus Retail and Rental SA

“In normal circumstances a car battery needs to be changed approximately every three years. With many people driving less or infrequently due to the on-going work-from-home trend, the normal three-year lifespan could be considerably shorter,” says the CEO of Motus Retail and Rental SA, Corné Venter.

The older a car battery is, the more time is required to get it charged enough for it to start a cold engine, so, if you generally only travel short distances the battery will not have enough time to sufficiently recharge.

If you cannot remember when your car battery was last replaced, it may be a good idea to have it professionally checked to ascertain if it still has some life left in it. Most battery retailers will perform this check free of charge.

Prolong the life of your battery with these handy tips:

Keeping your car warm by parking it under cover or in a garage will lessen the strain on the battery when you start your car on cold mornings.
If your car is struggling to start, refrain from continuously cranking it over; rather take a break of a few minutes between starting attempts.
Ensure that all ancillaries including the lights, radio and heater are turned off to free up extra power for the starting process.
Ensure that your vehicle is maintained and that the engine oil and belts are replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. A well-maintained car will place less strain on the battery, as the vehicle will start easily, no matter the temperature.

Source: Motus Retail & Rental SA

Why you should avoid jumpstarting a modern car

vuyi on November 10, 2020

Like most electronics, a power surge can cause damage to the electronic systems of a modern car. A seemingly well-meaning jumpstart can cause said power surge and impact the effectiveness of onboard computers, safety systems, damage the engine and be the result of expensive repairs.

Over the years, trusted battery specialists have assessed many vehicles brought in by customers who have attempted to jumpstart them. Damages have included,

Blown Engine Control Unit (ECU)
A blown ECU can occur if there is a voltage spike when jumpstarting. This impacts the alternator and other electrical components such as the fuel pump, onboard computer and possibly the fuses.
Compromised traction control systems
When jumpstarting a car equipped with traction control, it’s important to follow the manufacturer instructions. If these protocols aren’t followed, the cars’ traction control may be compromised, resulting in unstable road grip, which could endanger the driver and other motorists.
Power steering damage
If manufacturer instructions aren’t followed, the power steering system can be impacted, resulting in a stiff steering experience, making steering your car tougher than usual. This can be dangerous.
Airbag system flaws
After jumpstarting a modern car, the airbag system may become inconsistent, which could result in airbags not deploying due to an electric fault. The consequences can be catastrophic.
Inconsistency with Start/Stop systems
Most modern cars are equipped with Start/Stop technology. An incorrect jumpstart may disable the Start/Stop system and may require you to take your car to a dealership for further assessment. Jumpstarting a car equipped with Start/Stop technology is not advisable as the battery used is specialised to that car.
Damage to the boosting car
Sometimes, a modern car is used to jumpstart an older car, this may cause a power surge to the newer car, resulting in damage to the expensive electronic systems.

Source: Battery Centre

What You Should Know About Your Car’s Battery

vuyi on October 15, 2020

When it comes to car maintenance, most car owners don’t give their hard-working battery a second thought.

The car battery is a component often taken for granted because it goes about its duty without much bother – until it dies and you’re left stranded. It’s function is to start your car when you turn on the ignition; by supplying an electrical current to your starter unit. After starting your engine, power is supplied via the alternator to other devices in your vehicle, such as LED lights, sound and safety equipment.

What Causes a Car Battery to Wear?

Driver behaviour, seasonal conditions, and vehicle age can drain your battery and affect its lifespan.

1. Driver Behaviour

Plugging in numerous appliances while driving, for example, charging a fridge and a cell phone into your 4×4 at the same time.
Leaving your car standing for lengthy time periods.
Only using your car for short journeys which don’t give your battery a chance to re-charge.
Leaving the lights on after parking for more than four to seven hours depending on your battery’s make and age.
Playing the audio system for longer than 10 – 12 hours while the car is stationary.

2. Seasonal Conditions

Chilly weather puts extra strain on older cars. The lower temperatures cause the chemical reactions needed to make batteries work slow down.
Extremely hot weather affects your battery’s health by causing vital liquids to evaporate and its charge to weaken.

3. Vehicle Age

A battery’s life depends more on the age of the car than the cost or brand of the battery. Batteries fitted into new Original Equipment Market (OEM) cars last longer than those in the aftermarket where vehicle maintenance plans have expired. This is because power is drawn off batteries by other aging vehicle components such as vehicle trackers and aftermarket spotlights.

How can I tell if my Battery is Dying?

The first warning signs of a dying battery is the battery light in your dashboard turning on. Subsequent indicators are:

Dim vehicle lights
Electrical issues, such as, flickering interior lights
Slowly starting engines
Check battery light turning on as a direct indicator of a battery problem and an engine light turning on as a possible battery related problem
Bad smells, similar to rotting eggs, suggesting battery damage or an internal short
Visibly lower battery fluid levels
Corroded connectors

Car batteries need to be replaced every three to five years and maintained in keeping with your car’s service intervals. A well-cared-for car battery will give you many happy, troublesome miles of travel and keep you safe from unexpected breakdowns and untold inconvenience. Should you suspect your car battery is nearing its life’s end, visit your nearest battery specialist without delay.

7 things your car needs to be ready for a road trip

vuyi on September 21, 2020

If you are planning a long distance drive over the upcoming long weekend or any other, its important that you don’t embark on a trip without making sure that you car can handle the drive. ITs one thing to have a breakdown near your home or in the familiarity of your home city but mechanical failure hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town can be inconvenient to put it mildly.

Before you take to the open road make sure your car is thoroughly inspected, preferably by an expert. These are some of the basic checks a pre-road trip should entail:

TYRE PRESSURE: It is important to ensure that your tyres are not over or under inflated. The correct tyre pressure will improve tyre maintenance and fuel efficiency, keeping you and your family safe while saving you money in the long term.

ENGINE COOLANT: Many drivers understand that their cars need coolant but don’t fully understand why. Coolant protects the the metal and non-metal parts within the engine from freezing or overheating. It plays an important role in maintaining engine heat and ensuring the engine functions optimally, which will minimize your chances of getting stuck on the side of the road due to an overheating engine.

BRAKES: Without a doubt your braking system is one of the most important safety features in your car. Brake pads should be checked by a professional, especially if you hear any abnormal sounds such as squealing and screeching or feel vibrations whenever you engage the brakes.

WIPER BLADES: The worst time to discover that your wiper blades are worn is in the middle of a rain storm. streaks and smears indicate worn blades will hinder your ability to see through the windscreen clearly. Having your car checked before a long distance drive identify problems with the blades, giving you an opportunity to have them replaced for the benefit of your safety.

BATTERY: Your car battery is the heart of your vehicle for all its electronics. The battery interacts with more components in your vehicle than you may know exist. It also stores electricity then sends out jolts to every electrical element in your car. Not only does it power the electrical components, but it also keeps the electrical current in your car steady, which means it makes sure your car starts and has enough electricity to stay running. If poorly maintained your car battery has the ability to completely shut your car down leaving your stranded.

LIGHTS: Not only do headlights, taillights, brake lights and indicators go a long way towards ensuring your on -road safety, but they make you more visible to other road users too. replacement globes for most cars are quite inexpensive so there is no reasonable excuse for being a ‘one-eyed-bandit’.

BELTS & HOSES: The hoses in your vehicle connect to the radiator, heater, fuel lines, vacuum lines, air conditioning, and power steering. Portions of hoses connected to the engine are flexible which allow them to absorb vibrations from the vehicle. Most often hoses will wear from the inside, appearing stable on the outside, however if one of these breaks you could find yourself stuck and inmobile.

As more and more people opt to keep their cars for longer (due to economic reasons), the likelihood of vehicles becoming unroadworthy increases. In turn, the probability of accidents caused by mechanical failure intensifies. In addition to having your car serviced regularly, getting it checked timorously prior to a long distance is vital. Don’t become a statistic, get your car checked before you go on holiday.

Tips for taking care of your car’s battery

vuyi on June 29, 2020

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

vuyi on June 29, 2020

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.