Your car’s battery is one of those things you don’t often think about – until your engine won’t start. It’s the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system, powering everything from starting the engine to running your radio, electronics and lights. But just like any part of your car, it has a lifespan and needs a little attention every now and then to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

How Long Does a Car Battery Last?

On average, a car battery lasts three to five years. This depends on how often you drive, the type of battery, and the climate conditions your vehicle faces.

How Weather Affects Battery Life

South Africa’s weather can be tough on batteries. Heat can cause the fluid inside to evaporate, damaging internal components, whereas cold slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it harder for your car to start – especially on frosty winter mornings.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Stay one step ahead of a flat battery by looking out for these red flags:

• Slow or struggling engine start
• Dim or flickering headlights
• Dashboard warning lights (battery or engine)
• Unresponsive electronics like power windows or radio
• A swollen battery case
• Corrosion on battery terminals (look for a white or blue powdery buildup)

Top Tips to Extend Battery Life

A few small habits can go a long way in protecting your battery:  

• Take longer drives regularly to allow for full charging
• Avoid frequent short trips that strain the battery
• Turn off lights, radios, and chargers when the engine’s off
• Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion buildup
• Make sure the battery is tightly secured to reduce vibration damage

Get a Free Battery Test at AutoZone

Not sure if your battery is still in good shape? AutoZone offers free battery testing at all stores nationwide. It’s fast, easy, and gives you peace of mind before you find yourself stuck with a dead battery.

We also stock a range of battery maintenance chargers to help you get the most life out of your battery – especially if your car isn’t driven regularly.

Visit your nearest AutoZone today – we’ll help you stay charged and ready for the road ahead.

Listed below are a few simple activities you can do that will make a big difference in protecting your car battery in the long run:

Disconnect Your Battery

In the event you will not be driving your vehicle for a few days (or months), it is important to disconnect your battery and store it in a climate-controlled area away from direct heat or sunlight. If you are unable to find such a space, battery blankets and battery warmers can be purchased to help insulate and protect your battery.

Drive More Frequently

A lesser known fact about car batteries is that shorter trips can decrease its life expectancy. This is down to the fact that your car’s battery obtains electricity from your alternator whilst driving, so shorter trips won’t allow adequate time for your battery to receive a sufficient charge. To ensure your battery operates for as long as possible, try take longer trips or drive more often.

Keep Your Battery Clean

To effectively keep your battery clean, start by inspecting the battery terminals. Inspect them for corrosion a few times each month, especially during the autumn and winter months. Automotive battery terminals often accumulate corrosion that can lead to decreased performance, damaged components, and harmful chemicals that could damage the rest of your vehicle. To remove the corrosion, simply use a wire brush to scrape it off.

Next, check for any signs of a build-up or leaking battery acid. If you notice acid leaking in your battery, it is highly advisable to replace your battery as soon as possible. Failure to do so could leave your battery or other critical components permanently damaged.

Invest in a Battery Charger

Battery chargers can be a lifesaver when you need it most. Most devices can plug directly into a household outlet and hook up to your battery terminals to charge your battery. However, AutoZone stock a portable jump starter that can be easily stored inside your vehicle for convenience on the go.

Avoid the stress and uncertainty and get your battery tested for FREE at your nearest AutoZone store and browse our comprehensive range of quality battery solutions – https://bit.ly/2NgaKZn

INDEMNITY: These hints and tips are for information purposes only. For more details please consult the relevant workshop manual for your vehicle. Neither Auto Parts Distributors Pty (Ltd) nor any of the AutoZone outlets will be held liable for any damage or injury whatsoever resulting from the use of the information contained in this pamphlet.

A portable jump starter is rated as one of the most beneficial tools one can have in your artillery with regard to your vehicle’s ongoing maintenance. It can also be used for general household products if required. Check out our handy video demonstration below.

Our handy informative guide below outlines how to use a portable jump starter:

Charge your device

Typically, most portable jump starters have some charge stored in its internal battery after purchase, this is due to the sequence of quality checks before packaging. However, it is recommended that you fully charge your new device prior to using it properly. The majority of chargers are compatible with common household plugs, as well as the available ports on the side of the device for charging options and scenarios.

Set up the required connections

Some charging packs are equipped with hard-wired cables, whilst others have quick-attach options. Determine which connectors you will need in order to set up your jump starter for your easiest storage location and operating convenience.

Attach the cables

If possible, attach the cables directly to the battery itself by securing (first) the red cable to the positive (+) port on the battery and then the black cable to the negative (-) port. Make sure these are correct and follow the fitting sequence furnished in the instruction manual. When removing the terminals, always remove the black (- negative) first then the red (+ positive).

Place the charger in a safe location

It is recommended that you secure the device and ensure that the connecting cables are out of the way of the engines rotating pulleys and/or fan blades when attempting to start the engine.

Turn on the device

For your own safety, it is advisable not to attempt nor activate a portable jump starter before it is connected properly and securely first.

Start your engine

Crank your engine until your vehicle starts successfully. If your car does not start on your first attempt, leave it for about 30 seconds and try again. If the problem persists, there may be a fault with your battery internally. It is advisable to then have the battery checked or replaced. AutoZone outlets can complete these tests for you, find your nearest store here – https://autozone.co.za/store-locator/.

In the event that your car does not start with ease, it is usually a clear indication that you have a faulty battery. Tip – you can have your battery tested for FREE at any AutoZone outlet, there is also a full range of various batteries for all vehicles including add on components i.e., straps hold downs, terminals and different length battery straps.

These additional battery solutions are available at your nearest AutoZone store – https://autozone.co.za/store-locator/

Disconnect the jump starter

While the engine is running, turn off the power switch (if equipped) and carefully disconnect the cables from the battery posts (first the black clamp, followed by the red).

Please note this task is ranked as a 2/10 on the AutoZone Hints and Tips Difficulty Rating.

INDEMNITY: These hints and tips are for information purposes only. For more details please consult the relevant workshop manual for your vehicle. Neither Auto Parts Distributors Pty (Ltd) nor any of the AutoZone outlets will be held liable for any damage or injury whatsoever resulting from the use of the information contained in this pamphlet.

But if your battery is not dead, then how do you know when it’s time to replace it?
Here are some common warning signs you can look out for:

1. A clicking sound when you turn your key in the ignition

When the starter receives reduced or insufficient power from the battery, it often makes the clicking noise you’re hearing.

1. Dim headlights

If your car battery is failing, it’s not going to be able to fully power your vehicle’s electrical components – including your headlights.

1. The car is slow to start

This is the common symptom of a failing battery. If the engine cranks, makes a sluggish sound and takes longer than usual to start, then it’s time to get your battery tested.

1. Corrosion on the terminals

If your battery is low and there is a layer of blue corrosion on the terminal then it is more than likely damaged.

Sometimes, a battery does simply reach the end of its life span or can indicate other underlying issues such as a failing alternator. A weakened battery can also indicate too much power drawn from lights, fuses, sound systems, alarms and more!