Battery issues are a common complaint from car owners during the winter months when temperatures drop.<\/p>\n
Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), said the cold can be tough, especially on weak batteries.<\/p>
\u201cAs it gets colder it becomes harder for the engine to turn over because the oil inside the engine thickens which demands far more current from a battery, and the battery cannot produce its normal amount of energy because of the cold,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Along with that, the ability to accept a charge drops so the battery doesn\u2019t recharge as quickly when the vehicle is being driven.<\/p>
Another consideration is the load increase when heaters, blowers and lights are switched on.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are warning signs to look out for that may point to a battery on its way out.<\/p>\n
\u201cA grinding or clicking sound when you start the ignition is an indicator of a weak battery, for example.<\/p>\n
\u201cOthers include headlights dimming when idling but brightening when the engine revs and if the vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
While three to five years is a typical life span of a battery various internal and environmental conditions impact on a battery\u2019s long-term health.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Car coolant needs to be checked once a year \u2013 here\u2019s why\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n Tyre tips that everyone can use<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ranft said that the climate, how far and often you drive your vehicle, and the length of time electronic accessories are plugged into your vehicle are all contributing factors.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that when your car is not running, the battery continues to supply power to the clock, the anti-theft system, and the other conveniences.<\/p>\n \u201cAccessories like smartphones and tablets also add to the drain.<\/p>\n \u201cIt, therefore, makes sense to unplug mobile phones, tablets, chargers and other electronic devices when you don\u2019t need them, especially when the car is turned off.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile the car battery won\u2019t run down immediately if a device is being charged while the engine is not running, the battery\u2019s capacity over time will be affected from multiple devices drawing current from it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Along with removing devices, Ranft offers these other tips to reduce the chance of your battery dying in the colder months:<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are unsure about the state of your battery, drop into an accredited MIWA workshop and speak to a mechanic.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a simple battery check that will let you know whether your battery is weak and needs replacing.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t wait until you breakdown to find out your battery is the issue,\u201d he advised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n