Don’t let a faulty battery ruin your long-weekend getaway

It’s Mzansi’s second favourite time of year with long weekends galore, and the perfect time for a quick and relaxing mini-break, as the beauty of autumn beckons you to relax and recharge.

Whether you’re going to chill at the beach or camp in breathtaking nature, the options for family fun in South Africa are endless. And you should enjoy it. Hassle-free with the right battery for your caravan, jet ski or quad bike.

“People who don’t take care of their leisure batteries only realise something is wrong when the engine refuses to start,” says Jason Ravenscroft, Franchisee General Manager at Battery Centre. “Which often means their holiday falls flat even before they set off,” he added.

The trusted battery specialists share four expert tips to maintain leisure batteries.

  1. Quality and size matter 

A good quality and reliable battery, in the right size, for your ride is the best way to ensure your leisure vehicle starts every time. The right battery will also give you better performance. Ask the specialists if you’re unsure what size battery will work for you.

  1. Keep the battery dry and clean

Water damage and corrosion can cause serious damage. Always store the battery in a dry place. Check the battery plates and terminals regularly and keep them free of corrosion and dirt.

  1. Don’t let the battery run out of power

After a fun weekend away, don’t ignore your battery until your next adventure. Remember, certain onboard electrical items still use battery power, which means it discharges naturally. Recharge and keep it fully charged for next time, but don’t overcharge. This will shorten the battery’s lifespan.

  1. Only the right amount of charge will do

A vehicle battery can quite simply die from being overcharged. When a battery overcharges, the sulphuric acid and distilled water mix will boil, causing the casing to become hot and melt or swell. Flammable hydrogen will build inside the sealed cells, causing the casing to well under pressure and seep through small vents. Once the hydrogen is introduced to oxygen, the battery becomes a sitting time bomb. All of this can cause the most dangerous side effect of an overcharged battery—a small electrical spark ignites the gas, causing the battery to explode and sending plastic and lead shrapnel flying around and a caustic sulphuric acid spray.

Whether you’re into caravanning or adventuring on your quad bike or jet ski, you should maintain your leisure battery regularly. If you need a battery check or advice, pop into the trusted battery specialists. They’re available all around South Africa, and they’ll help you fit the right sized battery and check your battery for free. Really. And they advise you to get your batteries checked twice a year.