South Africans love to travel over the holiday season — and for good reason. The weather’s great, the roads are busy, and everyone’s eager for a break. But before you load up the car and hit the highway, there’s one thing that’s easy to overlook: your car battery.
Your battery is responsible for more than just starting the engine. It powers everything from your air conditioning to your navigation and keeps all those charging cables working while the family’s devices fight for the front port. If it fails on a long trip, there’s not much you can do except wait for help.
Taking a few minutes to check your battery before you travel is one of the simplest ways to avoid holiday delays.
1. Start With a Look Under the Bonnet
Open your bonnet and inspect your battery. Check the terminals for corrosion — that white or greenish powdery buildup means the metal contact isn’t clean, which can interrupt power flow. Wipe it off with a damp cloth or a mixture of baking soda and water, then make sure the area is completely dry before reconnecting.
Next, ensure the terminals are tight and the cables aren’t frayed or cracked. If they move easily, they need tightening. A loose connection can cause intermittent power loss or slow starts, especially in hot weather.
Also, look for any swelling or warping on the battery casing — that’s often a sign of overheating or internal damage. In that case, replacement is your safest option.
2. Check the Age of Your Battery
Even the best car batteries don’t last forever. Most have a lifespan of three to five years, depending on your driving habits and the conditions you drive in. Short trips, frequent idling, and extreme temperatures shorten that life.
If you’re not sure how old your battery is, check the date code printed on the top or side. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s better to replace it before your road trip than risk it failing halfway to your destination.
3. Test the Battery’s Charge
You can quickly test your battery’s voltage using a multimeter. A healthy, fully charged 12V battery should read around 12.6 volts when the car is off. When the engine’s running, it should sit between 13.7 and 14.7 volts, showing that the alternator is charging properly.
If the reading is lower than expected, it might mean your battery isn’t holding charge or that your alternator isn’t charging efficiently. You can also have a quick battery test done at most service stations or automotive retailers — it’s fast, free, and worth the peace of mind before a long trip.
4. Make Sure Your Charging System Is Working
Your alternator is the unsung hero of every road trip. It recharges your battery while the engine runs, powering everything from headlights to infotainment systems. If it’s not performing properly, your battery will slowly discharge even while driving.
Look out for warning signs like dim headlights, dashboard battery lights, flickering interior lights, or a whining noise from the engine. These can point to alternator issues that should be checked before you leave.
5. Understand the Effect of Heat and Distance
South African summers can be brutal on batteries. High temperatures cause the fluid inside to evaporate faster, which speeds up wear. Combine that with long-distance travel, heavy electrical use, and frequent stops, and your battery works overtime.
A few practical ways to reduce strain:
- Park in the shade when you can.
- Avoid unnecessary idling in traffic.
- Turn off non-essential electrical accessories when the engine is off.
- Keep the top of your battery clean so heat can dissipate more efficiently.
These small habits can extend the life of your battery through the summer months.
6. Pack for the Unexpected
Even when your battery is in good shape, it helps to be prepared. A portable jump starter or booster pack can be a lifesaver in remote areas. Keep a set of jumper cables in your boot too — just make sure you know how to connect them safely.
If you’re travelling far off-grid, consider packing a Deltec deep-cycle or portable battery pack to keep essential electronics charged. It’s a practical backup that also powers fridges, fans, and small lights during overnight stops.
7. Replace with Quality When Needed
If your tests show your battery is weak or old, don’t gamble on it making it through the holidays. Choose a high-quality, durable replacement that’s built for South African conditions.
Deltec automotive batteries are designed to handle heat, vibration, and long-distance driving — exactly what most cars face during the festive season. With a wide range of options for passenger vehicles, SUVs, and 4x4s, you can get a battery that fits your car and your travel plans perfectly.
8. A Few Minutes Well Spent
Checking your car battery isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t take long. But it’s one of those small steps that makes a big difference once you’re out on the road.
A quick look under the bonnet, a voltage check, and a few preventative habits can keep your trip running smoothly from start to finish — no drama, no jump-starts, no unnecessary calls for help.
Ready for the Road Ahead?
Before your next trip, make sure your vehicle’s battery is in top condition. A quick inspection today can prevent unexpected delays tomorrow. At Deltec EnergySolutions, we supply a full range of premium automotive batteries designed for reliability, endurance, and performance — wherever your journey takes you.
Visit www.deltecenergysolutions.co.za to find the right battery for your vehicle or your next adventure.