Zimpapers Logo

You’re running late, very late. Tafadzwa needs to be dropped off at pre-school and Jill has a school play that she just cannot be late for.Oh yes and you have an 08:00 with your boss and he told you it was very important.Everyone piles into the car you turn the key and . . . nothing. You turn the ignition again . . . nothing.

This kind of thing, while horribly embarrassing, happens all the time. The engine is the heart of the car’s electrical functions, pushing it from the mall to your place of work and back home in the evening.

Like the heart, when it stops so does your car. However, unlike the heart, batteries do not keep going for over eighty years, they have a time limit of approximately 3 to 4 years.

Anything beyond this and your car will die spontaneously at the least convenient times and places.

It is for this reason that drivers are encouraged to take their cars for regular servicing and checkups.

Battery World will, for free, carry out a full physical examination of your battery to ensure everything is running optimally, they will also check your electrical system to ensure that your battery is not being damaged.

If you are an avid DIY person and want to get down and dirty with your battery, here are some tips to remember when checking your battery:-

Do Not . . .

Do not top-up cells with acid or tap water. Have your battery checked by an expert

Do not allow the battery to stand in a discharged state. Use only petroleum jelly on the terminals, not grease

Do not test batteries by shorting across terminal posts. Ensure that the terminal posts and battery are – always with wire, pliers etc – clean and dry

In the event that the end is near for your car battery, and needs replacing then there are a few things you should bear in mind.

The following list is a guide to ensure that you pick the best quality battery for your car.

1. First of all check your owner’s manual. This is a commonly overlooked item, yet it carries a plethora of valuable information. This is essential, because purchasing the wrong battery for your car could cause damage to your automobile.

2. Purchase the battery from a renowned brand and at a reputable auto dealership or store. While this may sound like a given, it has to be repeated. While you may save costs in the short term, in the long term the damage caused by a faulty car battery can be very expensive.

3. Check the battery group size. Once you do the actual buying, check whether the battery you intend to purchase is the same size as your old one, this will ensure that it sits properly in your car. Group size has to do with the length, width and height of the car battery. If you are unsure of the group size to buy, consult your owner’s manual.

4. Look at the cold cramping amps (CCA). Cold cranking amps are a measure of the car battery’s ability to start amidst very cold weather.

5. Compare it to your old battery. As much as possible try and carry your old battery for comparison, especially if it came with the car. The same specifications of the old battery should be present in the new one.

6. Finally, get a battery with a good warranty. This will ensure replacements in the event that it is faulty.

If you need professional advice regarding your car battery contact your nearest Battery World branch.

Battery World Granitesite: (04)757575

Battery World Town Branch: (04) 794200

Battery World Bulawayo: 0712 918 290

Battery World Kwekwe: (055) 23797

Battery World Masvingo: (039)264601

Battery World Mutare: (020)64834

Battery World Chinhoyi: (067)25666