Car batteries are an often overlooked but crucial component of vehicle maintenance. Therefore, it’s imperative to maintain the health of your car battery and be prepared for emergencies. In this guide, we’ll explore the different brands, the causes of their shortened lifespan, signs to replace your car battery and the ways to get the best car battery replacements with the most trustworthy car battery for your ride.
What Are Car Batteries?
Car batteries are rechargeable device that stores electrical energy, delivering power to essential components, including the lights, ignition, and starter motor. This means that without a battery, a car does not start even if everything else is functioning normally, and a replacement with a new car battery is typically a quick fix. Commonly, a car battery may normally be found beneath the bonnet in one of the front corners depending on your car model. When you start your car engine, a chemical reaction in the battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy. During operation, the alternator charges the battery to ensure there is ample power for the next drive. There are various types of car batteries out there in the market, such as OEM and aftermarket car batteries.
The Differences Between OEM & Aftermarket Car Batteries
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM car batteries are made by the car manufacturer’s factory and are designed specifically for your make and model. OEM components are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts because they are made exclusively for one type of automobile, OEM manufacturers must charge more for each item to turn a profit.
On the other hand, aftermarket car batteries are frequently produced by a business different than the one that built your car. Because they are made to fit various cars, they can be less expensive than OEM parts. Although there are a number of high-quality aftermarket components on the market, these batteries can provide comparable or even greater performance than OEM batteries.
When it comes to choosing between OEM and aftermarket car batteries, it’s important to consider your budget, your vehicle’s needs and check whether the battery of your choice is appropriate for your particular automobile model. If you’re looking for an alternative to OEM batteries, then aftermarket batteries might be the best choice for you as it is less expensive and functions just as well when the correct specifications are fitted.
Popular Aftermarket Car Battery Brands in Singapore
There are many different aftermarket car battery brands in Singapore, and each brand has its own unique features and benefits. Here are a few examples of leading car battery brands in Singapore:
Amaron Car Battery
The Amaron brand is a popular car battery known for its zero-maintenance feature, which means that this type of battery does not require maintenance once installed in your vehicle. The batteries are fully factory charged, making them ready to use straight out of the box. Amaron car batteries are engineered to provide exceptional durability and resistance to harsh conditions. The batteries feature the patented SilvenX alloy, which helps extend their lifespan while also making them more resistant to heat and vibration.
Varta Car Battery
The Varta brand is also unbeatable in terms of its unique class manufacturing standards. In fact, Varta batteries are used in eight out of ten newly manufactured vehicles that feature start-stop technology. This demonstrates the trust and reliability that the brand has built over the years. Additionally, Varta car battery is often accompanied with longer lifespans, less corrosion, and lower maintenance costs. These qualities have made Varta batteries trusted by major carmakers and long-time drivers alike for the past 125 years.
Factors That Can Shorten Car Battery Lifespan
Commonly, the range lifespan of a quality car battery with proper care is within two years. Understanding the factors that can shorten battery life is essential in optimising car performance and prolonging battery life, especially after getting a new car. Like most things, a car battery needs constant supervision, and that means taking the time every once in a while to attend to your car. With several car battery problems to be aware of, here are some of the factors to take into account that can impact a vehicle’s battery life:
Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperature is one of the primary factors that can shorten the life of your car’s battery. Cold temperatures may slow down the chemical reaction in the battery, reducing its capacity to deliver power. While in extremely hot temperatures, it can cause the rapid evaporation of the fluids inside the battery, which is something to look out for in tropical countries such as Singapore. This can cause the battery’s internal components to become corroded and damaged. To prevent this, make sure you avoid exposing your car to extreme temperatures, especially for long periods of time. Find a shady parking lot if you expect not to drive your vehicle for some time.
Driving Habits
Driving habits like leaving headlights, radio, or other electronics on while the engine is turned off can drain your vehicle battery’s charge. This is especially true for older batteries or those that are already in poor condition. Not only that, frequently starting and stopping the engine or only driving short distances will prevent the alternator from charging the battery completely.
Excessive Installation of Car Accessories
If you’re a car enthusiast, you might take pleasure in personalising your vehicle to make it stand out and appear fashionable. Nonetheless, excessive installation can drastically reduce battery performance by consuming a large amount of power. A large majority of on-site battery replacements we do are due to car dash cameras being left on and recording 24 hours a day. This will definitely drain your battery power and shorten its lifespan. Also, improper wiring systems during the installation adversely affect the car’s electrical system, potentially leading to dangerous situations such as a short circuit. Make sure all electrical components for your car are installed by a reputable accessories retailer.
Signs You Need To Change Your Car Battery
There are several signs that you may observe to give you a clue that your battery is due for replacement:
Slow Engine Cranking
If your vehicle takes longer than usual to start or the engine cranks at a slower pace, this may indicate the battery charge is running low. Such a battery might not possess adequate power to turn the engine over properly, resulting in a slow cranking process. This may also result in the car needing to be jump started.
No Lights/ Dim Lights
Please check your car’s lights. If there is no light or the lights get dimmer than usual, the battery could have a problem where it’s not providing enough power to the electric system.
Bloated Car Battery
If you notice that your car battery is weak, looks swollen, or bloated, this is a severe sign for you to get a car battery service immediately. Corrosion or leaking of battery fluid from the battery terminals are also a sure sign that the battery needs replacement.
Battery Warning Light
Most modern cars are equipped with a battery warning light that illuminates when there is a problem with the battery or charging system. If you see this light, it is essential to have the battery checked immediately.
Battery Age
Once a battery has been installed in the vehicle for more than one year, it is recommended to get the battery health and state of charge testing during every routine vehicle servicing. Older batteries will slowly lose their ability to store electrical power due to the deterioration of the internal terminals in the battery. Moreover, when an older battery is allowed to become completely flat (due to low usage or driving habits mentioned above), it is possible that the battery will be permanently not serviceable.
How Much Is A Mobile Car Battery Replacement Service?
The cost of a preferred mobile and reliable car battery replacement service in Singapore varies depending on several factors, including the type and model of your vehicle, the type of battery required, and the location of the service.
For example, service providers and car tyre and battery specialist such as Arrow Tyres Pte Ltd you can get onsite-car service starting from $30. The best thing is we also provide 24 hours services for car battery replacements in Singapore, because problems can be unpredictable, with our reliable service you can call us to replace your batteries wherever you are. With years of experience in car batteries, our friendly technician can help you check and diagnose any faulty battery issues before advising you on the next course of action, which could be to change the battery or simply jump-start the vehicle.
Contact Arrow Tyres Today!
For more information about mobile car battery and tyre replacement services, please contact us here. You can also drive over to any of our retail outlets to get your batteries checked with no charges.