Everyone knows that getting a car is expensive in Singapore. Besides paying for the high upfront cost of getting the car which includes the COE, you will also need to take into consideration of the recurring cost such as insurance, car park fees and regular maintenance fees.

Car battery is definitely one of the items that must be check and maintain regularly in order to extend the life span of the car. The purpose of the car battery is to provide electricity to power up all the electrical components in the car. On average, a car battery can last for 3 to 5 years, but different driving habits may shorten the life span the car battery.

Some symptoms that the car battery may need a replacement are:

The check engine light is on

The check engine light can mean many things when it come on. Its better to get the car checked by the workshop to ensure the car safety.

Slow engine start

If the car takes a longer time to start or there is an engine crank sound when starting the vehicle, then it may be the time to go and get the car battery checked.

Dim Headlights

The car will experience sudden electrical issues there is a weak battery. Headlights may become not as bright as before or may even flicker.

Pungent, rotten egg smell

The pungent, rotten egg smell may indicate that  there is a high possibility that the car batter is leaking. It may also be corrosion around the battery terminal which affects the flow of current to the rest of the car.

Tips to ensure that the car battery is in good working condition are:

Tips no. 1

Always remember to turn off all devices and features inside your car, such as head lights or interior lights. This will help to extend the life span of the battery. Use a battery meter to test the voltage of the battery. If the reading is below 12.5volts, it means that your battery may be undercharged.

Tips no. 2

Due to our warm weather condition, it is advisable to check the electrolyte more frequently, such as once a week. Top up the battery electrolyte level to the required level if possible. Avoid overtopping up as the warm temperature here may cause it to overflow due to the expansion of the electrolyte

Tips no. 3

The battery terminals should be tight and it should be check regularly to prevent it from corrosion. Corrosion should be removed if found. The top of the batter should also be kept clean. Tension of alternator belt should not be too slack as alternator will not charge casing the battery to lose its charges, resulting in energy dissolve while not in use.