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03/11/2026

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30/10/2026

WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY BATTERY?

My battery never gets fully charged, even after driving.

If your battery repeatedly struggles to reach a full charge, the problem could lie with the battery itself or the vehicle's charging system.

Here are some possible causes:

1. A faulty alternator: The alternator recharges the battery while the engine runs. If it isn't producing enough voltage, the battery won't receive a full charge.

2. Short driving distances: Starting the engine uses battery power. Short trips may not give the alternator enough time to replace the energy used during starting.

3. An ageing or damaged battery: As batteries deteriorate, their ability to accept and hold a charge decreases. Internal damage or sulphation can further affect charging performance.

4. Poor electrical connections: Loose, corroded or damaged battery terminals and cables can interfere with the flow of current needed to charge the battery.

5. An electrical drain: A faulty component or electrical system that continues drawing power when the vehicle is switched off can gradually discharge the battery.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Driving more won't fix a charging problem caused by a faulty alternator, damaged battery or electrical fault. A proper battery and charging system test will help identify the cause.

With a national footprint, Battery Corp gives motorists access to experienced battery specialists across South Africa.

A complimentary test at your nearest Battery Corp branch shows whether the battery, the alternator or the connections are at fault.

29/10/2026

Battery Myths #47: If the engine cranks slowly, the battery is always to blame.

FALSE. Not necessarily.

When you turn the key and the engine struggles to turn over, a weak or discharged battery is one possible cause. But the battery is only one part of the starting system. Replacing it without checking the other components could leave you with the same problem.

Here are four other factors to consider.

1. Poor electrical connections

Corroded, dirty or loose battery terminals interrupt the flow of electricity. The starter motor needs a strong current to turn the engine, and poor connections restrict that supply.

2. Damaged battery cables

Cracked, damaged or corroded cables increase electrical resistance. Even a healthy battery will struggle to deliver enough power to the starter if the current cannot travel efficiently through the cables.

3. A faulty starter motor

The starter motor turns the engine to get it running. Worn or damaged internal components can slow it down, even when the battery is in good condition.

4. Thick engine oil in cold weather

Engine oil becomes more viscous at lower temperatures. Thicker oil creates more resistance inside the engine, so the starter needs more power to turn it. The effect depends on the temperature and whether the oil meets the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

So, what should you do if your engine cranks slowly?

Start with a battery test. It checks the battery's condition and helps establish whether it is delivering the power your vehicle needs. If the battery passes, the connections, cables and starter motor need further investigation.

Bring your battery in for a complimentary battery test at your nearest Battery Corp branch.

AutomotiveAdvice

28/10/2026

Ask Bill: What is reserve capacity?

Your battery’s reserve capacity tells you how long it can keep supplying power if your vehicle’s alternator stops charging.

Measured in minutes, reserve capacity is the time a fully charged battery can deliver 25 amps at 27°C before its voltage drops to 10.5 volts.

Why does this matter for your vehicle?

If your alternator fails, reserve capacity indicates how long the battery can continue powering essential electrical systems before its voltage drops too low.

What is a good reserve capacity?

It depends on your vehicle’s requirements. A reserve capacity of 90–120 minutes is common in many passenger vehicle batteries, but the correct specification varies by vehicle and battery type. A higher rating generally means the battery can sustain an electrical load for longer.

Reserve capacity is different from cold cranking amps (CCA). CCA measures a battery’s ability to deliver the high current needed to start an engine in cold conditions. Reserve capacity measures how long it can sustain a steady electrical load.

At Battery Corp, our branches are run by veterans of the battery industry with deep practical knowledge gained over years of experience.

23/10/2026

Why is there a market for scrap lead-acid batteries?

Lead-acid batteries contain valuable materials, particularly lead and plastic, that can be recovered and used again. Recycling recovers these resources, reduces the need to mine new raw materials and helps keep hazardous battery waste out of the environment.

Lead is highly recyclable and retains its useful properties through repeated recycling. The recovered material goes back into manufacturing, including the production of new lead-acid batteries. This creates an established recycling market in which scrap batteries have a monetary value.

If you have old car batteries or other used lead-acid batteries lying around, bring them to Battery Corp and turn your scrap batteries into a little extra cash.

Battery Corp has a national footprint. Contact your closest branch for details on selling your scrap batteries.

22/10/2026

Adventure doesn’t stop at your car battery! 🔋

Whether you’re heading off-road in your 4x4, taking your boat out on the water, spending the day fishing, hitting the track for a race or exploring trails on your quad bike, Battery Corp has you covered.

From reliable starting batteries for your vehicle to deep-cycle batteries for applications that need sustained power, we have battery solutions for a wide range of outdoor activities and equipment.

Need power for your camping setup, caravan, trailer or other outdoor gear? We’re here to help you find the right battery for the job.

Our national footprint means expert battery advice and support are never far away. Wherever your next adventure takes you, visit your nearest Battery Corp branch for expert advice and complimentary battery testing.

We’re not just here for your daily drive. We’re here to power your entire life.

18/10/2026

The holiday season is fast approaching. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is serviced and your battery health checked.

Battery Corp has a national footprint, with battery specialists ready to help you prepare for the journeys ahead. Pop into your nearest branch for complimentary battery testing and travel with greater confidence this festive season.

A little preparation now helps prevent an unexpected battery failure when you least need it.

18/10/2026

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has announced the phasing out of semi-knocked-down (SKD) vehicle assembly and the withdrawal of policy support for new entrants.

Government is attempting to correct a competitive distortion its own policies permitted, with damaging consequences for SA's automotive manufacturing supply chain.

Reduced domestic component production weakens supplier volumes, increases unit costs and discourages investment in tooling, machinery and technical skills. As suppliers lose scale, their ability to compete for future contracts deteriorates, making these capabilities increasingly expensive to rebuild.

Yet Tau's announcement contains a glaring omission: implementation.

There are no published deadlines for terminating SKD arrangements, binding sunset provisions, transition requirements or specified consequences for non-compliance.

These gaps leave room for lobbying, exemptions and negotiated extensions. Government could spend years managing resistance to a decision that demands enforceable obligations.

The proposed tightening of completely knocked-down (CKD) definitions raises another concern. If substantial imported content qualifies for manufacturing incentives, how will genuine domestic value addition be measured and enforced?

Changing classifications without stronger compliance risks reproducing the same distortion under another designation.

SKD operators could switch to importing fully built vehicles rather than investing in CKD production. Withdrawing incentives alone will not deliver deeper localisation.

Established manufacturers must face equivalent scrutiny. Additional protection should require measurable commitments to localisation, supplier development, employment and exports.

The danger is that the same interests and policy compromises that created this distortion will determine how, when and whether it is corrected.

With local government elections approaching and no binding commitments in sight, the possibility that this announcement amounts to political pandering deserves serious consideration.

16/10/2026

What's Wrong With My Battery? 🔋 The battery overheats while driving.

Some warmth during charging is normal. Excessive heat signals a potential fault that could damage the battery or create a safety risk.

What causes it?

• Overcharging A faulty voltage regulator may allow excessive charging voltage, generating heat and gas inside the battery. Continued overcharging damages internal components and shortens battery life.

• Loose or corroded connections Poor connections create electrical resistance, generating heat at terminals and cables. Left unchecked, this may damage wiring and disrupt charging.

• Internal battery faults An internal short circuit or damaged cell generates heat inside the battery. This may lead to swelling, leakage and permanent damage.

• Excessive engine heat High temperatures under the bonnet accelerate battery deterioration. Combined with charging faults, this can push battery temperatures dangerously high.

When should you act? Slight warmth is not necessarily a problem. A battery that becomes very hot, swells, leaks, hisses or smells of rotten eggs needs urgent attention. Stop when safe, switch off the engine and keep away. Do not touch or disconnect the battery. Arrange a professional inspection.

Replacing the battery without identifying the cause risks damaging its replacement.

Battery Corp branches are run by veterans of the battery industry, with many years of experience behind them. Visit your nearest Battery Corp branch for expert advice and complimentary battery testing.

14/10/2026

Battery Myth #45: A battery only powers the car when starting.

FALSE.

Your car battery does much more than start the engine.

In a conventional car, the alternator supplies most of the electrical power while the engine runs and recharges the battery. But the battery remains part of the electrical system, helping stabilise voltage and supplying power when demand temporarily exceeds alternator output. This can happen at low engine speeds when headlights, the fan and other electrical equipment are drawing power.

Modern vehicles place additional demands on the battery. Electronic control units, sensors and other systems need a stable electrical supply.

Stop-start technology makes the battery’s role even more apparent. When the engine switches off at traffic lights, the alternator stops generating power. The battery keeps electrical systems running and supplies the power needed to restart the engine. Some vehicles also recover energy during braking and store it in the battery.

Whether you drive an older car or a modern vehicle, your battery remains an essential part of the electrical system throughout your journey.

Visit your nearest Battery Corp branch for expert advice and complimentary battery testing.