How Long Should a Car Battery Last in SA?
The most common question we get is, "How long should my battery last?" The standard answer is 3 to 5 years, but in South Africa, several factors can drastically shorten that lifespan.
What Kills a Battery in South Africa?
- Heat: Gauteng's summer heat is the #1 killer of car batteries. High temperatures accelerate the degradation of the battery's internal plates.
- Short Trips: If you only drive short trips (e.g., Alberton to Meyersdal), your alternator never gets enough time to fully recharge the battery.
- Load Shedding: This is a uniquely South African problem. If your car sits for days, the alarm and tracker slowly drain the battery. This deep discharge damages a starting battery, which is only designed to be "full."
- Vibration: Rough roads can damage the battery's internal components, but this is less of a factor for quality, well-fitted batteries.
How to Know When It's Time
The best sign is a "slow crank" in the morning. If your car sounds lazy when it starts ("rur-rur-rur" instead of "VROOM"), your battery is on its way out.
If your battery is over 3 years old, don't wait for it to fail. Drive into our Alberton store for a free 5-minute battery test. We'll tell you exactly how much life it has left.
Quick answers
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How fast can Alberton Battery Mart replace my battery?
Most callouts in Alberton, New Redruth, and Meyersdal wrap in 60 minutes. We run Midtronics diagnostics first, then fit your Willard or Exide battery on-site so you avoid towing.
Do you handle Start/Stop and coding?
Yes. We stock AGM/EFB batteries and register them to the vehicle’s BMS before handover, preventing charging faults on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ford Ranger, and other Start/Stop platforms.
Can you test my current battery before I buy?
We offer free battery, alternator, and starter testing in-store or as part of the mobile callout. You only pay once we’ve proven the battery is the failure point.