When it comes to automobiles, some things just cannot be predicted … like when a battery decides to go dead. It could happen anywhere too — a roadside, on the highway, in the middle of rush hour traffic, or at home. But it’s solution is not simply to replace the old batteries, argues Mohammad Waqas of Sanden Batteries in Karachi. He says there are a number of checks to run before buying a new one.

“The first thing to check, before going to any battery mechanic, is whether your ignition light is switched on or not,” says Waqas.

“The second thing to do is to call your car tracking service, confirm if they have locked the car, and ask them to disable security — this would help any battery mechanic clean and re-fix the battery properly. In case the security is still activated, the car’s internal electric wiring is in danger of short-circuiting,” he says.

Know the warning signs that may indicate your battery is on the fritz

Once at the mechanic, check the battery generator, as well as both terminals and the wires connected to the terminal. It is entire possible that the fault is with the generator or that a wire has disconnected from the battery terminal. “Many people make the mistake of asking for a new battery even though they might not need one,” explains Waqas.

Per Waqas, most complaints that he deals with pertain to faulty or insufficient battery water. “Most people don’t monitor their battery water levels throughout the year. The charging plates always need battery water at a particular level, and for them to have enough electrolytes to conduct electricity,” he says.

At the mechanic, always ask them to connect a battery strength gauge to the fitted battery, to ascertain whether the battery has enough life left or not. You should also ask them to jump start the battery, either with a spare or from another car. Check the terminals of the old battery too: sometimes, sulphate collects and forms a whitish film that impedes with the charging of the car battery.

“It is also important to ascertain whether the electrical wiring of the car is in place. When stationary, batteries tend to charge the car fan or entertainment system, for example, if the wiring is not done properly. Precious battery life is wasted this way,” says Waqas.

When all these checks have been run, select the battery that is most suited to your car and not the one that suits your budget. “There are two types of battery companies that operate in Pakistan — those who take responsibility for their product, and those who don’t. Go for the battery companies that take all responsibility for their product,” says Waqas. “Always check the plates inside the battery — this is your biggest clue to whether a battery is new or not, and whether it’ll work or not.”

The new battery should ideally be filled with acidic battery water. This is usually different to the battery water solution available and sold at petrol pumps, since its initial electrolyte content is higher. Once filled with this water, leave the battery for at least 30 minutes and preferably for one hour.

“The battery will expand as the battery water begins to take effect. You have to allow it time to expand and charge. Some vendors sell pre-expanded batteries, but they might be selling you a used battery. It is always better to start from scratch, once you have checked everything yourself,” explains Waqas.

In the meantime, ask your battery mechanic to dismantle the battery holding area, wash it with high-pressure water, clean the terminals, and ensure that the wires connecting the battery with the terminal are well-chiseled.

“A well-maintained battery should last three to four years, but it is always good to have it checked when you go for routine maintenance,” says Waqas.

The writer tweets @ASYusuf

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 28th, 2014