Recently Bosch Automotive Aftermarket conducted a survey of 350 Malaysian drivers where they found out that vehicle battery failure is the top cause of vehicle breakdowns in the country. Engine and wiring issues came in at 20% and 5% respectively. So it seems that battery failure is the cause of a whole lot of pain and suffering.
Why am I not surprised? I suppose it's because even in my case it is my car's battery that usually gives up the ghost every couple of years. This is usually the case when there are short commutes where there isn't enough time to charge a battery fully and the usage of power hungry appliances like dashboard cameras, smartphone and tablet charging too. Aside from that, there can also be premature lead-acid battery failure due to water loss from lack of maintenance or evaporation from high under bonnet temperatures - a real problem in our hot and humid weather.
So what is needed are good vehicle batteries that can at least last a couple of years or more as well as proper education in terms of battery maintenance, especially if your battery isn't a maintenance free battery that is.
Anyway, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket suggests that one upgrade to a maintenance free battery AND buy their C7 battery charger (if your car is not used for long periods of time) if possible. They suggest their vehicle batteries, of course. I also suggest popping the bonnet and just having a look underneath too and check the engine oil, the belts, the fluids aside from just checking the battery while you're at it.
Bosch batteries are available at authorized dealers nationwide:
MEDIA RELEASE
Bosch survey reveals that battery malfunction is top cause of vehicle breakdown in Malaysia
Bosch urges drivers to know what causes battery malfunction to aid healthy car maintenance
- Cause of premature lead-acid car battery failure is due to water loss, arising from lack of maintenance or evaporation from high under-hood heat, especially in hot tropical Malaysia
- Short city-driving trips and power-hungry electronic devices such as dashboard cameras can affect the battery’s longevity
- Bosch Maintenance-free batteries are equipped with a flame-arrestor safety feature that helps prevent external sparks or flames igniting from battery gases
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia - 21 November 2017 - In Malaysia, seven in ten vehicle breakdowns were caused by battery malfunctions, followed by engine and wiring issues at 20 and five percent respectively. This is according to a survey of 350 Malaysian drivers aged between 18 to 55 that was recently conducted by Bosch, a leading supplier of automotive components for the aftermarket. The survey aims to deliver insights into car battery management habits among Malaysian drivers, which also revealed that around 75 percent of Malaysian drivers are using maintenance-free batteries while the remainder are using conventional lead-acid batteries.
“A car breakdown brings about much inconvenience to its driver, and even safety risks if the vehicle is in the middle of traffic. At Bosch, we urge all drivers to perform regular battery checks regardless of battery type, be it by themselves or by their mechanics with an electronic battery tester,” said Mr. Pang Yoon Kong, country manager of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket in Malaysia. “Furthermore, anyone working with batteries needs to take extra care not to have any sources of ignition nearby because gases escaping from lead-acid batteries are flammable.”
“As for owners of conventional lead-acid batteries, they need to be additionally conscientious with their battery maintenance. Approximately 50 percent of premature lead-acid car battery failure is caused by water loss, mostly due to the lack of maintenance or evaporation from high under-hood heat, especially in hot tropical climates such as Malaysia’s,” added Pang.
“To prolong a lead-acid battery’s lifespan requires constant, regular maintenance on the driver’s part , which goes beyond topping up of distilled water when the battery fluid level falls. For instance, one criterion for battery longevity is to maintain a full charge, which would be difficult to achieve if the vehicle is making short city-driving trips while being equipped with power-hungry electronic devices, including navigation systems, dashboard cameras, and mobile phones which is common nowadays.”
Typically, maintenance-free batteries have higher cranking power and charge capacities, recharge faster, and last longer than comparable conventional lead-acid batteries, aside from not requiring any maintenance to function. Most are also equipped with indicators to determine whether the battery is at optimum charge or not, and also when it needs to be replaced. In addition, Bosch maintenance-free batteries are equipped with a flame-arrestor feature that enhances safety by preventing external sparks or flames from igniting battery gases. “We believe these to be the reasons why most Malaysian drivers are using maintenance-free batteries for hassle-free convenience and safety,” said Pang.
Bosch batteries are available at authorized dealers nationwide: http://az.bosch-automotive.com
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