Car batteries in the UAE heat: how long they last and when to replace

Why batteries die faster here

Heat, not cold, is what ages a car battery. High under-bonnet temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside, the water in the electrolyte evaporates, and the plates corrode. A battery that might last four or five years in a mild climate often lasts two to three years in the UAE.

The damage builds up through summer but often shows up later, on the first cooler morning when the engine needs more power to start.

Warning signs

Replace or test the battery if you notice:

• The engine cranks slowly, especially after the car has stood for a day or two
• Dim headlights or interior lights at idle
• A battery or charging warning light on the dashboard
• White or green crust around the terminals
• A swollen or bulging battery case, which is a sign of heat damage
• The battery is more than two years old and you've never had it tested

Choosing the right battery

Match three things from your old battery or owner's manual: the size (group code), the cold cranking amps (CCA) and the type.

Cars with start-stop systems need an EFB or AGM battery. Fitting a standard flooded battery to a start-stop car will shorten its life sharply and can cause warning lights. Many newer cars also need the battery registered to the car's computer after fitting.

Making a battery last longer

• Park in the shade or a covered car park when you can
• Keep the terminals clean and tight
• Drive at least 20 minutes at a time every few days so the alternator can fully recharge it
• Have it tested before summer and again before the cooler months