Powerful activities to try this summer

It’s official: spring is here. And summer is around the corner.

Battery Centre suggests we power up equipment that we might need to get outdoors and have fun this summer. If you own or are looking to buy any outdoor activity equipment, make sure it’s fitted with a reliable battery to avoid break-downs or non-starters (that’s one way to ruin a day out).

Make the most of the next sunny day with these powerful summer activities:

Speed-boating

Enjoy a high-speed boat adventure you’ll never forget.

Boating is the best way to truly experience the beauty of the sea – you’ll love an adrenaline-fuelled day on the water. To prep for a day of boating, make sure you’ve done thorough checks on all the essentials: keys, life-jackets, fuel, water and most importantly, your boat battery.

Motorcycle road-trip

Discover exquisite scenery and landscapes on a motorcycle – there’s no better way to take advantage of balmy summer days. Remember, taking care of your much-loved motorbike – and its battery – is crucial for optimal performance. Ensure your battery is in good working order (less than six months old), check the state of charge, and keep the terminals clean.

Quad-biking

Go on a four-wheeled adventure through forests, valleys and mountains. Resilient four-wheelers are a great way to get into the countryside, off the beaten track.

The top picks for four-wheeling? The Drakensberg, the Elands River Valley in the Eastern Cape, and Induna in Mpumalanga.

Camping caravan

Pack your bags and explore the outdoors with friends and family. You no longer have to rough it when camping – quality batteries can power your caravan as well as all the appliances you need for ‘glamping’, such as hair-dryers, TVs and radios. Camp in style with everything you need to survive the outdoors.

Golf-carting

If there’s ever a great time to take up golf, it’s in summer. Powered golf carts will whizz you around the course – an escape from the hustle and bustle, and solid bonding time with a partner or friend.

Power considerations

When powering up your equipment to get outdoors this summer, consider the following:

Don’t chuck it – recycle.

Proper battery disposal is vital to reduce the risk of pollution. Drop off a used battery at a battery specialist, where it’ll be recycled responsibly.

Manage the summer heat

Excessive heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate which can damage the internal battery structure. Batteries are prone to faults during hot weather, which worsen gradually and are often only noticed once cooler temperatures set in.

It’s therefore vital to maintain your vehicle battery throughout the year, but particularly during warm weather. Check radiator levels regularly to avoid overheating, ensure battery connections are clean and tight and wherever possible, keep your equipment in shady spots.

Bump up the battery power

Using the power of two batteries in a boat or caravan has become common practice to give additional battery power to appliances while the engine is turned off. But before jumping straight into a dual battery setup make sure you have the right knowledge. Ensure the batteries are properly connected and plan an annual charge.

Remember the rate (in amps) at which the alternator will charge the dual battery is determined by three factors: the difference between alternator and battery voltage, the internal resistance of the batteries and the temperature of the batteries. Take all these factors into account when charging your battery.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

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