KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Feb 2018:
Only 1% of women indicated they are able to troubleshoot their vehicles when they experience a breakdown, as compared to 48% of men – according to a Bosch Automotive Aftermarket survey.
This survey of 350 Malaysian drivers – aged between 18 and 55 – also revealed battery failure as the main cause of vehicle breakdowns.
“According to the survey, there are still many female drivers who are not aware of how they can prevent car breakdowns caused by car batteries,” said country manager Pang Yoon Kong in a statement today.
When in trouble, the survey found 84% of women turn to family and friends while only 12% of them call auto assist organisations when their cars stall due to battery failure.
“Our survey shows that 70% of vehicle breakdowns were caused by battery malfunction. This can pose not only an inconvenience but also a safety risk to all drivers, especially women if they are stranded all alone.”
Worse, 29% of women drivers and 22.6% of men are still using lead-acid batteries as opposed to maintenance-free ones, the survey revealed.
“More drivers now prefer maintenance-free batteries, compared to lead-acid batteries which require constant and regular maintenance on the driver’s part.
“Maintenance-free batteries have more advantages as they typically have higher cranking power and charge capacities, recharge faster, and last longer. Drivers are able enjoy a stress-free driving experience without worry about battery water levels at different states of charge.”
Pang said early detection often helps avoid breakdown. “At Bosch, we strongly believe in empowering drivers, especially women, to possess more knowledge about their cars and be able to identify early signs of battery failure.”
As such, he recommended looking out for five signs of a failing car battery:
- Slow engine crank
The cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start. - Dashboard warning light
When the battery power is weak, the engine warning light on the dashboard appears. - Having to jump battery
Replace the battery if the vehicle has been jump-started more than three times in a week. - Swollen battery case
Car battery exposed to excessive amounts of heat may swell and results in shorter life span. - Smells like rotten eggs
As a car battery contains sulphuric acid, it may vent a foul smelling gas, much like rotten eggs, when it has been internally shorted, frozen, or overcharged. Have the battery inspected as soon as possible as the sulphuric acid leakage may damage other car parts.