Frequently asked questions

Yes. Our technician delivers and fits your battery at your home, work or roadside, within 40 km of our Brackenfell and Stellenbosch branches, 7 days a week. Mobile fitment is R250 per 10 km, worked out from your address at checkout. As soon as your order comes in, we'll WhatsApp you to arrange a time.

Prefer to collect? Collect free from either branch and we'll fit it there for free.

It's R250 (up to 10 km), R500 (10 to 20 km), R750 (20 to 30 km) or R1 000 (30 to 40 km). The price is worked out from your address at checkout.

Our technician tests the battery and charging system, fits the new battery on the spot and takes your old battery for recycling.

Yes. To request a jump start, contact either branch and we'll confirm when we can get to you:

Brackenfell
Landline: 021 983 9018
Mobile: 072 381 0812
Email: salesbrackenfell@battery24.co.za

Stellenbosch
Landline: 021 023 4626
Mobile: 067 564 3339
Email: salesstellenbosch@battery24.co.za

Doing it yourself? Follow our jump-start guide.

Yes, mobile fitment is available 7 days a week, including call-outs after the shops close, on Sundays and on public holidays (also Christmas Day and New Year's Day), from both branches. Fleet and account customers can get 24-hour service: speak to your branch to set this up.

Our mobile fitment covers up to 40 km from our branches, so further away orders are usually collection only. When you check out, choose Collect in store, pick your branch and tell us who's collecting: you or your own courier. Courier costs are for your account, including returning your old battery to us (or add the no-scrap charge to your order).

Just outside our area? We look at each request individually and may still be able to come to you. Please contact us before you order so we can confirm.

We offer mobile fitment within 40 km of our Brackenfell and Stellenbosch branches. The cost is worked out from your address at checkout.

The safety of our team comes first. If we can't safely assist at your location, we'll let you know as early as possible and fully refund the mobile fitment charge. You can still collect your battery in store at no extra charge, or arrange a suitable collection service that accepts vehicle batteries (please check with us first). If you no longer want the battery, we'll refund that too.

Not sure? WhatsApp your nearest branch before you order and we'll gladly help.

Use our Battery finder. It's built from our own records of the batteries we've fitted to customers' cars over the years. Choose your vehicle's make, model and year, and we'll show the battery we fit most often, with prices.

Can't find your car, or want to be sure? WhatsApp us a photo of the label on your old battery, or your vehicle's make, model, year and engine size. We'll confirm the right battery before you buy.

Not always. The new battery must match your car's specification: type (EFB or AGM), capacity and cold-cranking rating, terminal layout and polarity, venting and hold-down. A battery can fit the tray and still be wrong for the car. WhatsApp us a photo of your old battery's label and we'll confirm.

Yes, and it's free for everyone. We do a conductance, hydrometer and load test. A starting problem doesn't always mean you need a new battery, so we check first. See what your test result means.

A battery test only gives a true result when the battery is charged. A flat battery will fail the test even if there's nothing wrong with it, so testing it flat could have you paying for a battery you don't need.

We first recharge the battery, which can take a day or two, sometimes longer, depending on its condition, then test it and your vehicle's charging system. That tells us whether the battery is faulty, or whether something else, like a charging fault or a light left on, drained it.

Fitment is free when you collect your battery from our Brackenfell or Stellenbosch branch. If our technician comes to you, mobile fitment is R250 per 10 km.

A battery test, battery matching and manufacturer warranty registration are free with every battery.

BMS reset, battery registration and coding: we check which procedure your vehicle requires and whether we support it. Where required and supported, the applicable procedure is included with your Battery24 battery replacement.

Yes, on many cars. You need a couple of spanners and the correct battery for your car: the right type (EFB or AGM) and specification, not just the same size. Take the negative (−) off first and put it back on last, with the positive (+) on first. This lowers the risk of a spark if your spanner touches metal. Follow our step-by-step battery changing guide.

Stop/start, European and newer cars must be done the way the car maker specifies. Some allow backup power, others must be fully disconnected, and many need a BMS reset, battery registration or coding. If you don't have the right procedure or equipment, collect from a branch and we fit it free.

As a general order: negative (−) off first, then positive (+). When fitting: positive (+) on first, negative (−) on last. This lowers the risk of a spark, but your car maker's procedure always comes first, especially on stop/start and newer cars. See How to change a car battery.

A backup power supply that keeps the car's systems powered while the battery is out. Only use one if your car maker allows it, and connect it where they specify. It should be a regulated, fused battery-support supply, not an ordinary charger or a jump starter on boost mode.

A light on the unit doesn't prove the car is being powered, and opening a door can overload a small one. While it's connected, the detached red (+) cable stays live, so insulate it securely. Where backup power isn't approved, the maker's full disconnection procedure is used instead. See both ways to swap a battery.

Many newer cars have a battery management system (BMS) that controls charging. After a battery change, some need a BMS reset, battery registration or coding so the car charges the new battery correctly. What's needed, and what it's called, varies by vehicle, and not every car needs it.

We check which procedure your vehicle requires and whether we support it. Where required and supported, the applicable procedure is included with your Battery24 battery replacement. For a separate service visit, we explain the options and agree any fee before starting.

A pre-scan or a memory saver doesn't do this, and a scan on its own doesn't restore lost settings. Some cars also need windows, steering or other settings relearned. See Replacing a battery in a modern car.

Usually not. Most stop/start cars are specified with an EFB or AGM battery, because the engine restarts many times on every trip. Fit the type and specification your car maker lists. A standard battery can wear out fast and bring on warning lights. Not sure? Ask us, or use our Battery finder.

Our prices are exchange prices: you hand over your old battery when you get the new one, and we send it for recycling. When our technician comes to you, we take it with us.

On the product page, you choose whether you'll hand in your old battery. If you choose “I don't have an old battery to hand in”, the no-scrap charge is added to your cart, once for each battery. The amount depends on the brand and is shown next to the option.

If you chose to hand in your old battery but it isn't available on the day, the no-scrap charge must be paid before we fit the new battery. See our Terms & conditions.

We send it for recycling. In a typical lead-acid recycling process, the acid is drained and handled separately, then the battery is broken up so the lead and plastic can be separated and used again, often in new batteries. Methods vary by recycler. Never put a battery in the bin. See Battery recycling.

Keep it upright and secured, and cover the terminals so nothing metal can bridge them. Never open or drain it, and never put it in a bin. Bring it to either branch, or our technician takes it when we fit your new one.

Don't handle it with bare hands, and move it as little as possible. If it must be moved, wear gloves and eye protection, keep it upright in a leak-proof container, and tell us before you bring it in. A badly damaged or leaking battery may need specialist hazardous-waste handling.

Our battery recycling covers lead-acid batteries, including EFB and AGM. Lithium and other battery types are handled differently, so ask us first.

Your battery is recharged by the alternator while you drive, but starting the car uses a lot of that charge. Lots of short trips mean it never gets fully topped up again, which is one of the most common reasons batteries go flat early.

• Drive at least 30 minutes in one go, once a week, ideally on a highway or open road, not stop-start traffic.
• Avoid many short trips of a few kilometres if you can, or combine errands into one longer drive.
• Switch off lights, aircon and the radio before you turn the engine off, so the next start is easier.
• Parking for more than two weeks? Use a smart battery charger to keep it topped up. See our chargers.
• Stop/start cars work the battery harder, so regular longer drives matter even more.

Not sure how your battery is doing? Pop in to either branch for a free battery test.

A quick rule of thumb:

• Probably the battery: the car clicks or turns over slowly, or starts with a jump and then runs fine all day.
• Probably the alternator: the battery light comes on while you're driving, the lights dim or flicker, the car dies while running, or a new battery keeps going flat.

Not sure? We test the battery and your car's charging system for free. See Battery or alternator?

It depends on the battery's specification, your driving habits and the vehicle's condition. For a battery that meets the vehicle maker's original specification, around 3 to 5 years can be a reasonable guide under normal conditions with a well-maintained vehicle, but it's not a guarantee. That expectation shouldn't automatically be applied to lower-specification alternatives, even if they fit the same vehicle.

Short trips, long periods standing, heat, extra electrical loads and charging faults can shorten battery life. A warranty period is not a prediction of lifespan. We'll explain the differences between the available options so you can make an informed choice.

Heat speeds up the wear inside a battery. As a rule of thumb, every 10 °C hotter roughly halves its life. Summer does the damage, and the battery often only fails on the first cold morning. Park in the shade where you can, keep it well charged, and have it tested when the weather turns.

A parked car slowly drains its battery, and a battery left flat gets damaged. Either:

• keep it on a smart charger, or
• start the car and drive it for at least 30 minutes once a week.

If it will stand for months, charge the battery fully at least every 3 months. Check your owner's manual before disconnecting the battery. Many modern cars need a set procedure, and may lose settings.

No. Battery makers have tested these products for years and none has lived up to its claims, and some contain chemicals that damage a healthy battery. Adding anything to a battery also voids the warranty.

Most car batteries today are maintenance-free and sealed. They never need topping up, and the caps shouldn't be opened. Older batteries with removable caps should only be topped up with battery (distilled) water, never tap water or acid. If your battery needs frequent topping up, it may indicate a charging-system problem or deterioration inside the battery. Have both checked to establish the cause.

Battery acid burns, so act fast:

• Eyes: flush straight away with plenty of clean running water, keep flushing, and get urgent medical help.
• Skin: take off affected clothing and flush with plenty of clean running water.

Never put bicarbonate of soda or any other neutraliser on the body.

Spilled acid? Keep people and pets away and avoid touching it. Don't wash acid into drains or onto soil. See how to handle a damaged battery.

Yes, if you play it with the engine off. As a guide, a 1 000 W amp at party volume can run a 60 Ah car battery down to where it may not start in under an hour. Playing music on your car battery isn't advisable, so fit a second battery for music. With the engine running, the alternator keeps it charged. Work out your own setup with our sound system guide.

A second battery may be needed for a high-powered system or extended listening with the engine off. The right setup depends on actual power draw, listening time and your vehicle's charging capacity, not amplifier wattage alone.

The installation must suit both batteries and the vehicle. A basic isolator or solenoid separates the batteries but does not provide different charging profiles. Where required, a compatible DC-DC charger provides the correct charging profile for the auxiliary battery; it does not change the alternator's charging profile for the starter battery.

Before adding AGM or lithium, have the complete setup checked for compatibility. Incorrect charging or isolation can damage batteries or leave you unable to start.

Big bass hits pull more power than your battery or alternator can give in that moment. Check that your power cable is thick enough and fused close to the battery, then pop in and we'll test your battery and charging system for free.

A second (leisure) battery for a fridge, lights, an inverter or a sound system, with an isolator or DC-DC charger between the two. Your car battery is kept for starting, and the second battery charges while you drive.

Our dual battery guide works out the size for you in four quick steps: what you'll run, days without charging, your system voltage and the battery type.

Add up what you'll run each day (watts × hours), divide by your system voltage (12 V for most setups) to get amp-hours (Ah) a day, then multiply by the days you'll go without charging. You should only use about half of a lead-acid, AGM or gel battery (about 80% of a lithium one), so divide by 0.5 (or 0.8).

Example: a 60 W fridge running 8 hours a day uses 480 Wh ÷ 12 V = 40 Ah a day. For 3 days on lead-acid: 40 × 3 ÷ 0.5 = 240 Ah. Our calculator does this for you.

A battery pack is simply two or three batteries working together to cover what you need. On a 12 V system they're joined in parallel, which adds up the amp-hours: two 120 Ah batteries give you about 240 Ah. 24 V, 36 V and 48 V systems join 12 V batteries in series to reach the higher voltage.

Always use matching batteries of the same type and size, and ask us to help you size a pack.

It's your choice. Our suggested size covers your trip with no charging. Adding 25%, 50% or double gives you a reserve for things that may go wrong, like cloudy days, a hot fridge or an extra night.

Well looked after (recharged soon after use and kept on a maintainer between trips), up to about 4 years. With normal care, about 2 years. Running it flat damages it, and one deep drain can finish the battery. See our battery maintainers and smart chargers.

No. A car battery is built to give a big burst of power to start the engine, not to be slowly drained and recharged every day. Used that way it fails quickly, and the warranty doesn't cover it. For solar, inverters, caravans and camping, use a deep-cycle (leisure) battery. Ask us which one suits your setup.

Yes. We connect our diagnostic machine, find the issue and explain what it means. We don't just clear fault codes: we look for the cause first. If the fault needs mechanical repair, we'll tell you the next step.

Where supported, a pre-scan with verbal feedback is included when needed as part of battery testing or replacement, including before disconnection. It records existing fault codes but does not confirm that the vehicle is fault-free or replace a full diagnosis.

You’re also welcome to visit specifically for a scan as a separate paid service; we’ll explain the options and agree the fee before starting.

Same prices for everyone, including VAT:

• Small (about 15 min): R250 at the shop, R400 at your breakdown
• Medium (about 30 min): R350 at the shop, R500 at your breakdown
• Large (about 45 min): R450 at the shop, R600 at your breakdown

Breakdown prices include the first 10 km, then R250 per 10 km. See our Vehicle diagnostics page.

Online orders are limited to 2 of each battery. Need more, or buying for a business or fleet? Contact your nearest branch and we'll help.

Visa and Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Capitec Pay and Scan to Pay. You can also spread the cost with PayJustNow, Payflex, Mobicred or RCS (subject to approval).

To keep everyone safe from payment fraud, we release orders once your payment reflects or we've been able to verify it.

Yes. What applies depends on your situation:

• Online orders: where the law gives you a cooling-off right, you can cancel within 7 days of receiving your battery. The direct cost of returning it is for your account. We'll explain what applies to your order.
• Changed your mind about an unused battery? Within 7 days of buying or receiving it, we accept returns of unused, unfitted batteries in their original condition. We refund the battery price and any no-scrap charge you paid. You can also exchange it for a different battery (see below).
• Think your battery is faulty? Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act apply, along with our warranty. Bring it to either branch and we'll test it. See how warranty claims work below.

Mobile fitment charge: if we can't safely assist at your location, or can't provide the service because of a problem on our side, we refund it in full. If the fitment has been done, any deduction for it must be allowed by law and agreed with you separately beforehand. Full details are in our Terms & conditions.

Yes, we'll gladly help. Within 7 days of buying or receiving your battery, as long as it's unused, hasn't been fitted and is in its original condition, you can:

• Exchange it for the right battery. If the new one costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, we refund the difference.
• Return it for a full refund.

Bring the battery and your invoice to either branch, or WhatsApp us first and we'll check the right battery for your car.

If we recommended or fitted the battery and it's the wrong one for your car, we'll sort it out at no cost to you.

Not sure which battery you need? Send us a photo of your old battery's label before you buy and we'll confirm it. Terms and conditions apply: see Returns and refunds.

Once we've received and checked the battery and the refund is approved, we process it within 1 working day. If the battery needs charging and testing first, we'll tell you how long that will take. Your bank may take a few extra days to show the refund.

We refund to your original payment method where possible. If that isn't possible, we'll agree another option with you.

No, we register the manufacturer's warranty for you when we fit it, at no charge. This is separate from a BMS reset or battery registration on the car itself.

Our battery warranties are carry-in: bring the battery and your invoice to either branch. This applies even if you bought it with mobile fitment.

We test it first. If testing confirms a warranty fault, we replace it straight away, subject to stock. If the battery is too flat for a reliable test, we recharge it first, which can take a day or two, sometimes longer. We'll explain the next steps and timing. The replacement carries the rest of the original warranty.

Can't get to a branch? We offer optional mobile assistance. It's a separate paid service, subject to availability, with the fee agreed before we come out.

Warranty periods depend on the brand and are shown on each product page and on our Product warranty page.

All warranties are subject to terms and conditions. A claim can be declined if the battery:

• has damaged posts, a cracked or swollen case, or a tampered lid (see what voids the warranty)
• is the wrong type or specification for the vehicle, or was used for solar, an inverter or other non-starting use
• failed because of a fault in the vehicle's charging system, extra electrical accessories, or being left flat for a long time
• can simply be recharged and returned to service

You'll also need your invoice as proof of purchase.

Brackenfell: Mon to Fri 08:00 to 20:00, Sat 08:00 to 17:00, Sun 10:00 to 17:00, Public holidays 09:00 to 13:00 (Mon to Fri; weekends normal hours)
Closed 25 December and 1 January

Stellenbosch: Mon to Fri 08:00 to 17:30, Sat 08:00 to 13:00, Sun closed, Public holidays closed

Mobile fitment runs as normal on public holidays, including 25 December and 1 January.