SPRING ESCAPES WITH WILLARD BATTERIES
Spring has a habit of adding things to the packing list. A weekend away that once required little more than a tent, sleeping bags and a cooler box can now involve a portable fridge, campsite lighting, phones, cameras, GPS devices, an air compressor and a growing collection of electrical accessories.
They make getting away considerably more comfortable. They can also place demands on your vehicle’ s electrical system that are easy to underestimate.
While you’ re driving, the alternator supplies electrical power and replenishes the battery. Once the engine is switched off at the campsite, however, anything still drawing 12V power has to rely on stored energy.
A portable fridge is an obvious example because it may operate intermittently throughout the day and night. Add lights and several devices being charged and the cumulative demand can become significant, particularly if you’ re staying in one place for a few days.
This is where the distinction between starting power and camping power becomes important.
A starter battery is designed primarily to provide a high burst of current to start the engine. It isn’ t intended to be repeatedly discharged by accessories for long periods while the vehicle is stationary. Doing so can shorten battery life and, more immediately, leave insufficient power to start the vehicle when you need it.
For families who camp regularly or travellers running substantial electrical equipment, a dedicated auxiliary battery system may be a more appropriate solution. Accessories can then draw power from a separate source, helping to preserve the starter battery for its primary job.
It also helps to understand what your equipment actually consumes. Electrical demand isn’ t determined simply by the number of things plugged in. An LED light used for a few hours requires comparatively little power, while a fridge cycling throughout a hot day and night presents a very different load. Compressors, inverters and other equipment can add further demands.
Towing a caravan or trailer may introduce additional electrical requirements too. Meanwhile, the vehicle itself could be running navigation, entertainment and charging systems during the journey. In modern vehicles, the electrical system is already working considerably harder than it did in previous generations. Willard Batteries offers batteries for a broad range of passenger cars, SUVs, 4x4s, light commercial vehicles and commercial vehicles, helping motorists select the right battery for their vehicle and its charging system.
Simply installing a larger battery is not necessarily the answer. The replacement battery needs to meet the vehicle manufacturer’ s specifications, while vehicles equipped with technologies such as start-stop systems may require a particular battery technology. Before leaving on a trip, the battery deserves the same attention as tyres, fuel and other basic vehicle checks. If it is ageing, has previously been deeply discharged or the engine has become noticeably slower to crank, have the battery tested before departure. Connections and terminals should also be secure, particularly if the journey includes corrugated gravel roads or rough tracks.
With a nationwide network of more than 3,000 outlets, Willard Batteries also gives motorists access to battery advice, testing and replacement around South Africa – useful reassurance when a weekend escape takes you a long way from home.
Once you’ re at your destination, sensible power management can make a considerable difference. Switch off equipment that isn’ t being used and remain conscious of what is drawing power when the engine is off. If the family camping setup has expanded over the years, it may also be worth having the vehicle’ s electrical requirements assessed by a battery specialist.
Because whether you’ re heading to a favourite campsite for the weekend or towing the family caravan across the country, dependable battery power is one of those things you shouldn’ t have to think about.
And with a Willard battery under the bonnet, you can concentrate on the journey ahead.
OCTOBER 2026 15 WORDS IN ACTION