Traffic Jams Accelerate Car Battery Degradation Beyond Age Factor

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Traffic congestion remains a daily issue in many Indonesian cities. Extended travel times cause vehicles to frequently operate in stop-and-go conditions, especially during peak hours.

Besides impacting fuel consumption and driver stress levels, this situation also affects car battery lifespan.

According to Adrian Tay, Director of PT HTG Indonesia Distribusi, which partners with PT Ecobatt Indo Lestari, dense traffic patterns impair the optimal functioning of the battery charging system.

He explained that this differs from vehicles driven on smoother roads. When a car moves at a steady speed, the alternator works more efficiently to recharge the battery. Conversely, frequent stopping and slow movement in traffic leads to suboptimal charging. As a result, the battery works harder and degrades faster.

Adrian noted that another factor affecting battery condition is increased engine bay temperature when vehicles are stuck in traffic for long periods.

‘The engine bay becomes extremely hot. Not good for the battery,’ he said.

He added that high temperatures in the engine bay accelerate battery degradation, particularly for vehicles used daily in heavy traffic.

Adrian advised vehicle owners to regularly check battery condition, especially if starting becomes difficult or electrical systems show signs of weakening. He stressed that routine inspections are crucial to prevent batteries from failing completely and causing breakdowns on the road.