Only in the Philippines—where driving isn’t just a skill—it’s an extreme sport, to some brave souls, it could even be a contact sport. It’s like running an obstacle course except the obstacles are traffic, potholes, and the occasional rogue tricycle. But kidding aside, it requires patience, precision, and a deep-seated acceptance that logic, unfortunately, sometimes, does not apply on our roads. Well, to be fair, not just in the country, but everywhere. Like how there’s a speed limit on a wide, open highway technically built for speed. Hmmm… that’s a bad example. Don’t exceed the speed limit! It protects, not just you, but also pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
The point is, that owning a car in Metro Manila is like having a loyal companion that endures all sorts of challenges. While you might get used to the quirks of driving in the city, your car and its battery are silently suffering in ways you might not realize. Your patience is not the only thing that’s being tested; your car, too! Which is why your car needs a little bit of understanding, as well. Don’t wait to get to the part where Taylor Swift and Bon Iver banter in the song Exile— “cause you never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs).”
The Traffic that Slowly Drains Your Car Battery (and Your Soul)
Stop-and-go traffic is part of Metro Manila life. While you might already be used to inching forward at a snail’s pace, your car battery is working overtime, especially if you have the air-conditioning, headlights, and infotainment system running while barely moving. The result? A battery that gives up way earlier than expected.
The Heat Factor: Why Your Car Feels Like a Sauna
The Philippines’ scorching heat is already challenging for humans (except maybe for expats who dream of being in the tropics), but it’s even worse for car batteries. Extreme temperatures speed up battery fluid evaporation, which weakens performance. That’s why, when your battery suddenly dies on a hot day, it’s not just bad luck—it’s science.
The Potholes That Turn Your Car into a Rattle Machine
You’ve seen them. You’ve tried to avoid them. But sooner or later, you’ll hit one. Apart from the seemingly never-ending construction on our roads, Metro Manila’s potholes can shake your suspension, misalign your wheels, and even mess with your battery terminals, causing loose connections. Some potholes are so deep, you could swear they lead to another dimension. Ever had your car suddenly refuse to start after a bumpy ride? This might be why.
Short Trips That Wear Out Your Battery Faster
A lot of Metro Manila driving consists of short, slow trips—home to work, work to coffee shop, coffee shop to a meeting. The problem? Short drives don’t give your alternator enough time to recharge the battery properly. Over time, this can lead to an early battery replacement. P.S., this is not us hinting you to take that long drive, up north or down south, to the beach.
Floodwater: Your Car’s Worst Nightmare
How many times have you heard the line: “Konting ulan, baha agad?” or its dark humor variations like, “Kaunting ulan, cancel plans” and “Patak ng ulan, traffic na ‘yan.” We all know that a Metro Manila downpour can turn streets into rivers—and if you are in denial, it’s not just a river in Egypt, it’s an ocean, get it? No? Not a Grey’s Anatomy fan? Okay, well, driving through deep water isn’t just risky for your engine—it can also damage your battery if moisture seeps into the terminals. And if your alternator gets soaked? Say goodbye to charging power and hello to a dead battery.
Ultimately, navigating Metro Manila’s roads is like starring in your very own action-comedy – full of unexpected twists, pothole pranks, and surprise U-turns. Your car goes through a lot, and it can go through all the items mentioned above. The last thing you need is for your battery to give up in the middle of EDSA (because good luck finding a quick fix there). So, while you master the art of dodging traffic and outsmarting nature’s mood swings, one thing shouldn’t be left to chance: your car battery.
Lucky for you, there’s a car battery brand that is proven and trusted to handle Metro Manila’s wild roads—whether you’re stuck in a three-hour jam or braving the flood-prone streets, Motolite will get you covered, even without stepping out of your car—thanks to the ever-reliable Motolite RES-Q app. Engineered to handle every bump, heatwave, and rainstorm thrown its way, Motolite ensures your car keeps on chugging even when the city feels like a roller coaster.
