The BYD Owner’s Survival Guide: 7 Things Every Shark, Sealion, and Dolphin Driver in SA Should Know

Have you noticed it yet? That little wave and flash of the lights when you pass another BYD on the highway? Whether you’re piloting a Dolphin Surf, cruising in a Sealion 6, or putting the Shark 6 through its paces in the dunes, the “BYD Wave” is officially a thing in South Africa.

As South Africa’s BYD community explodes—with over 3,500 BYD vehicles registered in 2024 alone—so do the questions, tips, and “worst-case scenarios” that every new owner needs to know. From “stale petrol” concerns in PHEVs to the mystery of the 12V battery, we’ve gathered the top pro-tips to help you get the most out of your ride.

Whether you’re a new BYD owner or considering joining the electric revolution, this guide will save you headaches, money, and potentially a roadside emergency.

1. The Sealion 6 “Stale Fuel” Paradox: When Your PHEV Forgets About Petrol

If you have a BYD Sealion 6 (PHEV), you might find yourself so addicted to EV mode that you haven’t visited a petrol station in months. While that’s fantastic for your wallet and the environment, it’s not always great for your engine.

The Problem: Stale Fuel Syndrome

Petrol degrades over time. If fuel sits in your tank for more than 3-4 months without being used, it can:

• Lose volatility – Making it harder to combust
• Form gum deposits – Potentially clogging injectors
• Cause rough running – When you finally do need the engine
• Trigger check engine lights – Due to combustion issues

The Fix: Weekly ICE Exercise

Even if you have a full charge, try to run in HEV mode at least once a week for a 20km stretch to:

• Circulate the fuel and prevent stagnation
• Keep the internal combustion engine (ICE) lubricated
• Maintain optimal fuel system health
• Prevent carbon buildup in the combustion chamber

SOC Pro Tip: The “Kill Charge” Performance Test

If you’re planning to “kill the charge” to test fuel-only performance, remember that the engine will rev significantly higher (and louder) to both move the car and charge the battery simultaneously. Don’t panic—it’s designed to do that! The engine operates at higher RPM to generate power for both propulsion and battery charging.

2. The “Dead Car” Syndrome: The 12V Battery Secret Every BYD Owner Must Know

One of the most common “worst-case scenarios” reported in BYD owner groups is the car suddenly going completely dead despite having a 100% main battery charge. You press the start button and… nothing. No lights, no sounds, no response.

The Culprit: Your Tiny 12V Battery

Your BYD (like almost all EVs and PHEVs) relies on a standard 12V lead-acid battery to:

• Boot up the car’s computer systems
• Engage the contactors that connect the main high-voltage battery
• Power lights, locks, and displays when the car is “sleeping”
• Run critical safety systems

If that little 12V battery dies, you’re stranded—even with a fully charged 400km-range main battery.

Common Causes of 12V Battery Drain:

• Leaving the car unused for 2+ weeks (especially in cold weather)
• Accessories left on (dashcam, phone chargers)
• Failing to drive regularly (the main battery charges the 12V while driving)
• Age – 12V batteries typically last 3-5 years

The Fix: Emergency Jump-Start Kit

Keep a small, portable lithium jump-starter in your glovebox. You don’t need a Hilux to jump-start you; you just need enough juice (12V, 200-400A) to wake up the car’s computer. Popular models include:

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 (R1,299 at Takealot)
• Gooloo GP200 (R899 at Makro)
• Stanley J5C09 (R1,499 at Game)

Prevention Strategy:

1. Drive your BYD at least once per week for 20+ minutes
2. If storing long-term: Disconnect the 12V negative terminal or use a trickle charger
3. Monitor battery health: Most BYD models show 12V voltage in the settings menu
4. Replace proactively: At first sign of slow starts or dim lights

3. The Dolphin Surf “Spare Wheel” Solution: The Suzuki Swift Hack

The BYD Dolphin Surf is an exceptional city hero with impressive range and tech for the price. But the lack of a spare wheel makes many South African drivers nervous—especially on long coastal trips or rural roads where tire damage is more common.

The Official Setup

BYD includes a tire repair kit that works for small punctures only (nail holes, minor sidewall damage). For anything larger—sidewall blowout, rim damage, major puncture—you’re calling for a tow truck.

The Community-Discovered Solution

Many BYD Dolphin owners have successfully sourced a “Space-Saver” spare wheel from a Suzuki Swift which fits perfectly—with one small modification:

What You Need:

• Suzuki Swift space-saver wheel (R1,200-R1,800 from wreckers)
• 4mm wheel spacer or high-quality washers (R150-R300)
• Proper storage solution (boot organizer or under-floor mounting)

Installation Notes:

• The spacer/washers are needed to clear the brake calipers
• Only use for emergencies—space-savers are rated for 80km/h maximum and 80km distance
• Get professional installation to ensure safe fitment
• Check insurance policy—some require notification of modifications

Alternative: Premium Roadside Assistance

If you prefer not to carry a spare, consider upgrading to premium roadside assistance with guaranteed response times:

• AA Premium: R299/month, 90-min response guarantee
• Discovery Roadside: Included with Insure, 60-min urban response
• Dialdirect Assist: R249/month, nationwide coverage

4. Making Your Own “Pet Mode”: Keeping Fido Cool While You Shop

We’ve seen the questions flooding BYD owner groups: “How do I keep the aircon on for my dog while I pop into the shops?” While BYD hasn’t released a dedicated “Pet Mode” button in South Africa just yet (like Tesla’s Dog Mode), you have two effective workarounds.

Option A: BYD App Remote Climate Control

The official BYD app allows remote climate control—perfect for keeping your pet comfortable:

Step-by-Step:

1. Ensure BYD app is installed and connected (iOS/Android)
2. Lock the car with your pet inside
3. Open the BYD app on your phone
4. Tap “Climate” or “Remote Start”
5. Set desired temperature (recommend 21-23°C)
6. Activate remote climate

Important Limitations:

• Timer: Usually runs for 10 minutes before auto-shutoff
• Battery drain: Approximately 1-2% per 10 minutes
• Range requirement: Must have cell signal
• Multiple activations: You can restart remotely as needed

Option B: The Remote Key Hack

For models equipped with advanced key features:

• Press and hold the bottom button on your remote key fob for 5 seconds
• This can trigger the climate system while the vehicle remains locked
• Note: Functionality varies by model year and trim level

Critical Safety Tip

Always leave a visible sign in the window letting passersby know:

• “Pet is safe, climate control is active”
• Your phone number for emergencies
• Expected return time

This prevents well-meaning citizens from breaking your window or calling authorities.

5. Charging in the Wild: Don’t Get Beached on Road Trips

With the BYD Shark 6 and Dolphin Surf hitting South Africa’s long roads, “Charge Anxiety” is real—especially on the Johannesburg to Cape Town or Durban routes.

The Essential App Trinity

To survive a long-distance road trip in South Africa, you need these three critical apps:

Pro Road Trip Tips

• Plan charging stops in advance – Don’t rely on finding chargers spontaneously
• Charge to 80% on road trips – Faster than 80-100% (charging slows significantly)
• Have backup chargers identified – Always know your Plan B location
• Bring your own Type 2 cable – Some chargers require your cable
• Download offline maps – Cell signal can be spotty on highways

Major Route Charging Infrastructure (2025)

Johannesburg to Cape Town (N1)

• Bloemfontein: GridCars at Mimosa Mall (60kW DC)
• Beaufort West: Rubicon at N1 City Motors (50kW DC)
• Worcester: GridCars at Engen (60kW DC)
• Paarl: Multiple options, ZCC at Wellness Centre

Johannesburg to Durban (N3)

• Harrismith: GridCars at Harrismith Motors (60kW DC)
• Mooi River: Rubicon at Spur (50kW DC)
• Howick: GridCars at Pick n Pay Centre (60kW DC)
• Pietermaritzburg: Multiple options downtown

6. The NFC Mirror Mystery: Your Phone IS Your Key

Ever noticed that NFC logo on your side mirror and wondered what it’s for? Many BYD owners miss this game-changing feature entirely.

What Is It?

The NFC (Near Field Communication) sensor allows you to unlock and start your BYD using just your smartphone—no physical key fob needed.

How to Set It Up:

1. Open the BYD app on your phone
2. Navigate to “Digital Key” or “Phone Key” settings
3. Follow activation process (usually requires you to hold phone near mirror while sitting in car)
4. Enable NFC on your phone (Settings > Connections > NFC)
5. Test it: Lock car, then tap phone against mirror logo

Perfect For:

• Morning runs: Just take your phone, no bulky keys
• Gym sessions: Leave keys at home safely
• Beach trips: One less thing to worry about losing in the sand
• Emergency access: Left keys inside? Use your phone

Compatibility Notes:

• iPhone: iPhone XS and newer (iOS 14+)
• Android: Most models from 2019+ with NFC capability
• Battery life: Works even with low phone battery (uses reserve power)
• Multiple phones: Can activate up to 5 devices per vehicle

7. The Home Charging Setup: Don’t Skip This Critical Step

While you can charge your BYD using a standard 3-pin wall outlet, this is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose—technically possible, but painfully slow and inefficient.

Why Professional Home Charging Installation Matters

The Reality of 3-Pin “Granny” Charging:

• Charging speed: 2.3kW (about 10km of range per hour)
• Full charge time: 20-30 hours for most BYD models
• Risk: Can trip household circuits or overheat
• Efficiency: Higher energy loss due to heat
• Convenience: Impractical for daily driving >100km

With 7kW Dedicated Home Charger:

• Charging speed: 7kW (about 35-45km of range per hour)
• Full charge time: 6-8 hours (overnight is plenty)
• Safety: Dedicated circuit with proper electrical protection
• Efficiency: Optimal energy transfer, less waste
• Convenience: Wake up to a full battery every morning

What Professional Installation Includes

ROI: When Does It Pay For Itself?

Considering you’ll save R2,200-R2,800 per month on fuel costs (vs. petrol for similar driving), your home charger installation pays for itself in:

• Best case: 3.5 months (R9,800 installation ÷ R2,800 monthly savings)
• Worst case: 8 months (R17,500 installation ÷ R2,200 monthly savings)
• Average: 5-6 months for most installations

Smart Charger Features Worth Having

• Load shedding scheduling: Auto-charges when power is available
• Solar integration: Prioritizes solar power when available
• Energy monitoring: Track costs and consumption via app
• RFID access control: Prevent unauthorized use
• Dynamic load balancing: Adjusts power to not overload your home circuit

Bonus Tips: BYD Owner Pro Hacks

Maximize Your Warranty

• Keep service records: BYD’s 6-year/150,000km warranty requires regular service
• Use authorized service centers: Non-authorized repairs may void warranty
• Document everything: Photos, receipts, communication logs
• Battery warranty is separate: Usually 8 years/160,000km with specific terms

Software Updates

• Check for OTA updates monthly in vehicle settings
• Always update on stable WiFi (not mobile data)
• Don’t interrupt updates – can cause system issues
• Read update notes – new features are regularly added

Battery Health Best Practices

• Daily charging: Keep between 20-80% for optimal battery longevity
• Long-term storage: Store at 50% charge if not driving for weeks
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Park in shade when possible in summer
• Fast charging: Use sparingly (10-20% of charges) for best battery health

Join the Community

• Facebook Groups: “BYD Owners South Africa” (3,200+ members)
• WhatsApp Groups: Regional groups for local meet-ups and tips
• BYD Forums: Technical discussions and troubleshooting
• Local Events: Monthly BYD meet-ups in major cities

The Bottom Line: Welcome to the BYD Family

Owning a BYD in South Africa in 2025 is an exciting journey. With over 3,500 BYD vehicles on SA roads and a rapidly expanding charging network, you’re part of a pioneering community that’s reshaping transportation in our country.

The key takeaways every BYD owner should remember:

1. Exercise your PHEV engine weekly to prevent stale fuel issues
2. Carry a jump-starter for 12V battery emergencies
3. Consider the Suzuki Swift spare wheel hack for Dolphin owners on long trips
4. Master the remote climate control for pet-friendly adventures
5. Download the App Trinity before any road trip
6. Set up your NFC phone key for ultimate convenience
7. Invest in professional home charging for the best ownership experience

Whether you’re driving the affordable Dolphin, the versatile Sealion 6 PHEV, or the adventurous Shark 6, these tips will save you time, money, and stress.

What’s your biggest BYD ownership question or pro-tip we missed? Share in the comments below!

And remember—next time you pass another BYD on the road, give them the wave. You’re part of something special. 🚗⚡

Frequently Asked Questions