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Your Battery™s
Importance
The battery in your car is responsible for providing the
electrical current needed to start the car as well as to power the electrical
system while the engine is off. While
the engine is running, an electrical charging system takes over to manage the
car™s electrical requirements as well as charge the battery for future
use. Over time, batteries begin to lose
this ability to hold a charge, which is why they ultimately weaken and fail
after 3 to 6 years.
Car batteries are usually a lead-acid battery with six
galvanic cells combined that result in a 12-volt system. The battery has plates of lead and plates of lead
dioxide. The lead dioxide plates are
submerged in an acid/water combination that causes them to release electrons
that flow through the conductors to create electricity. This process is reversed when the battery is
being charged. These lead plates must
always stay submerged so if your battery is NOT maintenance free, you should
check the fluid level in all cells periodically.
The more you know about your battery and electrical system,
the less likely it is that you will end up broken down with a dead
battery. On average batteries last
between 3 and 6 years but extreme conditions and driving habits can shorten
your battery™s life. A weak battery puts
unnecessary stress on the rest of your car™s electrical system and can lead to
poor overall car performance.
-
If you sense a battery problem, first check to
make sure the connections are clean and tight. Many auto repair and auto parts
stores will perform a free battery test to determine whether your battery needs
replacement.
Symptoms That Suggest
Your Battery May Need To Be Replaced
-
Slow
Engine Crank “ Cranking of the engine is sluggish or takes longer than
normal to start. Best described as the
œrur rur rur sound.
-
Check
Engine Light “ can go on for a multitude of problems and should be
diagnosed to determine the issue. Many
auto repair and auto parts stores will perform a free diagnostic so you should
inquire.
-
Low
Battery Fluid Level “ Many batteries are maintenance-free however some
batteries require you to check the fluid level. You can check the fluid level by either gently removing the caps
or by looking at the clear fluid indicator on your battery. If the fluid is below the lead plates your
battery may need to be replaced
-
A
Swelling, Bloating Battery Case “ This may indicate your battery is going
bad and can be caused by excessive heat
-
Rotten
Egg Smell “ This sulfur odor may be caused by a battery leak. Battery leaks can also lead to corrosion
around the posts or around the battery housing.
-
If Your
Battery Is Over 50% of its Warranty Life “ If you suspect or recognize any
issues with your battery, especially if its age is over 50% of the warranty life,
you should have it checked.
Getting
The Right Battery
-
Check your vehicle manual to understand the
specifics to your car battery:
o
Battery Group Size (most vehicles accommodate
many sizes, usually listed as groups)
o
Cold Cranking Amps (œCCA) (the number of amps
your battery can support for 30 seconds at a temperature of 17.8 degrees
Celsius / 64º Fahrenheit)
o
Reserve Capacity (œRC) (staying power- how many
minutes your battery can supply ample power without falling below the minimal
voltage to power your vehicle)
-
In general the higher the CCA and RC, the
better.
Warranties
o
Most battery warranties are between 24-72 months
long
o
Generally the shorter the warranty, the shorter
the battery life
o
Keep your battery receipt to protect a possible
warranty claim. Record the information
in your Electronic Glove Box for easy retrieval.
Cold Weather
o
In cold weather the chemical reaction moves more
slowly (that generates the electrical current) which makes starting the car
take longer and shortens your battery™s life so try to keep your battery œwarm
in cold weather
o
Don™t be surprised if your battery may be
sluggish in the cold but fine in warmer temperatures
o
Be sure to park in the garage whenever possible,
insulated garages are even better
o
If you cannot park inside, battery insulators
can be purchased for your car
o
Unplug cell phones, GPS and other devices when
the engine is off as these devices may
drain current from the battery.
If leaving the vehicle for an extended period of time (such as in a garage for a month), disconnect the battery.