 |  |
|
|
|
Purpose and Function | Back To Top
A car battery is but one part of a vehicle's starting and charging system. The primary function of the automobile battery is to store electrical energy. This energy comes into play when the ignition key is turned and the starter is triggered into action. The battery merely stores enough electrical energy to turn the engine over and create the electrical spark required to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinders. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over. A pulley connected to the engine crankshaft drives a belt that spins another pulley on the alternator. In this way the alternator produces electricity while the engine is running. This electricity is used to keep the ignition flame alive, and to run the lights, windshield wipers, and other electric-powered and electronic accessories. The voltage regulator directs the alternator to distribute an amount of electricity to the battery so the energy will be there in wait to start the engine next time around. The battery works on its own during engine startup and together with the charging system while the vehicle is running. Thanks to the car battery, the whole process can start over the next time the ignition key is turned.
How Batteries Go Bad | Back To Top
The lead-acid car battery under the hood of a modern automobile shares the same basic design with the lead-acid battery that was first used to turn over the engine of a production Cadillac in the year 1912. Suspended inside the plastic shell of the battery are lead plates coated with particular metals. These lead plates and metals chemically react with the battery acid, or electrolyte solution, to store and produce electricity. As the battery charges during driving some electrolyte vapor vents out of the plastic shell along with a bit of hydrogen. This vapor can cause corrosion to form around the battery terminals and posts along with causing bad things to happen under the battery tray. Corrosion on the posts and terminals can eventually interrupt the flow of electricity into the battery. Electrolyte levels can drop as the solution evaporates over time and leave the battery unable to properly hold a charge. Basic battery maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating the battery posts and terminals along with regularly checking battery electrolyte levels and condition will help keep a lid on these battery problems.
When Batteries Will Fail | Back To Top
Modern lower maintenance and sealed maintenance-free batteries are updated and
improved versions of the original lead-acid battery. Even modern technology
does not completely eliminate the need for regular battery maintenance and
inspection. If the electrolyte levels fall below normal levels the lead plates
in the battery become exposed to the harmful vapors produced during battery
charge cycles. These vapors can cause corrosion to form on the lead plates
inside the battery. This corrosion interrupts the chemical process by which
the battery charges and stores electricity. Once this corrosion sets up, the
damage inside a car battery can be irreversible. Maintenance-free batteries are sealed, and should not ever require the
addition of distilled water. Another way batteries fail is when other
components of the charging system are not working properly. If any or all
components in the charging system are not doing their jobs, the battery can
take a fatal hit. Both undercharging and overcharging can kill a battery in
short order.
Plan Now to Prevent Battery Problems | Back To Top
The best way to help a battery live a long and productive life is regularly scheduled maintenance and annual testing. This small investment in time now can save a large amount of time and headache later down the road. Checking and maintaining the battery on a fair day is much better than discovering that the battery has expired on a cold dark night in the far corner of the airport long-term parking lot. Regular battery inspection and maintenance can make the difference between a five-year battery lasting five years, and a battery that gives up altogether a year or so after purchase. While maintaining a car battery is up to you or your mechanic, Advance Auto Parts can help with charging system testing and car battery inspection. We'll test your vehicle's charging system to make sure all its parts are working correctly. Battery load testers inside the store will determine what kind of shape the battery is in if the charging system test determines the battery to be the weak link.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
