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Car Battery Functions and Maintenance

The document discusses battery maintenance for cars. It outlines common forms of battery abuse that can reduce its service life, such as loose terminals, overcharging, being left discharged, or having incorrect electrolyte levels. Proper maintenance like periodically checking electrolyte levels, keeping the battery charged when not in use, and storing it in a cool dry place can help avoid issues starting the vehicle. The document also recommends upgrading to a higher capacity battery if the electrical system draws more power from additional accessories.

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Bevan Smith
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16 views1 page

Car Battery Functions and Maintenance

The document discusses battery maintenance for cars. It outlines common forms of battery abuse that can reduce its service life, such as loose terminals, overcharging, being left discharged, or having incorrect electrolyte levels. Proper maintenance like periodically checking electrolyte levels, keeping the battery charged when not in use, and storing it in a cool dry place can help avoid issues starting the vehicle. The document also recommends upgrading to a higher capacity battery if the electrical system draws more power from additional accessories.

Uploaded by

Bevan Smith
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Understanding the battery function

Battery maintenance for cars

The battery is the first item to be blamed when the vehicle will not start. The service life
of the battery depends to a large extent on many external factors which affect its
performance. Most batteries fail due to various forms of abuse. Avoid the following
common forms of abuse, and protect the battery and electrical system.

 Loose battery terminals cause the melting of battery terminals and can result in
sparks which lead to an explosion in the battery.
Vibration – holding clamps which are not properly fastened will result in the active
material parting from the grid and the capacity will be reduced.
 Over-tightening of the hold-down clamps will cause the container to crack or
distort, causing damage to other parts of the vehicle.
 Hammering on the battery terminal will loosen the poles or break the internal
components. Always use the correct size spanners when replacing or removing
terminals. Never loosen the terminals by force.
 Dirt and damp on the battery will cause gradual self-discharge.
 Overcharging – this causes an excessive loss of water and consequently causes
the plates to shake off their active material, thus reducing capacity and service
life.
 A battery which is left standing in a discharged state will also suffer plate
sulphation and irreversible damage.
 A faulty regulator or alternator will lead to points 7 and 8 mentioned above.
 A loose fanbelt leads to the discharge of the battery. Periodic attention to the
battery as well as to the remainder of the electrical system, including the fanbelt
tension, is essential for trouble-free service in any vehicle.
 Incorrect electrolyte levels – when these are too low, plates dry out and
sulphates. When these are too high, electrolyte escapes through the air hole,
which can lead to acid damage.
 Adding acid instead of water increases the PH of the electrolyte to the point
where it attacks the plates.

When arriving back from that caravanning holiday, disconnect the caravan or auxiliary
battery, put on trickle charge then store on cardboard or wood in a cool, dry place.
Repeat this procedure every 2 – 3 months. Always have a hydrometer in the garage to
check the relative density so you know the battery is fully-charged and ready for that
impulsive, get-away weekend. Avoid long family faces when lights don’t come on and
the car won’t start.

Upgrading your battery

If you are unhappy with the battery life you get, and are satisfied the electrical system is
in a good operating condition, consider upgrading. You (or a previous owner) may have
modified the vehicle with airconditioning, extra lights, etc. Always ask when buying a
replacement battery whether an upgrade is a viable option; it usually is, and will in
general provide a longer battery life.

Common questions

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A hydrometer measures the relative density of a battery's electrolyte, helping ascertain if it is fully charged. Regular use of a hydrometer allows for timely corrective action, ensuring the battery's readiness and extending its life .

Vibration can cause the active material in the battery to separate from the grid, reducing the battery's capacity. To prevent this, the holding clamps of the battery should be securely fastened to minimize vibrations and maintain optimal performance .

Hammering on battery terminals can loosen or break internal components, compromising battery integrity. To avoid this, always use appropriately sized spanners for terminal replacement or removal instead of applying force .

A loose fan belt can result in the battery discharging as it affects the alternator's ability to operate efficiently. To prevent this, the fan belt tension should be checked regularly, ensuring it is neither too tight nor too loose .

Incorrect electrolyte levels can cause plates to dry out and sulphate when too low, while high levels lead to electrolyte escape and potential acid damage. Regular checks and adjustments using a hydrometer ensure proper levels, maintaining battery health .

Loose battery terminals can cause the melting of the terminals, which might lead to sparks and an explosion of the battery. This can be prevented by ensuring that battery terminals are always secure and checking them regularly as part of routine vehicle maintenance .

Over-tightening hold-down clamps can crack or distort the battery container, which might cause damage to other parts of the vehicle. This can lead to a cascade of issues affecting the vehicle's operability and performance .

When storing a battery for an extended period, it should be removed from the vehicle, placed on a trickle charge, and stored on a non-conductive surface like cardboard or wood in a cool, dry place. This process should be repeated every 2-3 months to maintain charge and prevent deterioration .

A faulty regulator or alternator might cause battery overcharging or undercharging, leading to various failures such as plate sulphation and reduced capacity. Regular inspections and timely repairs of these components are crucial to prevent such issues .

Upgrading a car battery may be necessary if the vehicle's electrical load has increased due to added features like air conditioning or extra lighting. Ensure the electrical system is in good condition before upgrading, as this can significantly improve the battery's service life and performance .

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