Car Battery Maintenance
07/01/2014 13:06
It's important that every car owner knows that the battery in their car should be changed every four years. Consider it to be a rule of thumb, as the battery performs at a diminished rate after this period and will have to be replaced. A load test should be performed every month by an auto mechanic. This will ensure that the battery will hold charge at very low temperatures. It's also important to keep the battery terminals clean. Simply wipe them with a mixture of baking soda and water then scrub clean with a wire brush.
Each battery cell provides 2.1 volts which gives the battery a total of 12.6 volts when fully charged. Lead-acid batteries are comprised of plates of lead and plates of lead dioxide. The lead dioxide plates are submerged in an electrolyte solution made of 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water. There are some problems presented with these types of batteries. Cells shorting due to a failure of the separator between the positive and negative plates can occur. Cells can short out because of build-up of shed plate material below the cell's plates. Corrosion can cause the internal connections to be broken and also cause the plates to break. Vibration can also cause this issue. Low electrolytes cause problems along with a cracked or broken case. Terminals can break and sulfating can occur after long periods of disuse in a low or no charged state.
It's also important to know that if the battery is severely overcharged or the ventilation is inadequate or the battery itself is faulty, a flammable concentration of hydrogen can remain in the cell or battery enclosure. A spark can cause an explosion that damages the battery, its surroundings and will disperse acid onto surrounding structures. It's very common to overcharge a battery. This should be avoided because it can lead to complete destruction of the battery and other components as well.
Here are some ideas to ensure your battery performs at its best. Make sure that the battery cables are tied tightly enough so that they do not move around. The battery also needs to be kept safely in a tray so that there is minimal damage to the hood. They tend to under perform when exposed to severe cold. If you live in an area that reaches very cold temperatures you might want to install an engine or battery heater. Not only will the car start easily, no excess power is used to do so. The water level should be maintained adequately. Ideally it should be level with the filter necks. When adding water, be careful not to get it on your body or clothing because it can cause damage.
Learning a little about car battery maintenance will allow you to easily identify the early signs of a low or failing battery. For example, the headlights dim when the car is idling, the starter turns slow or there is a problem in the ignition can be signals. A loose or cracked fan belt, dim dash lights, ineffective cooling of the car's cabin are signs. Also, short circuiting in the electric wiring or improper functioning of electrical devices signifies a diminished battery.
Some battery weakening and failure is due in part to the driver's actions. Rash driving habits can cause a battery to malfunction. Using electrical power excessively for car electronics such as the air-conditioner, music systems or lights in the cabin can drain power. The power will be drained if the cabin lights are left on for a long period of time also using the air-conditioner when the engine is in idle. Factory defects can also cause issues with the ability of the battery to maintain charge.
Maintenance-free batteries are similar in design to a conventional battery it's just a heavier-duty version. The components usually have thicker construction and uses different, more durable materials. The plate grids often contain calcium, cadmium or strontium, which reduce gassing that leads to water loss and self-discharge. They call this design a lead-calcium battery. Fluid loss is kept under control with the heavier duty parts and the components carry a longer life, creating a closed system. If using one of these batteries, pay attention to the black color light on the battery. When this illuminates, the battery requires servicing.
Proper safety is important when working with your battery. Make sure there are no open flames around the battery while checking it. Chemicals within are highly combustible, so care should be taken while working around them. If by chance electrolyte gets on your clothes or skin, neutralize it immediately with a mixture of baking soda and water. Always wear goggles or protect your face with a shield. Use lead-lined or nonmetallic containers to hold the electrolytes. Always pour the acid slowly into water, not the other way around and stir it in small amounts. Never lean over the battery when charging, testing or jump-starting your engine. Disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last. Only charge a battery in a well-ventilated area and never charge or jump a frozen battery. It should be warmed up to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Cm_a The Contentlab
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