The battery is one of the most essential components of your car. It powers almost everything and without it you will be stuck in one place. Given its importance it is important that you know all about your battery, how it works, how it connects to your car and how do you replace it. You should also obviously, get a reliable and reputable battery for the car. Some companies also offer emergency breakdown services, which is always a plus!
Equally important is the battery cable. Many malfunctioning batteries can trace their troubles to a fault in the cables. So, make sure you source these from reliable battery cables manufacturers.
How does a car battery work?
The battery is essentially the power source that kick starts the car and then makes everything inside work as it should. It provides the engine with a short burst of power so that it can start. Once the car starts running, it needs power to run its electronic systems. This is supplied by the alternator. However, when the requirement for charging these systems exceeds the supply capacity of the alternator, the battery steps in. It also helps in stabilizing voltage in case of voltage spikes. In this way it works with the alternator to run the electronics in a car, an essential function in modern cars.
Most car batteries are lead-acid type where lead plates are suspended in an acid solution. Electrical current is produced here and it, in turn, runs the car. Light vehicle batteries have a 12V volt system, while heavier vehicles like trucks have a 24V colt system.
How do you know when there is something wrong with the battery?
A well-maintained battery can last unto five years. But if you fail to take care, it may not last for even half that time! Usually we know that we have a flat battery when the car fails to start. When a car initially fails to start, we can jump-start the engine, which will then keep the car running. But it is still important to find out why the battery is not working. But before you jump start check if:
- The case is cracked. Check for the cause, so that you can make sure it is not repeated. It will have to be replaced. Always wear protective gear when dealing with a damaged battery or you can get acid burns.
- The battery is leaking. You will know this by the strong eggy smell that will be evident as soon as you open the bonnet. This is the sulphuric acid that is escaping and it means that the battery is irreparably damaged. The battery must be replaced in this case as well. Again, wearing protective gear is essential.
- If the battery looks swollen. It means that there is a buildup up sulphuric acid.
What about battery cables?
Battery cables are another cause for power failure and a malfunctioning battery can often damage the cable as well. If the cable is damaged, it is time to call the battery cables manufacturers. Here are some clues on spotting a faulty cable:
- If you problems starting the car, especially if you hear a clicking sound on starting the car. It means that the cable that carries the power from the battery to the engine is not working.
- If you see discharge on the battery terminals. This is corrosion or the acid vapours that are leaking out. The vapours will over time eat away at the terminals. It can also reach inside the cable and damage it, in which case you will have to replace it.
- If you see that none of the electrical functions in a car are working, there are good chances that the cables are damaged. The can has trouble starting; the lights do not come on and so on.
Call for help
When a battery or battery cable is damaged, you usually have to completely replace it. Even if you can jump start in the case of the battery, you should never try to patch up a faulty cable. It is always better to seek professional help in case you need to change the battery or battery cables. It is important to ensure that all the connections are attached properly. You must also source battery cables from a reputable battery cables manufacturer.
