Website design By BotEap.comWhen performing auto electrical repairs, the first vehicle component you need to gain knowledge about is the car battery. Although the battery only stores 12 volts, it is the electrical source for the entire vehicle. You will not be able to start your engine without the battery. In addition, the auto battery helps to operate all the electrical accessories installed in your car. A car battery should last 3-5 years in average climates. However, extremely hot or cold climates will reduce this to just 2-3 years.

Website design By BotEap.comA car battery is made up of six cells, each containing stacked positive and negative lead plates. These are divided and separated by insulators and immersed in an electrolyte, a liquid mixture of sulfuric acid and water. However, some batteries use a gel instead of the electrolyte. This is considered safer and because you don’t have to recharge it with electrolyte, it has been labeled “maintenance free”. Each cell generates or, more correctly, stores 2.1 volts for a total of 12.6 volts.

Website design By BotEap.comBetween the electrolyte and the lead plates a chemical reaction is created. This produces dangerous and explosive gases that are vented through the vents in the battery cover. Because of this, caution should be used when charging or starting a low battery. The same precaution should also be taken any time you work under the hood of your vehicle. It is important to provide the best possible ventilation in the battery, so always keep it clean. All batteries, even those that use gel instead of electrolyte, lose charge capacity over time. The reason for this is that chemical breakdown of the connections inevitably occurs, leading to deterioration of the plates and loss of the electrolyte.

When your vehicle is having starting or charging problems, the vehicle troubleshooting procedure should begin with a battery test. It does this with a visual check followed by a voltage test. If the battery is fine, other electrical system components are likely the reason, but battery problems are by far the most likely reason.

Website design By BotEap.comThe good thing about battery check and troubleshooting is that you need very little technical equipment. All you need is a good digital volt and ohm meter and a charger for the battery.

Each automotive battery manufacturer uses a certain color in the “eye” of the battery that indicates whether a charge is needed. This is a quick and easy way to alert you to recharge. Consult the specification of the “eye” of the battery manufacturer and everything related to it.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you need to replace your car battery, always test it before replacing it. Also test the entire electrical system of your car. The reason for your battery problem may be a weak alternator or a drain in the system and if this is the case it won’t be many weeks before you need to replace the new one as well. What appears to be a battery problem is not always caused by the battery itself. You can acquire more information on how to repair the electrical system of your car on the web.