How to keep your car charged-up? Tips on maintaining your car battery

A battery consists of multiple units called cells where electrochemical reactions take place. It essentially converts chemical energy into electric energy. The ‘car battery’ is one of the types of batteries generally used in the motor of a car. The most common type of car battery is the lead-acid battery, though some other batteries are also used in other electric cars. The batteries can be changed if they are not able to carry the charge anymore. 

Working:

  • Mostly, the car batteries are of lead-acid composition for getting things started. This lead-acid battery falls into the SLI category- Start, Lighting and Ignition. 
  • Car battery Hucknall provides the energy in the form of a little burst that is capable of powering the engine, light, and other car components like the ECU, air conditioning etc. 
  • The battery provides electrical energy through the conversion of chemical energy.
  • SLI batteries generally come in a 12-Volt capacity as they contain six 2-Volt cells, each containing two plates made of lead and lead dioxide respectively.
  • Sulphuric acid is used as a catalyst in the battery. The submerged plates in the acid react with the lead dioxide plate, which causes the plates to produce lead sulphate and ions.
  • The ions react to the adjacent plates which produce lead sulphate and hydrogen.
  • These reactions result in the production of electrons. The electrons start flowing across the plates and thus generate electricity.
  • The best part of a battery is that the reactions are entirely reversible, thus you can charge your battery for a considerable time.
Common problems:

  • Short circuit of the cell due to a defect in the separator of oppositely charged plates of the battery.
  • Sulfation due to the disuse of the battery for a long time.
  • Damage to the negative and positive terminals of the battery, i.e. corrosion, from which the battery must be protected.
  • Internal connection breakdown in the battery due to corrosion.
  • Corrosion also leads to breaking of the plates of the battery.
  • A decrease in the electrolyte (fluid) level in the battery often causes it to die.
Common remedies:


  • Check the electrolyte level in the battery regularly and refill it if needed.
  • Pull out the terminals of the battery and clean them thoroughly; it will protect the battery from corrosion.
  • Charge the battery again after cleaning and use the tester to ensure whether the battery is holding the charge or not. If not, then change it.
  • If the battery still doesn’t work after cleaning, charging, and filling electrolyte, the lead dioxide plate must have deteriorated or the plates got short-circuited internally. In that case, you have to change the battery as soon as possible.

Take your vehicle for Car Service Hucknall, and get car battery inspected. Seek professional advice and ensure the battery is in perfect working condition. 

Conclusion:

A battery is one of the most important parts of a car and you need it to be checked regularly. Imagine you turn on the key of the car to start your car’s engine and have the ride. You suddenly start getting clicking and wheezing sound. This will put you in trouble as either your battery doesn’t have good power or it might have died. So start caring for your car’s battery, to ensure a good experience every time.

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