Top 3 Things You Need to Know about a Car Battery

A faulty battery is the main reason why a car refuses to start on a frosty morning. The resource of a modern power supply is limited, and its premature failure is often caused by operating errors.
Understanding the basic parameters of the starter battery helps the driver avoid sudden breakdowns on the road and extend the battery life. It is important to know three key aspects that determine the battery's performance in all weather conditions.
Inrush current and rated battery capacity
When buying a new battery, drivers often pay attention only to its dimensions and the polarity of the terminals. However, the decisive characteristics remain the nominal capacity, measured in ampere-hours, and the starting current, denoted in amperes according to the EN standard. The capacity indicates how long the battery is capable of delivering a current of a certain strength, and the starting current determines the starter's ability to turn the crankshaft of a cold engine.
For small-volume gasoline engines, a 55 Ah battery is sufficient, whereas diesel units require increased starting current due to the high compression ratio in the cylinders. In winter, the oil in the crankcase thickens, and the load on the battery increases several times, which requires maximum energy output.
When selecting the battery capacity, the following technical parameters of the vehicle should be taken into account:
- displacement and type of internal combustion engine;
- the number of additional electrical equipment installed;
- climatic conditions of the region of operation of the vehicle;
- the type of generator and its maximum output current.
Non-compliance of the battery parameters with the manufacturer's requirements leads to permanent undercharging or overcharging of the battery. This accelerates the process of lead plate destruction and reduces the overall efficiency of the vehicle's on-board electrical system.
The process of sulfation and methods of combating it
Sulfation is the process of formation of large crystals of lead sulfate on the surface of the active mass of plates. This plaque interferes with the normal course of chemical reactions, reduces battery capacity and increases its internal resistance. The main cause of sulfation is prolonged battery discharge or frequent short car trips.
In urban traffic mode, the generator does not have time to fully compensate for the energy spent on starting the engine, especially when the windows and seats are heated. To prevent degradation of the plates, it is necessary to periodically charge the battery using a stationary charger.
The process of servicing a deeply discharged battery includes several steps:
- cleaning the case from dirt and electrolyte leaks with a neutralizing soda solution;
- checking the electrolyte density with a hydrometer in serviced battery models;
- connection of the automatic charger in desulfation mode;
- Terminal voltage monitoring using a multimeter after charging is completed.
Carrying out preventive charging 2 times a year - in spring and autumn - allows you to increase the battery life to 5 years. Timely maintenance protects the plates from shedding the active mass and prevents short circuits inside the cans.
The difference between AGM technologies and classic lead-acid batteries
The modern car market offers batteries manufactured using various technologies, among which liquid lead-acid batteries and sealed AGM power supplies stand out. In AGM batteries, the electrolyte is absorbed in a special glass fiber located between the lead plates. This makes them resistant to deep discharges and allows them to produce high inrush currents in a short period of time.
Vehicles with a start-stop start system require the installation of AGM or EFB type batteries exclusively, since a conventional battery will fail after several months of intensive operation. The cost of such batteries is higher than standard analogues in the range from 8000 to 15,000 rubles, but their reliability justifies the costs in difficult conditions.
The choice of technology depends on the technical requirements of a particular vehicle and the conditions of its use. The correct selection of the battery type guarantees a stable engine start and smooth operation of all electronic safety systems. ১। ক্রিকেট ও ফুটবল বাজির জন্য 1xbet সেরা পছন্দ। নতুন ব্যবহারকারীরা প্রথম জমায় বাড়তি টাকা পান। বিশেষ কোড দিয়ে অ্যাকাউন্ট খুললে অফার বাড়ে। 1xbet অফিসিয়াল প্রোমো কোড ব্যবহার করুন এবং পান ৫০০০ টাকা বোনাস। এটি আপনার ব্যালেন্স বাড়িয়ে দেবে। দ্রুত নিবন্ধন করে লাইভ বেটিং উপভোগ করুন। খেলার সময় শর্তাবলী পড়ে নিন।