National Battery Day: All You Need To Know About Car Batteries
Highlights
One of the most common problems with car owners is that they live in the dark regarding their batteries. Without proper information and knowledge about car batteries, it's easy to run into problems. On this national battery day, every owner should spare some time to read up about their car's batteries and take better care of them. Let's explore everything you need to know about car batteries without further delay!
Introduction to Car Batteries
Let's start with the basics of car batteries before proceeding to the complicated details. When you turn on your car's ignition via push-start or the keys, it alerts the car batteries to initiate a lead-chemical reaction. This process starts a short burst of electrical energy that allows the starter motor to crank the engines.
The electrical potential of your car's battery is referred to as the voltage. Once the engines are running, the charging system comes into the process. The charging system has an alternator, which controls the battery's charge.
Factors That Reduce Car Battery Life
Next, let's help you understand what causes your car's batteries to deteriorate. Knowing the factors that reduce battery life will help you take better care of them. Here are the factors that lead to reduced battery life:
- No driving your car for days at a stretch
- The battery is in poor condition or old
- Interiors lights or headlights left turned on
- Exposure to detrimental temperatures
- Failure in the charging system
- Loose or corroded battery terminal connections
- Parasitic drain
Signs That Indicate a Weak Car Battery
You might not know, but a weak battery can lead to your car performing poorer than regular. Moreover, an inferior battery condition requires immediate attention. One of the simple ways to assess if your car's battery is dying is through windshield wipers.
If the windshield wipers are moving sluggishly, it might be because of a dying battery. Moreover, the interior lights will appear dimmer if the battery isn't proper. Engine cranking is another sign of a weak car battery.
When to Change Car Batteries
One of the essential things to know about your car's battery is when they require replacement. The longevity of your car's battery depends on several factors:
- Weather: You might be unaware, but extreme cold or scorching hot weather can take a toll on the car's battery life.
- Driving habits: Frequent short trips impact the battery's ability to recharge properly. Likewise, if the vehicle has been sitting in the garage for days, the chemical reaction inside will cause the battery to drain.
- Charging System Health: The battery relies on the charging system to receive the power to engage the car's starter motor. If the charging system is inadequately functioning, the battery won't deliver the charge required to start the vehicle.
With all this information about your car's battery, you can now call yourself a responsible vehicle owner. Don't forget to share the information with your fellow car owners!