The Importance Of Properly Maintaining Auto Batteries

As a responsible car owner, you should always check the condition of your auto batteries when you are having a scheduled maintenance. Most car batteries must be charged every four years so that they can allow vehicles to run smoothly and properly. Like most car components, they also undergo the wear and tear process in the form of electricity. If your battery is already performing less efficiently, you need to get it replaced so that your car will function better again. Your auto mechanic should perform a load test every month so that you can determine whether or not you need a replacement. Cleaning your battery terminals should also be done on a regular basis. This will make sure that your battery is supplying your car with usable electricity effectively.

Common auto batteries are made from 6 battery cells that provide your vehicle with about 12.6 volts of electricity. The most common type of car battery is the lead-acid batter that is comprised of lead and lead dioxide plates. These plates are submerged in an electrolyte solution that is made from sulfuric acid and water in order for it to generate electricity. This concept is the most common problem that your batteries will encounter since there is a tendency that the separator between the positive and negative plates will fail and cause shorting. The cells will short out because of the buildup of shed plate material under the plates. The internal connections will also break due to corrosion. Battery connections will also break if not replaced. These problems will degrade the overall performance of the battery. That's why you need to check the condition and status of your car batteries every time you go for scheduled maintenance.

The charging state of your battery should not be severely overcharged since this will cause the voltage to fluctuate. Flammable concentrations of hydrogen will also build up inside the battery if the ventilation is inadequate. A little spark will ignite your battery and cause explosion that is very dangerous. Overcharging the battery is very common especially in uncontrolled scenarios. This must be avoided at all times since this will destroy your battery and possibly electrical devices that you have on car.

To keep your battery in good condition, make sure that its cables are secured tightly. This ascertains that the connections don't come in contact with each other while you're driving your vehicle. The body of your battery must also be tightly attached to its tray so that it won't damage your hood or engine. The temperature of your battery must also be checked. Extremely low temperatures will affect its performance and lifespan. If you live in an area where temperatures are often low, you need to have a battery meter so that you car will start easily; without having to waste power while doing so.