Auto Electrical Repair in Adelaide - Know Thy Battery

Amongst the electrical components in your car, the battery is the top-most important one. This small box which can store only 12 volts is the lifeline of your vehicle. Nothing can happen when the battery goes down. Your car doesn’t start, electrical accessories do not work, and air-conditioner stops working.

In the normal case, a battery should last for three to five years. However, in extreme climates, it lasts only two to three years because of heavy load on the battery.

Know the internals of your battery

A battery comprises of six cells. Each cell contains lead plates with positive and negative charge. All six plates are installed in six insulated chambers, and they are immersed in dilute sulphuric acid. The acid acts as an electrolyte. Nowadays you can find maintenance-free batteries where a gel is finned in the chambers that act as the electrolyte. There is no need of refilling the electrolyte. Hence, they are convenient than normal batteries. Every cell generates 2.1 volts ideally, making the total capacity 12.6 volts. However, the capacity of generating power diminishes as the time goes. It happens due to the chemical breakdown. The deterioration reaches a level where the battery becomes unusable, and you have to replace it with a new one.

Precautions should be taken while doing maintenance

The battery gets charged due to the chemical reaction that happens between the plates. Harmful gases are generated in the chemical reaction. The battery cover has vents so that the gases go out. When you do battery maintenance, make sure there is proper ventilation. Keep the battery surface clean so that dirt and debris do not block the vents. If the vehicle doesn’t start and you suspect it is due to battery, examine it using a voltmeter. If the voltage is normal, then it indicates there is some other problem in the electrical system. You should note one thing that not much troubleshooting can be done except checking voltage. Modern batteries need care and maintenance that can be provided by skilled technicians only. Most of the times, repairing a battery is not an effective solution. The battery works well for some time but starts giving troubles again. Also, you must check once again before replacing a battery. Is it essential? Can the problem be solved by rechecking the electrical system?

Do not do it hastily as it is an expensive item. Take a wise decision.

This blog is written by Modbury Car Battery Adelaide. If you are looking for car battery repair, service or installation in Adelaide or surrounding areas call us on 08 8264 3799 or visit us on today!