Why are Lead Acid Batteries used in cars

Lead Acid batteries, invented in 1859, are one of the oldest and most widely used rechargeable batteries, used across various sectors. Lead Acid finds a very popular application in car batteries. They are of two kinds – Starting Battery (Car Battery) and Deep Cycle Battery.

Car batteries are designed for starting automotive engines and are not meant for deep discharge. Having a large number of thin plates designed for maximum surface area, they provide maximum current output, but with a problem of easy damage from deep discharge.

Both car batteries and deep cycle batteries are lead-acid batteries that use exactly the same chemistry for their operation. The difference is in the way that the batteries optimize their design.

A car's battery is designed to provide a very large amount of current for a short period of time. This surge of current is needed to turn the engine on during start. Once the engine starts, all the power that the car needs is provided by the alternator; thus a car battery may run its entire life without ever being drained of more than 20 percent of its total capacity. Use it such and a car battery would last you a number of years.

There are a couple of factors how one can rate a car battery:

• CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) - The number of amps that the battery can produce at 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) for 30 seconds
• RC (Reserve Capacity) - The number of minutes that the battery can deliver 25 amps while keeping its voltage above 10.5 volts

Car Battery Issues:

Car batteries weigh less than deep cycle batteries of the same dimensions, because the cell plates do not extend all the way to the bottom of the battery case. Under normal circumstances, this system allows the loose disintegrated lead to fall off the plates and deposit under the cells, thus prolonging the service life of the battery. If this loose debris rises alarmingly high it can touch the plates and lead to the failure of a cell, resulting in loss of battery voltage and capacity. Car batteries kept on continuous float charge will have corrosion in the electrodes which will result in premature failure. Starting batteries should be kept open circuit but charged regularly (at least once every two weeks) to prevent sulfation. A major player in this sector is SF Sonic which manufactures batteries that have very less margin for error in general daily performance.

Car Battery Maintenance

SF Sonic provides for car battery analysis free of charge. However there are some Do It Yourself tips that you can use to ensure that your car battery doesn’t give way at odd situations.

Test Your Battery

Regularly test your battery, particularly before a long trip and after it has been recharged. You don't want the battery to fail to start your car when you are far from home.

Park Your Car in a Garage

An insulated garage helps your battery to stay warm in the winter. The warmer it is, the easier it is for your car battery to start your vehicle. In case you don't have an insulated garage, then keep your car battery warm with a blanket.

Keep the Battery Clean

When you test your battery, you might also want to clean it. This means removing the clamps and cleaning off the dirt and grease from the clamps and terminals. You want a clean connection so as not to weaken the charge. Clean the battery case itself with baking soda dissolved in warm water. Dirt can conduct and discharge electricity.

Check the Fluid Levels

When you clean your car battery, check the fluid level as well. If it is low, add distilled water to top it off. Keeping the fluid levels full, will help extend the life of the battery. If you don't see any fluid, you may want to replace the battery. The lack of fluid is an indicator that the battery is near the end of its life.

Secure the Battery

Secure the battery in the mounting bracket. A loose battery can slide around and become damaged. It might also cause a short circuit in some cases.

Follow these steps and get the most out of your lead acid car battery. After all, it just takes care and a regular charging procedure to keep your battery going strong for long.