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.
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