Lead-acid batteries are made up of plates of lead and
separate plates of lead dioxide, which are submerged into an electrolyte
solution of about 38% sulfuric acid and 62% water. This causes a chemical
reaction that releases electrons, allowing them to flow through conductors to
produce electricity. As the automotive battery discharges, the acid of the
electrolyte reacts with the materials of the plates, changing their surface
to lead sulfate. When the Automotive Battery is recharged, the
chemical reaction is reversed: the lead sulfate reforms into lead dioxide and
lead. With the plates restored to their original condition, the process may now
be repeated.
Normal Life of an Automotive Battery
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, "normal" is
determined by a number of factors that exist in theory but rarely come to pass.
For instance, an automotive battery has an average normal lifespan of four
years under normal conditions. "Normal" in this case means that the automotive
battery goes through full charge cycles, isn't subjected to extreme
temperatures, is attached to a reliable and consistent charging system and
isn't providing power for a ton of accessories. In the real world, temperature
extremes, vibration, short trips down the street and an ever-increasing array
of MP3 players, GPS receivers and other devices take a toll on the battery.
If you look at a typical lead-acid maintenance-free car
battery, it's easy to make sense of why these factors affect normal automotive
battery life. Inside the plastic box are plates of materials like lead and lead
dioxide. The plates are suspended in a mix of water and sulfuric acid, which
forms an electrolytic solution. This solution allows electrons to flow between
the plates -- that flow of electrons is essentially electricity.
A host of factors can disturb this chemical reaction.
Vibrations from rough travel or a poorly-secured battery can shake loose or
damage the plates. Extreme heat speeds up the chemical reaction, shortening Battery
life, while extreme cold can sometimes prolong automotive battery life by
slowing down the reaction. This is why some batteries are covered by an
insulating sleeve to keep extreme temperatures in check.
Driving style can affect the reaction, too. Starting the car
takes a huge jolt of electricity, so the charging system has to step in to
replenish the battery. If you have a short commute or take lots of brief trips,
the automotive battery never gets fully charged. This constant state of
undercharge results in acid
stratification. Inside the battery, the electrolytic solution goes from
homogenous -- or the same all the way through -- to a rough vertical split. The
upper half of the solution is a light acid, while the bottom is a heavy acid.
The light acid layer will begin to corrode the plates, and the heavy acid
solution will start to compensate for the car's electrical needs by working
harder than it's designed to work. The result is a shorter automotive battery life, even though the battery
shows up as working on routine tests.
Signs of Automotive Battery Problems
The most obvious sign of an automotive battery problem is a
dead battery. However, because the automotive battery is part of a larger
system connected to other parts of the car, a dead battery may indicate a
deeper problem than simply no juice. If something else is going wrong in the
electrical system -- say, a weak alternator -- a working Automotive Battery may
be providing less electricity than it should.
The best way to test an Automotive Battery is with the
electronic tester’s available at most automotive shops, battery manufacturers
and even a few auto parts stores. A tech will hook the tester to the battery in
the car, and it will take a snapshot of your battery's condition and indicate
whether it needs to be replaced. This check should be a part of routine vehicle
maintenance and done every time you change oil.
The Automotive Battery itself provides other clues to whether
it's on its way out. The first is age. If the battery is older than three or
four years, start expecting problems. Second, take a look at your driving
habits. Remember, short trips and long periods of inactivity will sap a
battery's life. Third, take a look at the battery itself. Corrosion or stains
mean you have a leak. If your automotive battery is covered in a case or
insulating sleeve, remove it every once in a while to see what's going on
underneath. Look for buildup around the terminals as well. You can clean the
buildup off with baking soda and water -- just remember to use gloves and
safety glasses while working. The electrolytic solution is partially sulfuric
acid, which is not gentle on the skin. Finally, smell the battery, paying
attention to rotten egg odors (sulfur) or the smell of the battery overheating.
Batteries are so reliable and so simple that drivers have a
tendency to forget they're even there until it's too late. If you pay attention
to your automotive battery and conduct a few tests and observations along the
way, you'll reduce your risk of being stranded on the road. All things
considered, batteries are relatively inexpensive, considering the amount of
work they perform on a regular basis.
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