The Frequently Asked Questions About CAR BATTERY

1.IS THERE A WAY TO NOW THAT MY BATTERY IS DEAD OR CLOSE TO BECOMING DEAD?

There are two signs to identify dead (or nearly dead) battery:

• Slow Engine Cranking alarms you about your battery. When you start the car, the Engine cranks slowly and takes longer to start than usual.

 

• Battery replacement is necessary if you jump your automobile more than three times in a single week.

2.WHY DOES A CAR BATTERY DRAIN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF?

Some devices are intended to go to sleep when your automobile is parked, but not all of them do.

• Interior Electrical Systems Current Leak: In most vehicles, the clock, internal memory of engine computers, body-control modules, radio presets draw some battery current when the key is not turned on. All of them need a tiny amount of electricity to function when combined. A reasonable top limit would be 50 milliamps, but many cars would draw less than that. You can check the right rating in the service manual if you’re unsure about it.

 

• Alternator Diode Fault: An alternator is a device that recharges the battery and supplies power to specific electrical systems. The battery drain occurs when the alternator’s diode fails. A defective diode might cause the circuit to charge even while the Engine is off, resulting in the car not starting the next day.

3.WHICH FACTORS CAUSE CAR BATTERIES TO DIE FAST?

Following are the major causes of battery drain when the car is off:

• Unusual short drives: Your battery life may be shortened due to too many short drives. As a result of this, your car’s battery starts depleting constantly and fails to last as long as it should.

 

• Charging System Malfunction: A defective charging system driven by a belt from the Engine is to blame for this factor. Your car’s battery can die too quickly if something is wrong with it.

 

• Extremely hot temperatures: Heat may also drain your car battery. If your automobile is exposed to high temperatures for a lengthy period, lead sulphate crystals may develop. A battery’s life can be shortened by sulphate buildup, increasing the time required to recharge it.

 

• Vibrations: As a result of hard travel or an improperly secured battery, the plates might become loose or be damaged.

4.EXPLAIN THE CHARGING SYSTEM? (ALTERNATOR)

The basic purpose of the charging system is to maintain the battery’s charge and serve as the Engine’s primary source of electrical energy. As soon as the battery’s charge gets exhausted, the charging mechanism would have to be repaired. The Engine may cease operating if the battery is weak and the alternator is malfunctioning.

It is the ALTERNATOR that is responsible for supplying power to the charging system. As the Engine turns, a belt drives the alternator. Usually, this belt is used to drive the water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.

5.IS IT POSSIBLE TO TEST AN ALTERNATOR?

Yes! It is possible to test an alternator easily by connecting the meter leads to the battery terminals. Look for 13.5 to 14 volts while the Engine running, but keep the lights and accessories off. That means the alternator is charging the battery. While lights and accessories are turned on, it will be 13 to 13.9 volts.