An Automotive Battery is a part of your car that can help you start the engine. It’s a crucial component of any vehicle, and they come in many different designs and sizes. It is also a source of power for many electrical devices in your vehicle such as the radio, air conditioning, USB and auxiliary-connected devices and lights.
Batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the needs of different cars, though they all share similar inner workings. They all use a chemical solution called an electrolyte to convert chemicals into electric energy.
A battery has a series of lead and lead dioxide plates that are immersed in an electrolyte solution, which typically includes sulfuric acid to prevent sulfation (accumulation of sulfate on the plates). The electrolyte solution is kept at a low temperature so that it doesn’t become too hot.
The battery’s surface should be clean and free from dirt and grime, and a thin coating of high-temperature grease should be applied on the connections and posts to protect them from corrosion. Cables and terminals should be inspected on a regular basis for loose or breakage.
Africa Automotive March-April digital issue 2023
Whether your car has an electric motor or a gas engine, the battery will need to be tested and replaced regularly. This is due to the fact that a battery’s life span and performance depends on its quality, which can vary among manufacturers.
Some batteries can last up to two decades, while others are much shorter-lived. You should always choose a quality battery with quality separators between the lead plates. The better a battery’s separators are, the longer its lifespan will be. These separators are made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of your vehicle’s engine. They are also designed to prevent the plates from bridging and shorting.
The most common car batteries are flooded lead acid, which are used in most standard cars and some small trucks and vans. They use a sulfuric acid electrolyte that requires periodic maintenance to keep it free of sulfate buildup. They should be load-tested by a mechanic to determine their ability to hold voltage for long periods of time. The technician should also test the batteries for vibration and pressure differential.
Aside from these, you should also take note of the weight of the battery. This is important because it can affect the engine’s capacity. If the weight is too heavy, it can cause the engine to overheat and slow down or even stop operating completely.
Buying the right Automotive Battery
Vital essentials to consider
When choosing a car battery, the first thing you should consider is how long it will last. This is usually a function of how much the battery is being used in your vehicle. It’s best to get a battery with a high ampere-hour (Ah) rating, as this is the amount of energy the battery can deliver over a period of time.
Michael Maina, Chief Operating Officer at Tyrex Kenya Enterprise Ltd, is certain on the following vital essentials to consider when buying a car battery. He recommends a buyer to be keen on the:-
- Amperes per hour on the battery AH. Eg.60ah
- Cold cracking Amps on the battery CCA Eg.700CCA
- Position of the positive terminal when terminals are away from your body looking at the battery, Defines left and Right battery L/R.
- For the New model cars start stop cars require special batteries called enhanced flooded battery (EFB)/ Absorbed Glass mat (AGM) For fuel economy.
Another factor is whether the battery has a load tester, which lets you know how much power it can handle at any given moment. You should have your battery load-tested by a mechanic once it’s two years old, or four if you live in a cold climate.
Getting the wrong battery can shorten its lifespan and make your car less likely to run properly. So, make sure you get the right size and terminal location for your particular car and make a point of getting it from a trustworthy dealer or retailer.
It’s also essential to understand how the battery works. Most auto batteries use lead-acid technology, which means they contain alternating layers of lead plates that are immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid. The chemical reaction in the acid triggers a process that converts the lead and other materials into energy. This energy is then used to charge and discharge the car’s battery.
This is done by the electrolyte, which is a mixture of about one-third sulfuric acid and two-thirds water. This electrolyte solution triggers a series of reactions that sends electric current through the car’s starter system and cranks the engine. Once the engine is running, it sends some of this energy back to the battery through an alternator. The alternator turns mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is then used to power the other systems of the car.
There are three main types of batteries available today, and the type you choose depends on your individual needs. These include standard flooded or conventional, wet cell, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. Absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries are becoming more common in most cars, and they’re known for their durability and longer life. They’re a bit more expensive than flooded and conventional batteries, but they offer increased battery capacity and are less susceptible to spillage and corrosion than other models.
These batteries also have a fiberglass mat separator to absorb the electrolyte, which eliminates acid stratification and helps prevent leaks. They’re typically sealed and non-spillable, and they come with a warranty.
Gel cells are another popular choice for automotive batteries. They are a variation on flooded batteries, but calcium replaces antimony and silica is added to the electrolyte solution. This makes them more durable and resistant to vibrations and shock.
If you’re shopping for a new battery, it’s best to purchase from a high-volume seller with fresh stock. Look for a warranty that offers three or more years of full replacement coverage. This means that if your battery fails to meet the specifications of the manufacturer during that period, it will be replaced for free without having to pay a fraction of the original price. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace your battery every two or four years, depending on the car type, its use and the climate you live in.
