Although it is usually reliable, the battery is an item that needs to be maintained or at least periodically checked to prevent a crash at the least convenient time. A battery has a life of about 5 years. But with heavy loads, this period can be significantly reduced. So be vigilant!
How do you maintain your battery?
The battery is an essential element as this supplies the car with the power generated by the alternator. Without a battery, you can not start your car. It should therefore be allowed to remain "fit" through regular maintenance. Increasingly, cars are equipped with so-called" maintenance-free " batteries, which do not allow checking the electrolyte level. But if you have an older generation battery, you can check it from time to time and fill the level of this liquid with demineralized water if necessary. If the level is not sufficient, the battery will start to discharge.
How long the restored battery will last in relation to its age and existing capacity
If you have a maintenance-free battery, it is important to check the tightness and clean the terminals with sandpaper, for example. The terminals tend to get dirty or even rust, causing the current to not flow properly to the cables.
Good to know: always level if you have a battery whose elements are accessible (plug), note that the electrolyte level should always go beyond the lead elements. A too" dry " battery, i.e. its liquid level is too low, loses its power and discharges.
Always keep a good load
To remain efficient, a battery must always be well charged. If you notice that the engine begins to have difficulty starting, especially in cold weather, it is that it begins to show signs of weakness. Now it's time to check your state of charge. If you have a voltmeter, you can easily check the status of your battery. The voltage should be about 12 volts when the engine is shut down and increase to 14 volts when the engine is started. The lower figures indicate an insufficient load. If you do not have the necessary equipment, your mechanic will be able to check the status of your battery in a few minutes. This process usually does not require an appointment.
Good to know: 30 minutes to charge a battery
A battery in good condition is usually fully charged after half an hour of driving. If the motor still has problems restarting after this time, the battery will not charge properly.
What are the factors that lead to faster battery discharge?
To stay fit, a battery must be well charged. Some factors cause unusual and faster battery discharge:
A vehicle stands still for too long: a battery that is too often "at rest" is eventually discharged, especially if it is not new. With longer parking, a reload may be required.
Too frequent starts and too short trips: if you regularly make short (mostly urban) trips, the battery does not have time to charge properly and eventually gets tired.
Large temperature fluctuations: a battery is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. In cold weather, it will unload faster. But this is also the case in summer. Contrary to what you might think, excessively high temperatures are a real enemy to the battery.
A battery that is too old: a battery that is worn out over time gets tired and can no longer be properly charged.
How long the restored battery will last in relation to its age and existing capacity
There is nothing better to charge a battery than to drive. With a service life of about 5 years, it is quite possible to extend this time by regular maintenance and charging sequences.
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