The battery is an important part of any car. From starting the engine to charging the phone on the go, the battery provides the necessary energy. Therefore, it must always be upright and charged.
How to recognize a dead or damaged battery?
* When the ignition is switched on, the headlights appear dark and light up only when the engine is started.
* The starter spins slowly and has a hard time starting the engine. But it is possible that the cause is in the alternator, wiring or other.
* During frequent, short trips, the battery may not be fully charged.
* Having many consumers can also drain the battery.
* If the battery has passed its warranty period, it is quite possible that it is already completely damaged and needs to be replaced.
If you need to replace the battery, then in a chain of stores for auto parts Avto.BIM.BG we offer you quality batteries of established manufacturers such as: Varta, Bosch and many others.
We have everything you need to measure and maintain batteries from battery chargers, terminals, testers, voltmeters and more to distilled water for topping up. You can also order online at www.avto.bim.bg.
What is the life of a battery?
Depending on the type, car batteries last from three to 15 years. How long a battery will last also depends on the way it is used, the working conditions and its maintenance.
Here’s what can extend battery life:
Avoid short trips
Traveling short distances does not allow the battery to fully charge after starting the car. Therefore, it is a good idea to drive the car longer so that the generator can charge the battery or plug in a battery charger if necessary.
Use the correct charger
Not every charger is suitable for every battery. When buying a new battery, you should consider whether the charger you have is suitable for it. Improper charging is disastrous and sometimes causes irreparable damage, so care must be taken when choosing it.
Install the battery correctly in its place
If it is not fixed well, the battery can vibrate, which is a prerequisite for the destruction of the plates or a short circuit. Also, the clamps on the terminals come loose and sometimes don’t make good contact.
Turn off all lights when parking
Leaving headlights, radio and interior lights on drains the battery. Therefore, when you park your vehicle, make sure that you switch off all consumers.
Periodically clean the battery terminals
Keeping terminals clean from corrosion extends battery life. They must be periodically checked and cleaned with appropriate detergents, which you can do yourself or visit a workshop.
Check the battery frequently
Measuring the output voltage will show you the condition of the battery and what it needs, and this will extend its life. It should be above 12.5V.
If the battery is serviceable, it is good to check the electrolyte level in the cells and, if necessary, top up with distilled water. After topping up, the battery is left for several hours to mix the electrolyte with the added water.
It is good to measure the density of the electrolyte in serviceable ones, which should be above 1.265 g/sm3. With a difference of 0.05 for a single cell from the others or more, then the battery needs to be replaced. If all cell readings are relatively low but the same, then charge the battery.
If all these checks and measurements seem complicated to you, you can visit a service center where they do them at least twice a year.
Do not use consumers when the engine is not running
When the vehicle is stopped and the engine is not running, it is a good idea to turn off the radio and air conditioning to reduce battery drain. Prolonged idling can also wear out the battery.
Keep the vehicle upright
Every car is a complex system of many elements that work in sync. When there is a damaged part, it affects all the others. The battery is only one part of this system, and in order for it to work long and well, the car must be upright.
Be careful when choosing a new battery
It must be in accordance with the requirements of the car, operating and climatic conditions.
The type of battery is important, for example cars equipped with an AGM battery from the factory must also use an AGM battery when replacing it. Other kinds accumulators are: gel, AGM, EFB, lead-acid batteries with antimony, low antimony, calcium, hybrid, alkaline, etc.
Also, the battery power must be sufficient for the vehicle. Usually, the required power is recorded in the car’s operating instructions.
It is important when choosing a new battery to take into account the size, the location of the terminals and the installation in the car.
Influence of climatic conditions and what to watch out for?
High and low temperatures also affect the battery. Here’s what you can do in different seasons for your battery.
During the summer
High temperatures are the enemy of the battery. Hot weather means even higher temperatures under the engine hood, which accelerates corrosion inside the battery.
Heat can cause water to evaporate from the battery electrolyte, resulting in reduced capacity, poor engine starting and shortened life.
In order to be prepared for the hot summer months, it is good to check the condition of the battery before the season, and also, if possible, to monitor the electrolyte level in the cells and, if necessary, top up with distilled water.
During autumn
This is the time to prepare your vehicle for the cold winter months.
In addition, autumn has both high temperatures and unexpected snowfall and rain. If the battery is not working well, now is the time to have it checked and replaced if necessary.
It is imperative that the terminals are cleaned and tightened, the battery well secured in place.
In winter
The car battery works in difficult conditions in winter. The engine requires more power to start at low temperatures.
Therefore, before winter sets in, check the electrical system, including the alternator and battery. Measure the battery voltage, which should be no less than 12.5V.
The battery must always be fully charged. For this purpose, use a battery charger if necessary.
If you still have difficulty in choosing a new battery, at Auto Bim BG we will gladly advise you and help you get the most suitable one for your car.
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