The battery is an essential part in order for your vehicle to run. The alternator of the vehicle helps by charging the battery. This will then allow it to operate and run properly. Without either of these two components you would not be able to run the vehicle. Your battery provides electricity to start the engine, ignite the fuel, operate the lights and heater, as well as any other mechanisms. Batteries are lead-acid based and come in a variety of voltages, depending on what your car specifically needs according to the owner’s manual. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can recommend what battery is best for your vehicle. We can also change the battery if an issue occurs.

Components of a Battery

car-maintenance-2Car batteries have components made of different materials. Materials used to improve the cathode, anode, and electrolyte performance are nickel, magnesium, cobalt, and silicon tubes. The anode is rich in lithium ions and the chemical reaction between the electrolyte and anode cause ions to move to the cathode. This process causes the electric current that helps the car run. Lithium iron phosphates make up the cathode.  These increase the electric range and performance of the vehicle. These components are essential for helping all elements work together to create the motion of the vehicle.

Why the Battery might fail

The leading cause of vehicle breakdowns is battery failure. There are ways to prevent frequent breakdowns and to keep your engine working efficiently. If a battery is being undercharged it causes sulfating. This means that there is a chemical breakdown of battery electrolytes. When this occurs, it reduces the battery’s ability to hold a charge and provide energy. When a battery is not used over a period of time it loses its electrical charge. Periodically using or starting a vehicle can prevent this issue. Heat can cause batteries to fail as well. When temperatures reach over 100 degrees, the rate of internal discharge increases and causes battery malfunction. This can happen over a short period of time with high heat. If you notice any issues, make sure to bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the battery for you.

Improve the longevity of the Battery

It is important to do everything possible to prolong the life of the battery. One way of doing this is to make sure all of the electronics are shut off before turning off the engine. Common things to check are the headlights, radio, air conditioner, and G.P.S. device. Turning these off can help keep the battery from being drained. It also can help minimize the risk of damaging electronics while starting the car. Corrosion can interrupt the electrical current and lead to failure. Loose cables can also lead to an interruption in electrical current. Always make sure the cables and brackets that hold the battery are tight. If you notice that the vehicle is becoming difficult to start, contact us. Bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the battery so it can be reliable once again.