A car battery is an underrated and undervalued part of every car. You drive every day and never think about the battery in your car up until the moment it fails, and your car won’t start. Understanding the battery and the car repair Austin process is the key to ensuring a long life. Also, besure and talk to us about a mangaflow muffler Austin and general automotive repair Austin TX.
What is a car battery? How does it work?
An automotive battery is generally a lead-acid type of battery, although a few lines of cars use other types, such as a lithium ion type of battery.
A lead acid battery usually consists of a heavy plastic frame and two terminals, a positive and a negative, on the top. Inside the plastic frame is a lead acid liquid or gel mixture. This liquid is the working part of the battery, the electrolyte solution that causes the chemical response that allows electricity to be generated. The solution of sulfuric acid and water is put in between lead plates and lead dioxide which creates an electric current which flows through the conductors and forces the lead inside the battery to shift into lead sulfate. When the battery recharges, the lead sulfate once again undergoes the shift to its original two forms.
The battery style you need for your car contains the electronic current to provide the amount of CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) you need to start from a cold engine in the morning. When you start will you use up a lot of the power that your battery generates, but the minute your car starts, the engine’s turning produces an electrical current of its own and this electricity flows back into your battery, recharging it.
How do I tell if my battery needs to be replaced?
A strong indicator is if it doesn’t produce the necessary energy to start your car. The next question is what happened to my battery that caused it to stop producing energy. Here are some culprits:
1. The battery has been drained from use. – This one has happened to most of us. You walk out on a winter’s evening, put your key into the car and nothing happens. You look at your panel and notice that your headlight switch is in the “on” position. Your car spent most of the day using your battery to power your lights with no engine going to recharge it. At this point, you need to find a jumpstart. Once the car has started, your engine will recharge your battery.
2. A short – if something metal directly completes the circuit between the positive and negative poles of the battery, this can cause a short which could damage the chemical components of your battery. If it is damaged, you will need to replace the battery.
3. Corrosion – The chemical reaction used to make the electricity for your car can cause and acid residue build up can cause corrosion and reduced connectivity for your battery. Cleaning the terminal with a wire brush can reduce problem.
Can I replace a battery on my own?
Probably. However you might take your battery in to your auto shop Austin TX to have them diagnose the problem. Installation is usually part of the cost of a new battery and your service center can recycle your old battery on the spot. Remember that a true quality Austin Transmission Repair shop or auto mechanic Austin TX will provide you with a cost effective option.
About the Author: Brandon Adams is the author of man popular articles on the automotive repair industry.
