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Vehicle batteries, magic or just science?
Batteries are a critical component in your vehicle and one size does not
fit all. Discover what types of battery are available and how to take care
of yours with Donnellans!
Nearly all modern vehicles on our roads have complex systems that require
electricity to run and once the engine is running, the system is designed
so that the alternator provides all the power needed to run the electrical
systems such as ECU, stereo, lights, safety features as well as keep the
battery topped off with a charge. It is possible to start a vehicle and
then remove the battery, the engine will continue to run!
What is a car battery for?
The main role of a battery in a modern car is to provide short bursts of
high amperage power to the start motor as well as power for components
that require it when the car is turned off, such as g-force sensors for
anti-theft systems, memory for the radio and aftermarket accessories like
dash cameras with parking modes.
Types of battery used in cars.
Lead-Acid battery.
There are multiple types of battery technology used in cars. The flooded
lead-acid battery is what you’ll find in the vast majority of vehicles on
the road. This battery technology is one of the cheapest available and
offers great for reliability and isn’t picky about charging cycles. The
downside of lead-acid batteries is their relatively short lifespan
compared to other options.
Absorbent Glass Mat
Next up is the Absorbent Glass Mat battery, or AGM. These batteries use a
similar technology to Lead-Acid batteries but instead of the liquid
electrolyte being flooded into the battery, it is absorbed into a
fiberglass matting. This provides much higher current capabilities
required by modern start-stop technology equipped vehicles. AGM batteries
are also resistant to vibrations, are non-spillable, and able to provide
starting current at lower voltages. Typically AGM batteries have an
expected lifespan up to double that of a traditional flooded lead-acid
battery.
Spiral Coil AGM
A variation of the AGM battery is the spiral coil AGM. This more or less
functions the same except provides a much more rugged construction, higher
starting current as well as the ability to be fast-charged. Spiral coil
AGMs are typically used in high performance or off-road situations where
higher cranking current is required for high compression or larger
displacement engines.
Lithium-Ion Battery
The most common type of battery used in hybrid and electric cars is the
Lithium-Ion battery. This style of battery is used for its ability to
provide steady current output over a wide range of charge levels as well
as not having a memory (where the battery will not charge/discharge past
it’s previous cycles) The downsides of Lithium battery technology are that
they degrade over time, even when not being used. Typically 1-4% per year
according to Tesla. It is important to note that most fully electric cars
also have a traditional style car battery to provide power for on board
electrical systems such as power steering or in car entertainment systems.
Battery Maintenance
Occasionally you may find corrosion on the battery terminals. Most often
occuring on lead-acid batteries in poor condition. This blue crystal-like
reaction is corrosive and signifies at issue either with the charging
system or the battery itself. This acidic substance can be neutralised
with baking soda and water and cleaned with a small brush. We recommend
bringing your car in to get the charging system and alternator assessed if
you ever find this on your car.
If you have a weekender or a project car that doesn’t see much time on the
roads, you may come back to your car to find the battery has drained,
don’t stress, this is often a normal issue of battery self drain (which
they all do) and something in the vehicle requiring constant power such as
a stereo or clock. In this situation you can slowly trickle charge the
battery using a special charger or battery maintainer. Be sure to buy a
charger that is compatible with the type of battery in your vehicle.
A quick note on battery maintenance, storing car batteries on concrete
will not drain your battery. That’s an urban myth. If you’re experiencing
a battery that self drains quickly while not connected to a vehicle, it is
often a faulty battery.
Speak to a professional.
If you’re experiencing a check battery light, slow starting on cool
mornings or just want your battery and charging system tested, come chat
with the qualified technicians at Donnellans. With 5 stores across the
Melbourne area, we are your one-stop-stop for tyres, wheels, servicing and
more!
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