2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
Car battery is one of the most important components of a vehicle. It not only starts the engine and unloads the work of the generator, but also feeds all on-board electronics. The average service life of this device is three to six years (depending on the model). The main task of any driver is to choose the right battery. The polarity of the part can be direct and reverse, which, in turn, affects the process of its operation.
Types of appliances
There are three types of batteries - serviced, low-maintenance and maintenance-free.
A serviced battery is subject to repair: when the plates are shorted, they are replaced with new ones. Also in such models, you can control the electrolyte level - it is topped up if necessary. There are very few such devices left on the market.
In low-maintenance batteries, you can only monitor the electrolyte. There is no access to plates. Such a battery can be purchased both flooded and dry-charged - “for growth”.
Maintenance-free models are a tightly sealed box that cannot be refilledelectrolyte and no access to the plates. Batteries of this type have a longer service life due to the use of helium, which practically does not evaporate. Maintenance-free batteries are expensive.
What to look for when buying?
First of all, you should focus on the model. The least problem is a maintenance-free battery. Although its cost is higher than others, but the service life is longer.
Battery must be purchased from a specialized store. Be sure to ask about the availability of a certificate of conformity in order to avoid purchasing fakes.
It must be remembered that all batteries have their expiration date. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the release date.
What to consider when choosing a new battery?
1. Polarity.
2. Capacity. The optimal capacity of the battery is indicated in the vehicle's data sheet.
3. Dimensions. It is best to buy a new battery, taking into account the measurements taken from the old one.
4. Starting current (the higher the current, the better).
These four points are the main points to remember and put into practice when purchasing a battery.
Polarity
When choosing a new battery, it is very important to pay attention to this characteristic. There is a direct battery polarity and reverse.
Under the polarity of the battery, we mean the location of the terminals on it. If the polarity is direct, then the positive terminal is on the left, if the reverse is on the right. You need to look from the fronthand.
If the battery polarity is incorrect, the device simply cannot be connected, because there are not enough wires. Even if you lengthen them, the driver will always have problems connecting the terminals.
It is very easy to set the polarity of the battery according to the make of the car. It must be remembered that in American-made cars it is direct, and in Japanese it is reverse.
Of course, the polarity of the battery does not affect its quality. However, if the driver is used to the direct type, then when connecting the terminals, he will constantly confuse them in places. As a result, short circuits and burnout of the wiring cannot be avoided.
The easiest way to remember the location of the terminals is to examine the old battery. Polarity is the main selection criterion. This characteristic should be considered by every driver.
Proper care
In order for the car battery to last as long as possible, you should properly, and most importantly, take care of it in time:
1. The device must be properly charged. Never allow even one complete discharge of the battery. It may happen that she becomes unusable.
2. If the battery is of a serviced or low-maintenance type, the electrolyte should be topped up periodically. The density of a liquid can be measured with an aerometer.
3. The surface of the battery must always be kept clean. Dirt and scale discharge the device, and the accumulation of debris in the gas outlets in general can causeexplosion.
4. Disconnect the battery properly to avoid short circuits. The polarity of the device (positive and negative terminals) will help with this. It is necessary to start dismantling from the negative terminal, and mount it from the positive one.
5. If the car is not used in winter, it is better to remove the battery and store it at home or in any other warm and dry place.
Conclusion
Battery is the most important component of any car. It doesn't matter what model it is (maintained, low-maintenance or maintenance-free). Proper care will ensure long-term operation of the device.
If the battery is out of order, you need to buy a new one only in a specialized store. Knowing how to determine the polarity of the battery, what other parameters to pay attention to, you will definitely get a high-quality, reliable and suitable product for your car.
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