You have jumped into your car, put your safety belt on and are ready to drive off. You turn the key in the ignition and all you get is a'shredder-like' sound from your engine. You try a couple of times but the car won't start. At that instance, you probably know that your battery is dead. To avoid such a scenario, you should definitely pay attention to the importance of auto battery maintenance and replacement.
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(909) 548 - 9854
How Does The Battery Work?
A battery is the engine's soul. Before the engine roars to life, it requires a powerful electrical surge which the battery provides. Once the engine comes on, a device known as the alternator turns the engine's rotations into electricity that powers the car's electrical components.
The modern battery is made up of 6 cells arranged in a series configuration. Each cell provides 2.1 Volts, bringing the total output of a car's batter to 12.6V when fully charged. Within these cells is an acidic solution. The chemical reaction between the acid and lead plates causes electrons to flow from one terminal to the other.
This reaction is reversible. During the charging process, an oxide of lead is formed on the batteries surface and, when discharging, the lead sulphate returns to lead oxide. This process is repeated every time the battery is charged and discharged.
Types Of Car Batteries
A number of designs exist for car batteries:
Maintenance Free Batteries: Older batteries require their electrolytes to be filled every once in a while, to maintain their performance. Newer batteries, called maintenance free batteries, are able maintain their electrolyte throughout their life and do not require refills.
SLI Batteries and Deep Cycle: Starting, Lighting, Ignition batteries (also known as SLI) are designed to give powerful electrical bursts over a short period of time. They are not designed to be fully discharged or undergo multiple recharges. Complete discharges actually significantly shorten the battery's lifestyle. They are sufficient for tasks that require short peaks of power such as starting the engine. Deep Cycle batteries are more expensive variants. They provide a steady current over long periods and can be charged and discharged many times without any impact on their performance or longevity. Those with higher power ratings can also be used in SLI applications.
Signs Of A Dying Battery
There are a number of indicators that your battery may need maintenance or replacement besides an engine check light. The most telling sign is a slow engine start where the car slowly ramps its way into ignition, taking much longer than usual. A battery that appears swollen may have been exposed to excessive heat and will need to be checked. If the battery gives out a rotten egg smell, that is an indication of a sulfur leakage which will need to be addressed. Typically, once a battery passes three years of usage, it is best to get a replacement.
West Coast Auto is #1 In South California For Battery Maintenance And Replacement Services
Our team of auto technicians is highly experienced in performing battery maintenance and replacement:
Auto Battery Inspection
Starter, Alternator, and Voltage Regulator Inspection
Cleaning Battery Connection and Cable Ends
Battery Replacement (If Needed)
Additional Free Services:
1. Multipoint Visual Inspection
2. Interior and Exterior Lamp Inspection
3. Road Test
4. Hand Car Wash & Vacuum
We provide quick and efficient battery maintenance and replacement services here at West Coast Auto. Our highly trained team of car service technicians will diagnose your battery issue and provide guidance on whether you need battery maintenance or replacement services. Visit us today to find out more.
