Batteries

When it comes to your car's battery and electrical system, knowledge is power. It is, in truth, the heart and soul of your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be stuck because your battery has died. You'll be less likely to become trapped if you know more about your battery and electrical system. We're here at Firestone Complete Auto Care to assist you figure out what's up with your car's battery and electrical system.

A car battery should last 3 to 5 years on average, but bad driving habits and exposure to the environment can limit its life. Every visit to Firestone Complete Auto Care includes a complimentary battery check. This is a fast diagnostic test that will estimate the temperature at which your battery will fail. It also tells you how much battery life you still have. You can tell if your battery is ready to use by performing a simple test.

BATTERY KNOWLEDGE

HOW EXACTLY DOES A CAR BATTERY WORK?

The automobile battery supplies the jolt of electricity required to power all of your vehicle's electrical components. That's a lot of weight on your shoulders. Your automobile won't start without battery juice, as you've probably seen.

Let's take a closer look at how that mighty tiny box operates:

• Your car is started by a chemical reaction: Your battery turns chemical energy into electrical energy, which is used to power your vehicle, and then delivers voltage to the starter.
• Maintain a steady electric current: Your battery not only provides the energy needed to start your car, but it also stabilises the voltage (the name for the energy supply) to keep your engine running. The battery has a lot riding on it. It's been dubbed the "small box that might."

SYMPTOMS & PROCEDURES

ARE THERE ANY WARNING SIGNS THAT MAY INDICATE MY BATTERY IS ON THE FRITZ?

"If only I had known sooner." We've all been in that situation before. Fortunately, there are several signs and symptoms that your battery needs to be replaced:

• Slow engine crank: When you try to start the vehicle, the engine cranks slowly and takes longer to start than usual. The "rur rur rur" initial noise is the best way to explain it.
• Check engine light: When your battery power is low, the check engine light may display. Strange system indicator lights, such as the check engine and low coolant lights, could indicate a battery problem. (It could also mean you're low on coolant.)
• Low battery fluid level: Most car batteries feature a translucent section of the casing that allows you to monitor the battery's fluid level at all times. If the red and black caps are not sealed, you can inspect it by removing them (most modern car batteries now permanently seal these parts).
• Bottom line: If the fluid level inside the battery is below the lead plates (energy conductor), the battery and charging system should be examined. Overcharging is the most common cause of low fluid levels (heat).
• The swollen, bloated battery case: If your battery shell looks like it just ate a massive meal, it could be a sign of a faulty battery. Excessive heat is to blame for causing your battery case to bulge, reducing battery life.
• Eww, there's a rotten egg scent here: A distinct, rotten egg odour (sulphur odour) may be detected around the battery. Battery leakage are the source of the problem. Corrosion around the posts (where the + and – cable connectors are placed) is also caused by leaking. If the muck isn't cleaned, your automobile might not start.
• An old timer is defined as three years plus the age of the battery: When your battery hits the three-year mark, have its present state evaluated at the very least once a year. Depending on the battery, life cycles range from three to five years. However, driving habits, weather, and frequent short excursions (less than 20 minutes) can significantly reduce the battery's actual life.

HOW DO I DETERMINE IF MY BATTERY IS TOO OLD?

For starters, look for a four- or five-digit date code on the battery case's cover. Look for the letter and digit in the initial portion of the code. Each month is assigned a letter, such as A for January, B for February, and so on. The number after that denotes the year, such as 9 for 2009 and 1 for 2011. The date the battery was transported from the factory to our local wholesale distributor is indicated by this code. The extra digits indicate where the battery was manufactured. Car batteries last three to five years on average. There are various symptoms of a poor battery to look out for, such as a slow engine crank or low fluid level. If your battery is dead, If your casing is swelled or bloated, the battery emits a rotten egg odour, or your check engine light illuminates, disaster may be lurking around the corner. What if it's older than three years? It's time to keep a tight eye on everything. That is why we are here.
If your casing is swelled or bloated, the battery emits a rotten egg odour, or your check engine light illuminates, disaster may be lurking around the corner. What if it's older than three years? It's time to keep a tight eye on everything. That is why we are here.