The battery of our car performs two important functions. Firstly, it powers the car’s systems when the engine is not running. Secondly, it powers the starter motor when we start the car. Simplified, once a car’s engine is running, the battery will no longer power the car’s system as the alternator will power the electrical components of the vehicle.
Vibrations can cause the screws holding the battery in place to loosen. One simple, but yet important, maintenance procedures is to regularly check if the battery is still fixed in its place. German Motors asks drivers to do so as a loose battery may even start tumbling around in the engine compartment. If the screw(s) come undone completely and the latches holding the battery in place drop off, the battery could dislodge.
A good contact between the cables and the terminals is important to ensure that all the power is transferred through the cables. Corrosion and dirt can reduce the contact area between the terminal and the clamps of the cables. Regular cleaning and application of a special grease is recommended to ensure that electricity flows.
There are a number of tell-tale signs for a battery to be failing. Some cars may have a warning light to indicate that the battery is no longer able to store enough power. When a visual inspection of the battery sees the body of the battery being swollen up, it is high time to have it replaced. Swelling batteries occur when the battery is exposed to too much heat and is thus deteriorating.
Other signs include dim headlights. When there isn’t enough power to light up the headlights without the engine running, it will be time to visit a workshop like German Motors. When starting the engine, the battery should have enough power to quickly crank the starter and through it the crankshaft. If the cranking up of the engine sounds laborious and the starter motor has to struggle, it is a sure sign that the battery has lost its power.
When replacing the battery, it is important to ensure that it has the correct ratings for your vehicle. German Motors will be able to recommend a suitable battery based on the recommendations of the car’s manufacturer. As we are dealing with electricity, safety is a concern. A car battery may not seem to be very powerful, however, it is enough voltage to cause harm if not handled properly. While you can swap the battery yourself, it is recommended to have it done in a professional workshop. If anything, the disposal of your old battery would then also be settled.
