The Electric World of Car Batteries!

Although the battery seems to contain endless energy as one of the life bloods of the automobile, it can be exhausted due to many variables. This situation can be easily solved if necessary precautions are taken, and it can cause problems for the drivers at the most unexpected moments. In this article, we will search answers to questions such as "Why Are Car Batteries Depleted?", "How to Extend the Life of the Car Battery?" and "How Do We Know When the Lifetime of the Car Battery Is Over?"

Why Are Car Batteries Depleted?

The battery is the part that provides electricity distribution to the entire system as the power source of an automobile's electrical infrastructure. The main task of the battery is to make the vehicle run by sending an electric current to the starter motor. At the same time, the battery also provides the ignition in internal combustion engines. Although the life of batteries today is significantly longer, there is a possibility that the batteries may run out in rare undesirable situations. This situation can happen to all drivers. If we list some of the reasons why the battery runs out, we can mention the following;

• Hot or cold ambient temperature at extreme points.
• Prolonged ignition off.
• Undetected short circuits.
• Vehicle headlights that remain on.
• Undercharging of the alternator.
• Battery size.
• The systems added to the vehicle afterwards add extra load to the battery.

How to Extend the Life of the Car Battery?

You can extend the life of your car battery by applying the following details;

• Make sure that the ventilation holes on the battery are not blocked. If it is covered with dirt, clean it.
• Try not to get oil and fuel on the battery.
• Fully charge the battery in order to prevent the battery from freezing in cold weather in winter.
• The water level of the battery should not be below the plate level. If there is a loss of water in the summer, pure water should be added.
• The terminals of the battery should be protected with grease or Vaseline. It is very important that it does not rust.
• One of the most important details is definitely not to delay service maintenance. Your battery should be serviced by a specialist.
• The battery must remain in the vehicle. Shaking of the battery can result in loss of performance or cracks. These cracks shorten the life of the battery.

How Do We Know When the Lifetime of the Car Battery Is Over?

The average life of a car battery ranges from 5 to 6 years. Thanks to the battery voltage values, you can understand how much life your battery has on average. If your battery's idle voltage value is between 13.5-12.5 and its value at the moment of cranking is 11 and above, your vehicle's battery is in good condition. If your battery's no-load voltage is between 12-12.5 and its value at the time of cranking is between 10-11, your battery has started to age. Plug it in at specific times and take a few hours of rides. During this period, the battery discharge rate is high. Do not consume electricity without starting the engine and do not leave your vehicle without running for 1-2 weeks. Finally, we can say that if the idle voltage value of your battery is less than 12 and its value at the time of cranking is less than 10, your battery has reached the end of its life. You should change your battery.