Car Articles

The primary function of the battery is to provide the power required for starting, igniting and lighting the engine and other electronic accessories when the combined load of the car operations exceeds the engine capacity. Apart from providing the extra power, these batteries are also used to filter and stabilize power. It also maintains the level of fluid in the engine and reduces the amount of impurities present.

Car batteries contain a highly corrosive material known as the sulfuric acid electrolyte. This electrolyte in the battery works to produce gasses after recharged and explode during ignition. The process of production and explosion of gases requires good ventilation, protective clothing and other safety measures to ensure the safety of the car as well as the driver.

Car batteries are greatly influenced by the changing climatic conditions. There are different ratings given to different types of batteries to meet a specific weather condition. Cold cranking amps (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC) are considered before rating the car batteries.

Cold-cranking amps (CCA) is the ability of the car battery to work and operate smoothly even under extreme cold weather conditions. During cold weather, the engine oil thickens and the ignition process slows down. In such cases the CCA supports engine ignition.

Choosing a battery with higher CCA rating is better as it ensures smooth ignition even on extreme cold climate. It is estimated that at a temperature of 80 oF, the battery produces 100% power required to crank the car engine and at a temperature of 32 oF, 155% power is required but the battery produces only 65%. To meet the increasing power demand, two 12V batteries can be connected parallel to each other.

Reserve capacity rating (RC) is measured as the amount of time the battery can stand to provide the minimum voltage required to run the car in case of failure of the alternator. With an excellent reserve capacity rating, the car can run smoothly exclusively on the battery.

Car batteries are classified based on maintenance and constructions.

Based on maintenance, car batteries are classified as follows:

• Low Maintenance: These are batteries that require low maintenance and needs to be replaced after a specific interval of time.
• Maintenance Free: These batteries last longer with greater overcharge resistance, reduced terminal corrosion and reduced failures. These require less maintenance and are more effective than the low maintenance batteries.

Based on construction, car batteries are divided as follows:

• Cranking or shallow Type: This kind of battery is designed to provide quick energy for ignition. The battery provides a high electric current in a very short period of time.
• Deep Cycle Type: This type of battery is designed to provide continuous energy for a long period of time.