Electrical
A modern automobile's vehicle's charging system consists of 3 major components:
- Alternator - Mechanical device driven by the engine accessory belt. It provides continuous voltage to replenish the battery while the engine is running.
- Voltage Regulator - Monitors the battery's state of charge and adjusts alternator activity as necessary to charge the vehicle's battery and provide power necessary to run accessories.
- Battery - An electrical reservoir used to store electrical energy until it is needed by the vehicle's starting system to crank the engine and power the fuel and ignition systems.
If your car doesn't start, consider the possibility that the battery is at fault. You may find the information below helpful:
Battery Drain/Failure
Heat, vibration and malfunctioning vehicle electrical systems are the largest contributors to battery failures; however,
heat is the number one cause of battery failure. Extreme heat causes the water in the battery's electrolyte to evaporate. Further, heat causes a battery's positive plate grids to corrode more rapidly. Both of these conditions are detrimental to the long-term life of a battery. In addition, cold temperatures dramatically reduce the effectiveness of chemical reactions within the battery, while increasing the battery's internal resistance. Both of these cause a reduction in cranking power as temperatures drop. Batteries left in a discharged state are also susceptible to freezing, which damages internal components and containers. Cars require an increased amount of cranking power in cold weather, due to the fact that motor oil is thicker and makes engines harder to crank.
Battery Maintenance
Truthfully, modern automotive batteries need little attention. If your battery has removable vents, check the water level and add good drinking-quality water (distilled water is preferred) as necessary to maintain the level just below, but not touching the bottom of the vent wells as shown. This will help extend the life of the battery. (Be careful never to overfill, as this will cause acid to be expelled from the vents during normal battery cycling.) Check both terminals regularly for corrosion and tight connections. (If necessary, clean with baking soda and water.)
How do I charge a battery?
All batteries contain acid and can cause injury if not regarded as dangerous.
- Wear proper eye and skin protection.
- Charge only in an area where ventilation is adequate and the battery is unlikely to be disturbed.
- Never attempt to charge a frozen battery.
- Always keep vent caps in place while charging.
- Never allow anyone to smoke around a charging battery.
- Unplug charger before connecting the battery. Be sure to observe proper polarity when connecting charger leads to the battery.
- Refer to the charger manufacturer’s instructions for safe charger operation.
How do I jump-start a car with a dead battery?
Remember: All batteries contain acid and can cause injury if not regarded as dangerous.
- Wear proper eye and skin protection.
- Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the discharged battery.
- Connect the other end of the same cable to the positive post on the boosting vehicle's battery.
- Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative post of the booster battery.
- Make final jumper cable connection to the engine block of the stalled vehicle.
- Start disabled vehicle and disconnect cables in reverse order, taking precautions to keep all hands, clothing, hair and cables out of all moving parts.
How can we help?
The pros at DFR Autoworks are trained in diagnosing and repairing electrical system failures, including alternators, starters, and other wiring repairs in addition to batteries and battery drain problems.
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment today.
