What Is The Purpose Of A Car Battery?
The battery plays a key role in the operation of a car engine and all the electrical equipment therein. Without it, a vehicle becomes unusable. This shows the importance of preserving it. Here’s how a battery works and what it does.
What are the main functions of a battery?
As mentioned above, the battery plays a key role. If it does not produce current, its role is to store the electrical energy produced by its faithful ally, the alternator. This stored energy is necessary for starting the engine as well as for the operation of the various accessories requiring a power supply (electric windows, radio, air conditioning, door locking, etc.).Good to know: a passive role
A battery does not produce electricity, it simply serves as storage space, hence the importance of having a battery that is always in good shape, especially in the event of significant temperature differences. A highly stressed battery has an average lifespan of 5 years.
How does the battery recharge?
Be aware that a battery does not recharge itself when the engine is stopped, except of course when using an external charging system. A battery also loses energy (discharges) if it is not used for a long time.
Except in “manual” recharging cases, a car must be driven for the battery to be able to recharge itself. The current necessary for this recharge is produced by the alternator, which, by a system of belts, can only operate when the engine is running. It is a sort of mini-electric power station producing current to recharge the battery.
A car that is not running sees its battery get tired, especially since certain elements continue to use energy even when the car is stationary (radio memory, watch, etc.). In cold weather, a long period of non-use can completely drain the battery. Good to know: short trips reduce battery life
Short journeys, such as those in town, require more starts and do not allow the battery to be recharged sufficiently. In the long run, its lifespan may be reduced. If necessary, manual recharging is a good idea.
What are the different types of batteries?
You could almost say that there is a type of battery for every car, the choice is so vast. But more generally, in terms of thermal vehicles, we can distinguish three types of batteries.
Gasoline engine batteries
Petrol cars do not require the same power to start an engine. Their amperage is generally lower, and therefore their lower purchase price.
Diesel engine batteries
A diesel engine has more torque than a gasoline one and therefore requires preheating when starting. This type of motor requires a higher amperage, therefore a more powerful and necessarily more expensive battery.
Start & Stop batteries
Since recent vehicles are equipped with the Start & Stop system, they require specific batteries capable of coping with many more stars . They are also called “reinforced” batteries. Their purchase cost is higher and their installation sometimes requires the intervention of a professional.
If a car needs fuel to be able to drive, it also can’t do without a fit battery so it won’t let you down when you least expect it. And if your engine starts hard to start, a quick look at the battery side might be in order.