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Like
most other parts of the modern car, your batteries too are practically
"maintenance free". Most car batteries today no longer require frequent
servicing in the form of topping-up of the electrolyte level, although
checking should be done at regular intervals as specified in your
owner's manual. However wherever required, "topping-up" should
be done meticulously once in 15 days. Only distilled water should
be used for topping-up.
The Battery
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A
- Multi plate positive electrode, B - Positive and
Negative electrodes of adjacent cells are linked to give greater
voltage, C - Multi plate negative electrode, D
- Seperators, E - Cell divider, F - Battery
casing
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Electricity
is supplied by the battery to the ignition system, the starter motor,
the lights, indicators and the rest of a car's electrical.
The battery is made up of a number of cells, each of just over 2
volt, connected by metal bars. Car batteries have either three cels,
giving a total of 6 volt, or six cells, giving 12 volts.
Each cell consists of two sets of plates (the electrodes) in a solution
of dilute sulphuric acid (the electrolyte). One electrode is made
of lead dioxide and the other of spongy lead.
When the cell is functioning the acid reacts with the plates, converting
chemical energy into electrical energy. A positive charge is built
up on the lead proxide electrode and a negative charge on the other
electrode. Electric current measured in amperes (amp.), flows from
one pole of the battery to the car circuit, back to the battery
and then to the electrolyte.
As the chemical reaction goes on, lead sulphate forms on the surface
of both electrodes, and the sulphuric acid turns to water. When
the surfaces of both plates have turned completely to lead sulphate,
the battery is flat. Recharging the cell with an electric current
restore the electrodes to their original condition and regenerates
the sulphuric acid.
A battery eventually goes dead and can not be recharged for a number
of reasons: the plates become encrusted with sulphate, so that the
charged cannot get through to them; they may disintegrate; a leakage
between the cells may cause short circuit. The heaviest demand is
made on a battery when the car is been started. Once the engine
is running, the generator provides the flow of current to the battery
to recharge it and keep it charge.
In most modern cars the negative terminal of the battery is earthed
by connection to the chassis or body work.
Improper functioning of the battery can cause starting problems
and over-charging (which is indicated by inconsistent functioning
of the horn and light). Following checks should be made:
Battery terminals are clean and that there is no sulphur formation.
The battery is always be tightly bound to the battery-tray, to prevent
spillage and damage.
Battery cables are properly connected.
Generator drive belt is sound and correctly adjusted. The driver
belt is very critical to the electrical system of your car because
without it the generator will not charge effectively resulting in
your car running out of electricity. In some systems it may also
drive the cooling system (water-pump) and the engine-cooling fan
as well. Thus a belt that is malfunctioning could also cause something
as serious as an engine seizure.
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