Thursday, July 10, 2008 How to care for your car’s battery By Ruel C. Castillo
ALMOST all private and public vehicles that we see on major and provincial roads use battery for their electrical needs. Radio, lights, horn and the ignition system is dependent on the battery which is a component of the vehicle’s electrical system.
Some may be wondering why the vehicle’s battery doesn’t drain off quickly despite continuous and repeated use. This is because vehicles have their own charging system composed mainly of the alternator and voltage regulator. The charging system ensures that the battery is continuously charged every time the engine is running.
The most common type of battery vehicles use is the lead acid-type battery. These types of batteries have lead and lead oxide plates submerged in about 35 percent sulfuric acid and 65 percent water solution, creating a chemical reaction. The product of this chemical reaction is electricity.
Most often than not, drivers put tap water on batteries, unaware of its negative effects. Tap water has minerals that can ruin battery function, which would eventually slow down the electricity generation. It is necessary to use distilled or de-mineralized water only on batteries to prevent break down.
How to care for your vehicles’ battery
The battery is one of the most important parts of the vehicle that needs continuous check-up and maintenance. It is important to know the appropriate care to extend its operating life and at the same time, proper handling to prevent accidents.
Here are some important tips to consider in battery maintenance:
* First, wear eye, hand protection and the proper clothes are worn if you are going to personally check your battery. Remember, battery contains acid and protective gears can shield you from the corrosive chemicals inside the battery. When battery is mishandled, it may cause burns or more serious injuries. Once you are fully-geared, place the battery properly and make sure that it’s stable, not shaking or rocking when mounted, to avoid any short circuit.
* The plates must always be submerged in water (distilled or de-mineralized) inside the battery. The water level must not go below the recommended level to prevent rapid deterioration of battery plates. Don’t use sulfuric acid in refilling the battery, it is recommended to use water only for refilling. The sulfuric acid inside more or less remains the same throughout the battery life. (Some batteries do not require water refilling because they are sealed. These are commonly known as maintenance-free batteries.)
* Change the battery in case you happen to see any cracks, vents or swelled battery casing. Most likely, your battery is gradually failing and replacement is inevitable.
* Also, always make sure that the battery is always clean. Even a small amount of dirt can cause “power leak” causing uncontrolled discharge and electricity loss.
* Aside from the battery, you must also check the electrical wirings and cables to ensure that there are no stray strands or damaged insulation (leading to exposed wires) that may cause electrical leaks and short circuits.
* The terminal clamp of the cable must be kept clean. Use a simple solution of baking soda and water in cleaning the terminal clamp especially when you notice the accumulation of white powdery substance around the electrodes. There are times the engine would not start if the battery terminal is corroded.
* In removing or cleaning the battery, remove first (-) ground cable followed by the (+) cable. If you are going to reinstall the battery, the (+) cable must be put first before the (-) ground cable. In this way, we can avoid short circuit if the wrench accidentally touches the grounded part of the vehicle.
* Do your part in protecting the environment by simply returning used batteries to battery shops for recycling. Recycling is one good way to reduce pollution.
Always remember, proper care and maintenance of any equipment prolongs its useful life
(Engineer Ruel C. Castillo is one of the contributors of NLEXpress, a monthly publication on road safety and driver education of Tollways Management Corporation, Operator of both North Luzon Expressway and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway. He is currently the Quality Environment Safety and Health Superintendent at TMC.)
