In all cars, a mandatory battery is a regular element. It provides an easy start for a diesel or gasoline type power plant. Due to the supply of a sufficient amount of voltage to the electric motor, the rotation of the working elements of the engine is started.

The owner of the vehicle will ensure uninterrupted and long-term operation of the vehicle with proper maintenance and operation of the battery. For individual models of batteries, it is provided not one-time, but regular maintenance of a car battery with your own hands or with the help of specialists.

Content

• 1 car battery unit
• 2 Varieties of battery
• 3 Car Battery Maintenance Procedures
  • 3.1 Electrolyte level measurement
  • 3.2 Density measurements
• 4 Safety during the work with the battery

Car battery device

The work of the battery in the car is provided in several cases:

• voltage supply starter when the engine starts;
• providing electricity to the entire system while the engine is off;
• supplying additional power to the system when there are problems with the generator or it cannot cope with the increased load.

For such work the classic design of acid or alkaline batteries is used. Inside the plastic case there are six containers filled with lead plates. Between them the acid diluted in a certain proportion is filled.

Plates that are in a robust case and are isolated between themselves are coated with a special chemical agent that facilitates the creation of electric current. The manufacturer can provide or hide access to the inside of the tanks in different brands.

Varieties of battery

There are several types of car batteries, differing mainly in the degree of access and the possibility of changing some parameters of the electrolyte.

Gradation by type of modern batteries:

• serviced;
• low maintenance;
• hybrid type;
• неслуживаваемые модели.

Serviced Models rarely used recently by motorists. Due to the low demand for them, such models are hard to find in the free market. Most often they are produced by domestic enterprises.

Serviced Battery

The design contains drawbacks, one of which is a rather fragile case. Most often it is made on ebonite basis, and later covered with a protective layer. Not always reliable coverage with frequent fluctuations in ambient temperature. Also, the electrolyte leaves the cavities, which requires periodic refilling of fluid.

See also: A simple do-it-yourself battery charger

Type of low-maintenance batteries occurs more often. A characteristic feature of it is a durable plastic case that ensures reliable operation during the entire period of the battery life. Reasonable cost and maintenance of car batteries of this type, provided every 25 ... 30 thousand kilometers, makes the device popular with many drivers.

Having added distillate to the low-maintenance battery

Hybrid battery is more rare among motorists and has a higher cost. It is similar in type to the previous variety; however, its contact groups, established in different cells, are based on dissimilar metals. Thanks to this combination, the advantages in work are:

1. The maximum current for this design during start.
2. Minor electrolyte consumption during operation.
3. Long, effective and comfortable operation with a long period of service.

Maintenance free battery

Необслужиемемыми моделилями the majority of machines leaving the assembly line in the world are equipped. Their design does not allow to adjust the level of electrolyte filling in the cavities, since there are not even covers or stoppers for tanks on the upper side of the battery. All maintenance of a maintenance-free car battery is limited to monitoring the external physical state of the body for chipping and cracking, the terminals are monitored for oxidation, and swelling on surfaces from chemical processes inside is also not allowed. Also, a general adjustment of such batteries is to control the charge.

Car Battery Maintenance Procedures

The most popular operations to ensure the health of the battery are monitoring the level of electrolyte in banks, as well as the procedure for measuring the density of this liquid. In the first case, the operation is carried out more often, and identifying the density and its adjustment implies a seasonal nature or changes in the temperature regime of the environment.

Electrolyte level measurement

To control the electrolyte level, a glass tube with a diameter of 7-12 mm is needed. It is used on batteries that do not have a built-in scale with minimum / maximum level values ​​set by the manufacturer.

Measuring the height of the liquid

It is easy to use such a device, it is enough to open the cork on the desired bank. Further, the tubule vertically goes down into the container up to the stop in the stopper. Finger tightly close the upper opening of the tube and then remove the second end of the container. Measurement of the fluid level can be carried out using a standard ruler or a square with a millimeter notch.

The optimum is the level of electrolyte, whose height above the limiter is in the range of 12 ... 15 mm.

If a deficiency is identified, distilled water is added to the set volume. It is sold in any auto shop or pharmacy.

See also: Checking the spark plugs with their own hands on the performance

Density measurements

During battery maintenance, electrolyte density is monitored. The parameter ensures the correct flow of chemical processes during the generation of electricity. The value is selected according to the recommendations of the battery manufacturer.

Measurements are carried out using a hydrometer, which is a glass tube with a rubber cavity at the upper end. Inside the tube in a free state is a graduated float with a scale.

Measurement of electrolyte density

The procedure is carried out in this way:

• jams open in all banks;
• squeezing a rubber bulb, create a vacuum inside the hydrometer;
• we lower the free end of the device inside the flask to collect the electrolyte and slowly expand the pear so that the liquid goes inside;
• the float must, without touching the walls, freely float at a certain depth;
• the scale level is determined by the density value;
• we reconcile real data with the required value;
• if necessary, adjust the value topping.

The optimal density reading is considered to be for most models the value of 1.24 g / cm.³. The parameter can increase for colder regions and decrease for a hotter climate zone by 3 ... 5%.

Areometry

Upon receipt of data after the measurement, less than the required value, you can top up the distillate and put the battery on charge. Upon reaching a charge level of 12.6 V, the battery is considered fully ready for use.

Safety during the work with the battery

Car Battery Maintenance is a high-risk job. To comply with all necessary measures, the use of protective devices and ensuring maximum safety are required:

• rubber acid-resistant gloves and glasses with side shields are used;
• the room should have excellent ventilation, preferably using forced exhaust elements;
• Preventing acid or alkali on the skin;
• provision of fire and electrical safety measures.

The long-term work of electricity consumers in a car system also depends on high-quality battery performance. Timely maintenance of the battery refers to the necessary work to maintain the performance of the car as a whole.