Total Battery Support
When you turn the key to start your car, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, which turns the engine over. At the same time, power from the battery is supplied to the spark plugs in order to ignite the fuel and air mixture that has been compressed in the engine combustion cylinders.
The battery power used during the starting up process is then replaced by the alternator, which supplies the bulk of electrical current to your car’s electrical systems, keeping your battery fully charged.
The battery strength or cranking ampage is generally affected by the amount of work it does and the conditions in which it has to work. What’s more, the growth of in-car technology such as air conditioning, digital music players, satellite navigation systems and other electronic gadgetry are placing greater strain on your car’s battery.
Battery Check
All of these increase the demand on your car’s battery and charging system which can lead to premature battery failure. Consequently more frequent checks are recommended so that your car battery maintains its optimum working level.
Regular battery checks can help identify and prevent premature battery failure, which can result in a vehicle breakdown at the most inconvenient time.
To protect the condition of your battery, ensure your vehicle is regularly driven on trips lasting more than 20 minutes. Journeys this long allow the battery time to fully recharge, preventing it from slowly draining over a series of shorter drives.
Battery Breakdown
Your car battery is at the heart of all your vehicle’s electrical systems, it is the only source of power to get your car started so it’s important that you check yours regularly. Flat batteries are one of the main reasons for breakdown calls in the UK, especially on cold mornings, and you’ll only really know something is wrong when your car doesn’t start.
Technical advances in the battery industry. If a battery is properly installed and maintained.
Here is Wilkinsons background into some of the detailed issues you can experience with car battery problems. We provide a full check and if necessary replacement service.
Battery Problems
Failure to turn over the engine.
The problem can occur prematurely it has most likely been caused by overcharging and/or excessive temperature.
Short trips during which the alternator cannot fully charge the battery will, eventually the battery has permanent state of deep discharge which severely cuts battery life.
No Reserve Capacity
Sulphatation not only hampers the charging process, but forms large crystals which bridge between two plates causing a short circuit, resulting in a short circuit the battery voltage rapidly increases when connected to a charger. The charger will see that the battery is fully charged and cut off, leaving the battery empty.
Freezing
A battery discharged in a temperature of 0°C, the battery would give only around 80% of its rated capacity and would be completely discharged and would freeze at around -15°C.
An electrolyte external temperature of -20°C a battery would give only 50% of its rated capacity. Freezing occurs at around -26°C.
Freezing
If a battery is properly functioning and connected to a charger, does not charge, the battery has most likely fallen victim to sulphation.
Sulphation always comes with a permanent loss of capacity. Mild sulphation in a flooded battery can sometimes be mended using a suitable charger, but is not recommended.
Battery Leakage
Acid Leakage
Battery acid is very corrosive and can cause serious damage damage to its surroundings.
Flooded batteries should always be kept in an upright position to prevent acid leaking through the filling ports or, in the case of a closed battery, through the vent. VRLA batteries do not contain free acid, so they can easily be installed in a tilted position. If a battery is leaking along the lid without signs of external damage,it is faulty and needs replacing.
Acid seepage may also find its way through the terminal seal.
If there is acid spilling through the filling caps due to a too high electrolyte level. Batteries must first be charged and topped up afterwards.
