e-CAR

Technical Tips

Batteries

Technical tip - Understanding the battery function

The battery is a chemical storage facility for electricity for your vehicle. It is continually kept electrically filled by other components in your vehicle from the alternator or regulator. When you first experience difficult starting problems, consult your nearest Bosch Battery Power Station. They will ensure your battery is receiving a balanced feed of electricity from the alternator in order to store the amount you need for starting and to run the electrical system in your vehicle. Even when not experiencing problems, it is good motoring policy to have a free systems check at your local Bosch Battery Power Station. Pre-empt problems before holidays and the onslaught of cold weather when the battery is required to operate at peak performance.

Technical tip - Battery maintenance for cars

The battery is the first item to be blamed when the vehicle will not start. The service life of the battery depends to a large extent on many external factors which affect its performance. Most batteries fail due to various forms of abuse. Avoid the following common forms of abuse, and protect the battery and electrical system.

Loose battery terminals cause the melting of battery terminals and can result in sparks which lead to an explosion in the battery.
Vibration - holding clamps which are properly fastened will result in the active material parting from the grid and the capacity will be reduced.
Over-tightening of the hold-down clamps will cause the container to crack or distort, causing damage to other parts of the vehicle.
Hammering on the battery terminal will loosen the poles or break the internal components. Always use the correct size spanners when replacing or removing terminals. Never loosen the terminals by force.
Dirt and damp on the battery will cause gradual self-discharge.
Overcharging - this causes an excessive loss of water and consequently causes the plates to shake off their active material, thus reducing capacity and service life.
A battery which is left standing in a discharged state will also suffer plate sulphation and irreversible damage.
A faulty regulator or alternator will lead to points 7 and 8 mentioned above.
A loose fanbelt leads to the discharge of the battery. Periodic attention to the battery as well as to the remainder of the electrical system, including the fanbelt tension, is essential for trouble-free service in any vehicle.
Incorrect electrolyte levels - when these are too low, plates dry out and sulphates. When these are too high, electrolyte escapes through the air hole, which can lead to acid damage.
Adding acid instead of water increases the PH of the electrolyte to the point where it attacks the plates.

Technical tip - Battery maintenance for caravans

When arriving back from that caravanning holiday, disconnect the caravan or auxiliary battery, put on trickle charge then store on cardboard or wood in a cool, dry place. Repeat this procedure every 2 - 3 months. Always have a hydrometer in the garage to check the relative density so you know the battery is fully-charged and ready for that impulsive, get-away weekend. Avoid long family faces when lights don't come on and the car won't start.

Technical tip - Upgrading

If you are unhappy with the battery life you get, and are satisfied the electrical system is in a good operating condition, consider upgrading. You (or a previous owner) may have modified the vehicle with airconditioning, extra lights, etc. Always ask when buying a replacement battery whether an upgrade is a viable option; it usually is, and will in general provide a longer battery life.