Even non-electric vehicles have batteries, but what for?
A car battery is a component found in every vehicle, not just electric cars, and it's the heart of your vehicle's electrical system. Understanding what a car battery is for, as well as the signs of when yours needs replacing is crucial for any driver, as it not only helps in maintaining the vehicle but also ensures a smoother and uninterrupted driving experience. This article delves into the critical functions of a car battery, highlighting why it's indispensable regardless of what vehicle you drive.
Starting Your Engine: The Primary Role
The primary function of a car battery is to provide power for the starter motor and engine management computer (ECU), both of which are required to start the engine.
When you turn the ignition key, the battery, which is a store of electrical energy, delivers a huge current to the starter motor. This process is the spark of life for your vehicle, making the battery an essential component for starting your car. Without a healthy battery, your car may have difficulty starting, emphasising the battery's pivotal role in your vehicle's operation and reliability.
Powering Electrical Components: Beyond Starting the Engine
In addition to starting the engine, the car battery is capable of supplying power to all of the vehicle's electrical components when the engine is off. This includes essentials like headlights, interior lights, the radio, power windows and more.
When the engine is running, the alternator provides much of the power required to run your vehicle, but the alternator output tends to fluctuate wildly with engine speed, resulting in dips and surges that can disrupt sensitive electronics like your engine management computers and stereo systems. The battery serves an important role by levelling out and stabilising the voltage output from the alternator in order for your cars’ electrics to run at peak efficiency.
Between the alternator and the battery, all the electric current required by features such as the air conditioning, infotainment system, and navigation are met. The battery ensures these components function smoothly, enhancing comfort safety and confidence on the road.
Maintaining Battery Health: Essential for Reliability
By now, you’ve come to understand the importance of your cars’ battery. Due to the immense stresses that they undergo in terms of electrical draw requirements, temperature fluctuations and charging cycles, batteries only last so long before they start to fail.
Under typical usage. Most batteries last 3- 5 years when they are routinely inspected, properly secured and the terminals are kept clean.
Old and damaged batteries often show signs of failing. Symptoms may include:
- Slow engine cranking when trying to start your engine
- The battery warning light illuminating on your dashboard
- Corroded battery terminals
- A damaged, cracked or broken battery housing
- Miscellaneous electrical gremlins that come and go
- A strange odour from your battery, reminiscent of old eggs
Regular checks by professionals can diagnose and resolve battery issues, ensuring that your car remains reliable and ready to go whenever you are.
Have your battery tested!
Your car battery is a critical component of your vehicle, responsible for starting the engine, powering electrical components, and stabilising the voltage of your car's electrical system.
Fortunately, many battery issues can be detected early with a simple load test. Bring your vehicle into Marks & Wallings for a battery and charging system health check. We will perform this test during a routine service, but if you’re planning a road trip or a long drive, it's a quick, simple and cheap peace of mind to have a battery health check before you go.
Contact us today on 9807 1000 or visit our workshop at 940-946 Victoria Rd, West Ryde for more information on your vehicle battery today!