automotive q&a: how (and when) to buy a new car battery - battery energy storage system
Question: I think I may need a new battery soon.
A friend rode with me and commented that my engine was not as fast as when we left early in the morning.
Does that sound right?
Can you give me some help on how to deal with this?
I don't remember when the last change was;
Maybe it was a long time ago. C. M.
Answer: Your friend sounds like a great person!
The symptom of battery aging is slow start-up, especially when it starts up in a cool morning --
After a long time, the door is on or the headlights are on a bit.
Another symptom is the significant change in headlight brightness from engine idle to faster.
To make sure it's time to replace the battery, there is a quick and easy test called conductivity test, which requires a diagnostic tool.
Many car parts shops and repair facilities offer free service and hope you can continue to purchase batteries if needed.
Other possible reasons for the apparent weakening of the battery include terminal corrosion/looseness, excessive battery energy consumption during parking, insufficient battery charging or starter problems (
If the only symptom is a bad temper/no bad temper).
These are easy to check if symptoms need to be.
Due to lower battery performance, the boot system is more demanding, so the battery usually has aging symptoms in cold weather.
Here are some suggestions if you do need to buy a new battery.
Your specific car battery has a group number (
Usually double digits, one for all vehicles)
Provisions of BCI (
International Battery Association).
This number indicates the physical size, type and direction of the terminal, hold-
Methods and other features.
In addition to the group number, the automaker has also specified CCA (
Cold start amplifier)
Rating the vehicle according to engine size and number of electrical accessories.
CCA is the number of amps (
Number of current)
The battery can be provided for 30 seconds-
17 C, keep at least 7 at the same time. 2 volts —
A strange standard, but useful.
CCA can vary from about 400 to 1,000 depending on the physical size of the battery, the composition of the board, and the design features.
Usually, a physically larger battery has a higher rating, and it doesn't hurt to be big if it's right.
Be sure to reach or exceed the recommended CCA level.
Reserve capacity (RC)
Can also be specified.
This is the measure of the battery's ability to deliver current without charging, perhaps when the vehicle is parked or traveling, the charging system fails.
RC is the number of minutes the battery can provide 25 amps of current when the voltage is less than 10. 5 volts (12.
6 volts is normal.
Load voltage of fully charged batteries).
Replacing batteries can also be optimized for climate.
The cold weather reduces performance, and the hot weather shortens life.
Another possible option is the AGM with a higher price (
Absorbing glass mat)
Battery, not the traditional flooded battery.
This design is overflowing.
Anti-vibration, stronger anti-vibration performance, longer duration, and will not
Among other advantages, rapid emissions during storage.
When buying a battery, look at the warranty provided.
Complete replacement time (
Two to three years in general)
It is often followed by a prorated period, perhaps another three to four years.
I am looking for the best full replacement period as a professional
Rated warranty limit replacement options.
Brad bergholder is a lecturer in automotive technology at Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, California.
Readers can email him at bradbergholder @ gmail.
Unfortunately, he could not reply in person.