The battery is an integral part of the car. It has three main functions. First of all, it is starting the engine. A battery is also needed to power some electrical devices such as alarms when the engine is off. When the load on the generator is heavy and it cannot cope, then this load is divided into the battery.
Battery device
A car battery or storage battery (accumulator) usually consists of 6 cells. The total voltage of the battery is 12 volts. Accordingly, each element produces 2 volts.
Each battery cell is a lead plate coated with a special active substance.
The battery has negative and positive plates. The difference between them lies in the substance with which they are coated. The positive ones are usually coated with lead dioxide, and the negative ones with fine porous or spongy lead.
The battery capacity is filled with a special electrolyte based on sulfuric acid. Lead cells are immersed in this electrolyte.
Battery performance
When any load is connected to the battery, it begins to generate electric current. This happens as a result of a chemical reaction between sulfuric acid and the active substance that covers the plates.
In the course of a chemical reaction, the electrolytic solution becomes less concentrated, and salt precipitates on the plates, namely lead sulfate.
The more salt is deposited on the plates and the lower the concentration of the electrolyte, the less electric current is generated by the battery. To restore it to normal operation, the battery must be connected to a charger.
When the battery is charged, the chemical reaction proceeds in the opposite direction. The salt dissolves in the electrolyte, which returns its concentration, and the active substance is restored on the plates.
After charging, the battery regains its ability to generate electricity.
Battery failure
Basically, there are no cells in the battery that could break. Usually, its malfunctions are not associated with its own defects, but with a small charge.
The battery quickly discharges if it has additional loads during parking: left on dimensions or car radio, leakage current, which is a frequent occurrence on old cars.
The battery itself, of course, wears out during service. Sooner or later, the plates corrode, the active coating on them becomes depleted, and the electrolyte is depleted.
When the battery is in a discharged state for a long time, its cells wear out much faster.
To extend the life of the battery, it must always be kept charged.
The greatest wear of batteries occurs when exposed to high temperatures, that is, in summer, but this wear only affects in winter.
