It's getting colder outside. Check battery health

Until it became completely cold outside, and in the morning we will be unpleasantly surprised by a discharged battery, let's check its condition. He also, like us, does not like negative temperatures!

As they decrease, the electrical capacity of the battery decreases. This is the effect of lowering the temperature of the electrolyte in a car battery, and as a result, it can produce less electricity than usual. Contrary to appearances, the battery is very sensitive to both severe frosts and heat. Although the latter are unlikely to threaten us in the near future, it is worth remembering that high temperatures, including in the engine compartment, accelerate the corrosion of the positive plates of the battery, thereby reducing battery life. So don't forget to leave your car in direct sunlight in the summer, and after the holidays, check how our car battery behaves.

We often forget that the alarm, navigation, electronic driver identification system or central locking consume electricity even when the car is parked. In addition, additional energy during start-up is consumed, for example, by headlights, radio or air conditioning. That is why it is so important to limit the power consumption when starting the car and not stress the battery unnecessarily.

Check regularly

We just forget about the battery and remember when it's too late... that is, when we can't start the car. Meanwhile, like other car components, such as the condition of the tires or the oil level, the battery requires regular checks. They should be related to the battery charge level, as well as to the density and level of the electrolyte. This is especially true for vehicles traveling in city traffic, for short distances, where the battery may not be sufficiently charged. Regular checks, preferably every three months, will protect the battery from discharging. We can ask our mechanic to check that the battery is installed correctly and that it fits our vehicle. During such an inspection, the battery and clamps should be cleaned, and their clamp should also be checked, additionally securing them with a layer of acid-free petroleum jelly. Have the mechanic also check the alternator and charging system during this inspection.

How to choose a battery?

Experts say batteries last an average of 3 to 6 years, depending on how they are used. It must be remembered that the battery, like any other battery, sits down over time, and attempts to recharge it will not be enough. Then such a battery must be replaced, and the used one must be disposed of as hazardous waste. But don't worry. Lead-acid batteries are recyclable and 97 percent of their components will be used, for example, in the manufacture of new batteries.

When deciding to buy a new battery for our car, remember that it must be matched to our car. To get started, let's check the car's owner's manual to see what battery settings are recommended by the car's manufacturer. Experts say that you should not buy either a weaker or a more powerful battery. If we have any doubts, it is worth contacting an authorized distributor who will help us find the battery that suits our needs, as well as collect the used battery from us and send it for recycling. If we do not return the used battery at the time of purchase, we will pay a deposit of PLN 30. It will be returned to us when we return the used battery.

When choosing a battery, it is worth remembering that it feeds not only the most important components of the car, but also additional devices installed in it. After all, heating mirrors, windows, heated seats, navigation and audio equipment also need electricity to work.

If we have a lot of such devices, do not forget to inform the seller about this when buying. In this situation, a battery with low self-discharge and additional starting power will be better for us.

If you would like to match a battery to our vehicle, you can use the search engine available on the battery manufacturer's website.

“By entering a few basic vehicle parameters, such as make, model, year of manufacture or engine size, we can easily and quickly choose the battery for our car ourselves,” explains Marek Przystalowski, Vice President of the Management Board and Technical Director. Jenox Akku. “In addition, each manufacturer has prepared catalogs to help customers choose the right battery. They contain lists of batteries designed for specific car models. More often than not, we can choose between a standard or premium product,” he adds.

Parameters matter most

Experts pay attention not to put too much battery in our car. Not only does it cost more, it's heavier, but most importantly, it can be in a state of notorious undercharging. This, in turn, shortens the life of the car battery. – As a rule, when choosing a battery, the buyer should be guided by two parameters. The first is the capacity of the battery, i.e. how much energy we can extract from it, and the second is the starting current, i.e. the current that we need to start the vehicle. You should also check how the attachment points are located in our car, i.e. which side is plus and minus. Their location depends on the vehicle manufacturer. For example, Japanese-made cars have completely different sizes and shapes of car batteries. Suitable batteries are also produced for them – narrow and tall,” explains Marek Przystalowski.

But that's not all. When buying a new battery, in addition to choosing the right one in terms of parameters, you should pay attention to how long the battery has been stored in the store. To ensure the highest quality, you should use authorized distribution points. Also, remember that the warranty is valid from the date of purchase, not the date of manufacture of the car battery. When buying a battery, do not forget to stamp the warranty card, which must be kept along with the receipt. Only they have the right to file a possible complaint.

Let's remember. Each battery is labeled with key information: starting current, battery voltage rating and battery capacity. In addition, the label also includes additional markings, informing, among other things, about the danger, about the position in which the battery should be kept, about its leakage, or, finally, about the fact that the battery is recyclable.