Machine breakdown. 40 percent of car breakdowns are caused by this element

Every year in winter, the number of car breakdowns due to a faulty battery increases. This is due both to temperature fluctuations and the fact that during this period drivers use additional energy-intensive functions, such as heated seats and windows. Last year, battery blockages were also caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which cars were used only sporadically or for short distances.

- The importance of the battery is noticed by drivers only when there is a problem with starting the engine. Paradoxically, then it's too late Adam Potempa, Clarios battery specialist, tells Newseria Biznes. - The first signals of a faulty battery are noticeable much earlier. In conventional cars, this is dimming the lights on the dashboard or low beam when starting the engine. On the other hand, in cars with a start/stop system, it is a constantly running engine, even when the car is stopped at a red traffic light and the start/stop function is active. All this indicates a faulty battery and the need to visit a service center.

Data from the German association ADAC, cited by VARTA, show that 40 percent. The cause of all car breakdowns is a faulty battery. This is partly due to the advanced age of cars – the average age of cars in Poland is around 13 years, and in some cases the battery has never been tested.

- Many factors affect battery life. First of all, you need to pay attention to driving a car for short distances. The generator during such a ride is not able to replenish the energy that was used to start the engine. Adam Potempa says

It is estimated that even a parked car consumes about 1% of the total daily consumption. battery energy. Although not used, it is constantly discharged by electrical consumers, such as an alarm or keyless entry. VARTA estimates that up to 150 of these receivers are required in new vehicles.

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- Even when the car is used only occasionally, the battery is used to power security systems such as central locking or alarm systems, comfort systems, keyless door opening, or additional receivers installed by drivers, such as security cameras, GPS, or rodent deterrent systems. Then the battery is discharged by these attachments, which in turn leads to its failure - explains expert Clarios.

As he points out, in the autumn-winter period, this risk is even greater due to the use of additional energy-intensive functions, such as heated seats or windows. The car heating itself can consume up to 1000 watts of power, despite using the heat generated by the engine.

– All this means that a negative energy balance can appear, and therefore an undercharged battery – says Adam Potempa. - The low temperature during the autumn-winter period is also important, as it limits the chemical reactions that occur in the battery. For batteries that are in poor condition, this indicates a problem with starting the engine.

Battery life is also shortened due to large temperature fluctuations. When winter comes after a hot summer, its efficiency drops, and the engine's need for additional energy to start may be beyond its capabilities. Sometimes one freezing night is all it takes, so drivers are advised to check the condition of their battery beforehand, rather than risking breakdown, roadside assistance and related costs.

- Currently, batteries are positioned as maintenance-free, but this does not mean that they should be forgotten during scheduled vehicle inspections. It is generally recommended to regularly check the battery voltage at least once every three months. the specialist points out. - For this purpose, you can use the simplest diagnostic tool, which is a multimeter with a voltmeter option. In addition, we also have the ability to test the strength of the connection of the clamps to the battery poles and remove dirt or moisture from the battery case with an antistatic cloth. In the case of cars with difficult access to the battery or relatively new ones, it is recommended to use the help of a service that often provides this service for free.

As newer vehicles are equipped with advanced electronics, he points out, checking the condition of the battery - and possibly replacing it - should be carried out at a specialized service center. Errors leading to a power outage, for example, may be related to, for example, data loss, malfunction of the power windows or the need to reinstall the software. Therefore, a specialist must be present every time the battery is replaced.

“In the past, replacing a battery was not a difficult operation. However, at the moment it is a complex process that requires knowledge and additional service procedures. Due to the large number of computer modules in the car and sensitive electronics, we do not recommend replacing the battery yourself - says Adam Potempa. - The process of replacing the battery includes not only its disassembly and assembly in the car, but also additional activities that must be performed using diagnostic tools. For example, in vehicles with an energy management system, battery adaptation in the BMS is required. On the other hand, in the case of other vehicles, it may be necessary to adapt the lowering level of the power windows or the operation of the sunroof. All this makes the process of replacing the battery today quite difficult.

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