Section: Batteries - Before you buy a new battery…

Patronage: TAB Polska Sp. z oo In autumn, the battery market is gaining momentum. However, the purchase of a new battery should be approached with caution. The parameters of the purchased battery are usually selected by drivers based on previously used ones. Problems start when there is old and unreadable data in it, or previously incorrect parameters were applied.

Posted in Batteries

Patronage: TAB Polska Sp. Mr. Fr.

The catalog and the seller's extensive knowledge of battery selection can help in any situation. Drivers should also pay attention to the place of purchase. A good place to buy is where sellers can provide comprehensive information about the right app. It is also desirable to have a full range of batteries available at the point of sale to avoid the need for compromise applications. In a word - buy a battery only from a good seller.

Currently, those retail chains that are able to handle complaints relatively painlessly enjoy a good reputation. The number of legitimate complaints is within 1%, the rest is caused by faulty work. Differences in the failure of different brands are insignificant and amount to a fraction of a percent. The complaint problem is different and arises from the proportion of complaints related to manufacturing defects in relation to complaints caused by improper operation. This proportion is about 1:12. It can be clearly stated that for every 120 batteries sold, 0 pieces are sent to the claims service, of which XNUMX pieces are considered a factory defect.

You know that…As the ambient temperature (including the electrolyte) decreases, the electrical capacity of the battery decreases. The battery capacity at a given ambient temperature is:

• 100% performance at +25°С,

• 80% capacity at 0°C,

• 70% power at -10°C,

• 60% capacity at -25°C.

For partially discharged batteries, the capacity will be proportionately lower. Energy consumption increases due to the need to drive with high beams on. Lower temperatures also cause the oil to harden. In crankcases and gears, the resistance that the starter must overcome increases, therefore, the current drawn from the battery during start-up increases. Therefore, before the winter season:

• Check the electrolyte level and density, top up and recharge if necessary, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. At present, almost all batteries sold on the market meet the maintenance-free standard.
• In cars with a DC generator, where there may be a negative energy balance, if necessary, the battery must be recharged outside the car - before starting the engine, do not forget to press the clutch pedal, which reduces the resistance to the starter, and thereby reduces battery power consumption,
• If the car will not be used in winter, remove the battery and store it charged.
• The battery must be securely fastened to the vehicle, and the terminal clamps must be well tightened and protected with a layer of acid-free Vaseline.
• Complete discharge of the battery should be avoided (we do not leave electrical receivers on after the engine is turned off).

Warranty - What can you expect?Manufacturers of lead-acid batteries indicate the durability of these devices at about 6-7 thousand operations. This is due to the natural process of falling out of the active mass from the connecting plates during the entire operation.

A discharged battery is characterized by reduced parameters (capacity and starting current), a more or less distinct change in the color of the electrolyte from transparent to cloudy. A worn out battery cannot be "reanimated".

When the producer is to blame...

We can observe two main causes of battery failure due to the fault of the manufacturer: an open circuit and an internal short circuit. An internal short circuit of the battery can be caused by damage to the separator (during installation, a foreign object between the plate and the separator, etc.). A battery with an internal short circuit usually has low terminal voltage and a greatly reduced and unstable starting current. A battery with an internal short circuit is not suitable for further use or repair; it must be replaced with a new one under the warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Battery failures resulting from improper use are the most common reason for advertising these devices in service centers. The main mistake of battery users is the complete lack of interest in the instruction manual.

… And when the user

Many of these devices would not be damaged if the user could determine in time the factor that adversely affects the battery condition. Unfortunately, many drivers say that they are not interested in the owner's manual because they bought a new battery. Unfortunately, they do not take into account that the guarantee is provided only for factory defects. It is assumed that the device is used correctly and the user manual is followed.