Section: Batteries - Problems with work?
Patronage of TAB Polska. Readers ask us a lot of questions about proper battery handling. We answer most of them individually, but since some of them are repeated for help and comments, we turned to an expert - Eva Mlechko-Tanas, President of TAB Polska Sp. Mr. o. about
Posted in Batteries
Patronage: TAB Polska
The autumn-winter period is the time when the batteries go out. What to do to keep the battery in winter?EVA MLECHKO-TANAS: First of all, before the onset of frost, it is worth checking the level and density of the electrolyte. If necessary, top up and recharge the batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If the battery is old, you will need to charge it frequently, such as once a week. It's good to have your own charger with a recharge lock. You can complete the level by yourself because it is not difficult. Please use distilled water only.
If the car has a DC generator, we consume the battery outside the car.
In winter, many drivers use the car less, so remove the battery and keep it charged in a dry, warm place. However, if we do not keep the car in the garage, it can be better wrapped with heaters. Please pay attention to the cleanliness of the coating, because in winter it is easier to get a short circuit caused by moisture and water.
What to do if the electrolyte density is low?
Of course, do not change the electrolyte, but add distilled water.
I have a battery with a lower initial value, which means it wears out faster when driving around the city. I drive short distances, the radio is almost always on, heated seats. All this means that in five years I have replaced two batteries. Any advice on this?
I think you are choosing the wrong batteries, or a problem with the starter, maybe the generator. I advise you to check. Current consumers can also discharge the battery. It depends on the amount of current that is consumed per unit of time and, of course, when the engine is not running. Contact an electrician or, better, a specialized workshop. The cost is lower than battery replacement.
What to do with a badly used battery? Recycle or revive? If reanimated, how?
Previously, they were reanimated like this. First, the battery was filled with distilled water and a large charging current was connected, which caused desulfation. Then it was necessary to pour out the sulfated water. Only after that, the battery was filled with an electrolyte of the appropriate density. Whether your accumulator of such treatment, think. It's not like that anymore.
Does the battery charge less when driving in cold weather?
The electrolyte also has a lower temperature at low temperatures. When it is very cold, lead sulfate crystals fall out of solution and settle on the plates. The density of the electrolyte also increases and sulfation increases. Loading is more difficult. The most favorable temperature for charging the battery is between 30 and 40 degrees.
My car doesn't start well in cold weather. The electrician said the battery was drawing too little charging current.
Each alternator has a specific and appropriate charging voltage. The manufacturer takes into account
Use of additional current collectors. The efficiency of the generator may be too low when there are many such consumers.
If there is a problem with charging, the battery charging indicator will light up. Pay attention to whether the brightness of the car's headlights changes depending on the engine speed. If so, the charge is insufficient and the alternator, alternator or voltage regulator may be damaged.
How about connecting cables when borrowing electricity? I always have problems with this.
The rule is simple. Do not connect both cables at the same time as a short circuit may occur. If the minus was connected to ground, you should start by connecting the positive wire
from the starter battery to the battery being charged. Then connect the minus from the starter battery to ground in the starting car. High-quality cables with flexible insulation should be used, which is important at low air temperatures.
Be careful not to remove the battery clamps while the engine is running. This can be fatal to the car's electronics.
How is it with the battery from the supermarket? Can I just put it under the hood and go?The seller is obliged to offer batteries ready for use and therefore in a condition that does not require charging. The open circuit voltage must be above 12,5V.
Despite a long charge, my battery does not reach the good electrolyte density measured with an aerometer. The battery eye shows “charged”. Charging doesn't last long. The engine has not been started for several days.
Based on the symptoms, the battery needs to be replaced. This condition can be confirmed by checking the color of the electrolyte. If it turns brown, it will be difficult to revive the battery. I think it's a pity. Battery life is not more than 6 years. So if the driver drives for a long time with this battery, then I advise you to buy a new Fuel.
