Battery
The battery is one of the most important components of a vehicle. It provides the necessary energy to start the engine, operate the lights and power the various electrical systems of the car. Without a properly functioning battery, your car won't be able to run at all. But what exactly is a car battery and how does it work?
Composition of a car battery. A car battery is made up of several components, including lead plates, lead oxide, and an electrolyte solution. The lead plates are the main energy source of the battery and are coated with lead oxide to increase their surface area and improve their performance. The electrolyte solution is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water, which reacts with the lead plates to produce electricity. The battery also contains various other components such as a housing, terminals and various connectors.
Types of car batteries:
1. Flood Batteries – These are the most common type of car battery and use a liquid electrolyte solution.
2. Absorbent Glass (AGM) Batteries – These batteries use a gel-like electrolyte solution that is absorbed by a glass plate, making them more resistant to shock and vibration.
3. Lithium Ion Batteries – These batteries are becoming increasingly popular in electric and hybrid vehicles due to their high energy density and long life.
Battery
How a car battery works. When you turn the key in your car's ignition, it sends an electrical signal to the battery, which then sends current to the starter motor. The starter then starts the engine, which starts the combustion process and starts the car. Once the engine is started, the alternator takes over charging the battery, while also providing power to the car's electrical systems. The battery acts as a regulator, ensuring that there is always enough energy available to start the engine and operate the car's electrical systems, even when the alternator is not producing enough energy.
Maintaining your car battery. Like any other part of your car, your battery requires regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good working order.