Back to Basics: 5 Fun Facts about Car Batteries New Drivers Should Know About

So you’re a new driver who just bought a new vehicle... and you’re very pumped to step on the gas and hit the road?
But how about hitting the brakes first and gather more helpful information about batteries?

You might ask, what for? Well, knowledge is power when it comes to understanding your vehicle and its batteries.

Your car’s battery is the heart and soul of your ride. It’s the one responsible for starting the engine and helping you reach your destination.

Bear in mind that the more you know about this powerful component, the less likely you’ll face a hapless situation such as getting stuck.

So hold your horses (we mean your vehicle) and keep your shirt on and read these five fun facts about car batteries new drivers should know about.

Contents show

Here’s How Your Car’s Battery Works

The battery is a power source that provides a jolt of electricity necessary to start your vehicle and all its electrical components. Without this power unit, your car is just another well-designed metalwork with 4 circular rubbers lying on your garage. It’s the one that starts the engine – talk about a pretty huge responsibility here. Without you noticing it, there is this certain chemical reaction happening inside the engine. The battery converts this chemical energy into electrical energy, which then delivers voltage to the starter and gives power to the vehicle.

Not Just for Power

So, the battery is about starting the engine? Well, not only that. This power source is also responsible for keeping the electric current steady. It’s important to note that it also provides voltage stabilization.

The term simply pertains to the energy supply in order to keep your engine working and your vehicle running. People call these batteries ‘little box’ but the power it provides is incredibly huge.

Batteries are also a key component when it comes to boosting your vehicle’s performance through accessories such as power steering and air-conditioners. It is the battery that provides the extra power needed to make those functions possible.

Therefore, knowing more about your car’s battery will help you better understand how it works and what it does. It’ll help you in the future as well to avoid getting stuck and breaking down.

Let’s have a look at this thing in action. For starters, you got to realize that the car’s battery doesn’t actually store energy. In order to store energy, you need a power station – which is something you can find somewhere else in your home or office and feed through a cable (called an AC line). These are the ones producing electricity.

The car battery, on the other hand, is just a portable power supply that stores energy. It’s like a rechargeable battery inside your home – it’s not really producing any power but it’s holding it for you to use when necessary.

So the job of the battery is to store energy (or provide power) for your vehicle until you need it. At that moment, the electrical power will reach your car just as fast as you plugged it in.

Keep in mind that your car’s battery is not a storage tank for energy. It’s a source of power – that’s how it works.

It is possible for you to think of your car’s battery as a storage unit – your car can still run even if you don’t charge it (not really advisable though).

However, it won’t be able to continue running for a very long time. When the battery dies, so does your vehicle. That’s why you need to give this power unit some juice every now and then – just like humans that need food to survive.

Another thing you have to understand is that the battery doesn’t actually store energy – it uses chemical reactions to store energy.

A car battery contains two types of liquids: acid and water, which are both very flammable. With an open wire connection, this mixture will produce a chemical reaction and cause a fire. This is why you’ve got a plastic case that prevents an open wire connection from happening.

Modern Day Batteries

Unlike old car batteries, the models we have today can typically last from 4 to 7 years. Of course, it depends on several factors such as usage, climate, care, and maintenance. Almost all power sources today have improved significantly.

In fact, some models can give you early warning signs that it’s losing power and needs to be replaced. You’ll also find products today that are resistant to vibration, discharging, and even heat.

Always check the features and functionality of the unit and make sure that it fits your driving needs. If in doubt, visit a nearby shop and consult experts about the best options available.

Another thing to remember is that manufacturers use different ways to create batteries. They can either be gel-filled, flooded, or sealed.

The right product for you is entirely up to you and your personal preferences. The most important thing is that your battery has the necessary features and specifications you want and need for your vehicle.

Lastly, take note of the care instructions for better maintenance. Check your owner’s manual, warranty card, and other product literature for this information. It’s one thing to read about a battery, but another to actually have the knowledge you need to know when you have an issue.

While there is indeed a lot of functional components in your vehicle, batteries are the most important ones as they are responsible for providing power to all the electronic gadgets within your ride.

Car battery capacity is measured in amp hour, which basically means how many amps can be delivered over a period of one hour. Every component in your vehicle uses electricity. When all the gadgets in your vehicle are working, you’re going to need a lot of energy – that’s why it’s good to have a car battery with the largest capacity possible.

If you are planning to replace your battery, make sure that it is compatible with other components in your car. Also, make sure that the new battery is of high quality and will not fail you at any point.

Remember, hard work always pays off in the end. Just don’t forget to bring in the spare parts for you to keep your vehicle running smoothly. The same applied to your car battery.

The right car battery for your vehicle is one that will give you satisfaction and many years of service. Take proper care of it, understand how it works, and check the model number constantly.

Remember that every car battery is different and has its own set of characteristics. Therefore, the best car battery to buy for you and your vehicle is one that meets your needs.

You don’t just need to go to a shop and ask for replacement parts, these things can be found online as well. Online stores exist here in the Philippines as well, so make sure to check out your options before buying.

Also, most of these manufacturers also sell spare parts in case anything breaks down during your drive. It is a good idea to bring in a second car battery as the installation process takes considerable time.

Finally, take note of the list of directions for proper care and maintenance. In the end, you should also make sure that you get one that fits your needs and gives you full satisfaction.

When it comes to buying your car battery, there are so many options available today. Most importantly, be informed on why these products exist, how they work and their features.

Blame the Weather

Believe it or not, the weather has a significant impact on your battery’s life and performance. This is because most models today utilize a liquid electrolyte solution to hold a charge, which is affected by hot and cold temperature.

During the cold season, low temperature freezes these electrolytes and reduces its ability to provide full power. And during the hot season, the solution evaporates, limiting its ability to hold a charge and jolt necessary power.

It’s advisable that you choose a battery that is weatherproof and is able to withstand extreme weather conditions. This will ensure the safety of your vehicle.

Remember, you can’t start your vehicle if the battery is dead because of extreme temperature. On hot days, make sure that you leave the windows in the operation position.

This way, your car can cool down as it runs. Just make sure to close it again when you’re driving or when you’re parked.

Cold weather can be just as dangerous to batteries as hot weather. When the weather is too cold, it’ll be harder for your car to start. Plus, it also reduces the lifespan and performance of your battery.

In situations such as this, it’s best to wait until the temperature rises and then start driving again. You’ll find that this is a useful trick when you have the urge to start your car even if the weather is low.

Furthermore, it’s also important to know that batteries are also affected by other elements of nature. It can get damaged from explosions, fires, and floods.

No matter what the cause is, it will have a significant impact on your car’s performance and lifespan.

Though you might think that the batteries in your vehicle are pretty durable, you must remember that it’s not indestructible, especially if you drop your vehicle or bang it on something. It’s always advisable to have spares for emergencies.

Lastly, we know that the weather is unpredictable so it can also affect battery performance. Therefore, we suggest buying a car battery with good protection features and one that is well-insulated to withstand extreme conditions.

Still, it’s important that you understand how your car battery works and the effect it will have on your vehicle. This is important especially if you want to have a long-lasting battery which can withstand extreme weather conditions.

In short, don’t just go after batteries based on their capacity and brand names. The other factors play a significant role in determining battery performance as well.

It’s Not Always the Battery’s Fault

Some new drivers automatically blame the batteries if their car won’t start. But the truth is, this little box is not always the main culprit. There are times when the starter motor gets faulty and makes a clicking sound that is very similar to a dead battery.

You’ll also find professional mechanics who say failing alternators are to blame. Or perhaps it’s a worn-out spark plug or clogged fuel injectors. The point is, it’s not always the battery.

Nonetheless, you always need to make sure that you provide it with great TLC - if you want to avoid road misfortunes. It’s common for drivers to forget about batteries, especially if they haven’t used a certain car for a prolonged amount of time.

The best way to keep it in tip-top shape is by providing it with proper care following a number of instructions. If you want to know more about the maintenance, check the product manual or speak to your local mechanic.

Don’t forget to take a look at the battery tabs in the glove compartment and always keep it sealed when its not in use. This will prevent it from losing its charge or get exposed to extreme temperatures.

Also, check that the terminals are not rusty and clean them if they have dirt and debris. Ensure that the cables are in good condition as well. If you see any cuts or cracks, replace them immediately for safety purposes.

The battery is one important component of your car that can easily get damaged when you’re busy with other tasks. Always make sure to check it before you leave home or start driving again. It’ll protect you from road mishaps that can lead to serious problems.

If your car won’t start or idling out, it’s safe to check the battery as this will prevent issues that you wouldn’t like to experience.

You might also want to check the battery terminals. If they feel loose or move around, then it’s time to get it replaced or tighten them. The best way to check the terminals is to clean them.

If you’re on a short trip, it’s also recommended that you turn off your headlights and use your turn signals as this will help reduce battery drain.

And when you’re parking your car, never leave the headlights and other accessories on as this will drain the battery. If possible, use a jump starter to charge it up again.

And if you want to know more about buying the best jump starter for your car, then check out our product reviews.

Finally, always make sure that the wiring around the battery is not exposed to corrosion or dirt. It’s always good to place a fuse box cover over them. This will stop any form of damage from happening and also improve it.

It is difficult for owners to know when their battery is actually getting old and needs replacing. If you want to know how long your car original battery last, then you have to keep an eye out for changes in performance.

You can also go through our reviews on best replacement car batteries.

Conclusion

The right battery for your car can be crucial to the life of your vehicle. If it’s not properly maintained, it may be useless in the long run. That’s why many people are willing to spend as much as needed on battery maintenance so that they can have a more reliable car.

There are also different types and features out there today that you need to consider when buying one. Make sure that you get one from a reputable supplier or manufacturer before cutting corners and buying something low-quality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many years do car batteries last?

How often do you need a new car battery?

It depends on such factors as weather conditions your drive in, your driving habits, your car model and other. Normally, a car battery will last from 4 to 6 years. After your battery runs out of charge, you can either recharge it, either purchase a new one.

However, before recharging your car battery, give it a closer look to see whether it has any damages such as leaks, drains, cracks or corrosion. If the damage is serious, it is better to buy a new car battery.

Why do car batteries go flat?

Your battery is responsible for everything in your car that is not fueled by gasoline. By using accessories, such as radio, phone charge and other, as well as car lights and salon lights, your battery loses its charge.

Although your battery is enough for 4-6 years and it is being charged by the alternator, at some point it will go flat.

How many types of batteries are there?

There are five types of batteries available for cars: lead acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium ion and lithium polymer. Lead acid batteries are the most common and have been in use since the invention of the battery in 1859.

What is the difference between lead acid and nickel-cadmium?

Lead acid batteries are the oldest and most common type of battery used in automobiles today. They contain a liquid electrolyte, which contains lead peroxide or another material, as well as sulfuric acid to remove oxygen from the electrolyte.

The lead peroxide decomposes when a battery is overcharged or over discharged, releasing hydrogen and oxygen gas into the automobile's interior. These gases cause the odors associated with most vehicle batteries.

What is interesting about batteries?

Lead acid, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries are all sealed. This is also the case with lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries. You cannot add water to a sealed battery.

Adding water to a lead acid battery will cause it to expand, damaging the battery and possibly rupturing the cell or the case. Adding water to a nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride battery will make the battery explode.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are currently in use in electric cars, as well as some model of laptop computers. They are rechargeable because they contain a very low amount of chemically active material, which allows them to be charged multiple times without significant damage.

How powerful is a car battery?

If you want a powerful car battery, it will have the capacity power a powerful engine. Your engine may produce 300 horsepower, but if your car's battery has only the capacity to deliver 50 horsepower, it will show its weakness in the acceleration and top speed departments.

Remember that a car battery is designed to provide temporary power to your vehicle without consuming fuel. You should keep this in mind when you're deciding on what kind of battery you want for your car.

Can car batteries last 10 years?

Car batteries can last 10 years if they are properly maintained and looked after. The main elements that will determine the life of your car battery are how often it's used, the quality of the acid inside, and the charging system.

When was the first battery?

Alkaline batteries were the first type of battery and chambered in sizes ranging from one-half to one-fourteenth of an inch in diameter. In 1859, French chemist named Gaston Plante invented the first carbon-zinc dry cell. This was followed by a zinc-carbon type of cell that could be used in clocks and small radios.

Who invented the first battery cell?

The first battery cell was invented by Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. Volta found that he could generate electricity from chemical energy. His cell demonstrated the production of electricity with two different metals, which reacted with acidic liquids.

How long should car battery last without driving?

Car batteries should last two or three weeks without driving. If your car sits idle for an extended period of time, it could lead to a loss of power in the battery. If you have a lot of mileage on your battery, consider replacing it before it completely dies.

What do the codes on a car battery mean?

The first number represents the season it was made. The second number indicates the year. The month is represented by a letter, like A for January. The remaining numbers and letters are to track the exact date of manufacture.

At what voltage is a 12v battery dead?

A 12-volt battery is dead when the voltage drops below 10.5 volts or so. You should check your vehicle's owner's manual to find the recommended voltage range. The lower the internal resistance, the higher the voltage you'll need to jump-start your car.

Is it OK to put a bigger battery in your car?

Generally, it is not a good idea to try to make your car more powerful by putting a larger battery in. The larger battery may not be compatible with the electrical system and can cause damage. There could also be issues with wiring that are not designed for the bigger size of the battery.