How to Maintain an Automotive Battery

An automotive battery is the source of electric current that powers your car’s electrical components. It converts chemical energy into electrical power to start the engine and provide voltage when needed.

A traditional wet cell battery uses a liquid component called electrolyte. These batteries need to be topped up with distilled water from time to time as the electrolyte evaporates.

Safety

Automotive batteries are a quintessential example of hazardous materials that require meticulous handling. Containing corrosive acids and heavy metals, they can cause burns or environmental damage when handled incorrectly. They are also often stored and transported under dangerous conditions, which increases their risk of accidental mishaps.

A battery is a complex system of cells with high-impedance cathodes and separators that create a safe separation between the anode and the cathode, preventing short-circuiting. But any breach of this isolation can produce a reaction called thermal runaway. The reaction promotes heat automotive battery that is more than the cell can disperse, triggering a self-propagating chain of events that can lead to fire or explosion.

When handling a battery, it is essential to use protective equipment, including goggles and acid-resistant gloves. It is also important to keep the battery away from ignition sources, such as cigarettes, flames, and sparks, to prevent an accidental ignition of the acidic electrolyte.

It is a good idea to check a vehicle battery on a regular basis for signs of corrosion or damage. Often, corrosion around the battery terminals can weaken connections and interfere with electricity flow. A simple home remedy is to mix baking soda and water to wipe away any corrosive build-up on the battery terminals. It is also a good idea to have the battery tested for proper voltage at least once per year.

Maintenance

Getting the most reliable performance from an automotive battery requires attention to maintenance procedures. During its lifetime, the battery undergoes thousands of discharge-recharge cycles. Each cycle wears out a bit of the lead plates and decreases cold cranking amps. Deep discharging – using the battery to run accessories like headlights and wipers without the engine running – is responsible for the majority of battery failures.

Performing simple battery maintenance can greatly extend its life. Begin by inspecting the battery for cracks or signs of damage. A cracked case is an indication that the battery needs to be replaced.

The battery should be cleaned of corrosion regularly, especially the terminals and cables. A non-metallic brush and a baking soda paste or solution can remove stubborn corrosion from the terminals. The battery should be checked for electrolyte levels and topped off with distilled water as needed. This is particularly important with valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA), dry cell, or sealed batteries, which don’t vent or leak acid.

Be sure to turn off lights and other accessories when the engine is not running to prevent parasitic drain, which can consume large amounts of power overnight. Also be sure to keep the vehicle in a garage or shaded area during extreme temperatures, as this can affect battery life. Lastly, consider disconnecting the earth strap when parking to eliminate parasitic drain and protect the car’s wiring loom.

Replacement

Before replacing your automotive battery, make sure the engine is turned off and all electrical devices are disconnected. Then, locate the battery (it’s usually in a plastic tray or a metal basket under the hood of the car; in some models the battery may be located in the trunk). Before disconnecting the old battery, take off any metal jewelry and wear old clothes that can get greasy. You will need a wrench to loosen the negative cable clamp from its terminal, which is typically black and may have a minus sign (“-“) near it. Always remove the negative battery cable first to prevent accidental completion of an electrical circuit that can damage your car electronics and shorten your new battery’s life.

Once disconnected, you can safely dispose of the old battery at an auto recycler. Before installing the new battery, it’s a good idea to clean the battery terminals with a brush and a cleaner such as baking soda and water. This will help to prevent corrosion which can shorten your battery’s lifespan.

Once cleaned, you can slot the new battery into its compartment, aligning its (+) positive and (-) negative terminals with the corresponding cables and terminal clamps on your car. Re-install the cable clamps, starting with the positive, and tighten them securely. Finally, reinstall the hold-down strap and tighten it securely. Before starting the car, check to see that the battery is snug; if it moves around, tighten the clamps again.

Hazardous Materials

The corrosive nature of automotive batteries means that they are classified as hazardous materials and must be transported, handled, and stored in a specific manner. This includes wearing appropriate safety gear when handling them and keeping them away from heat sources, like fires. Also, if they are spilled on the skin or in the eyes, it is important to wash off immediately with water. In addition, proper guidelines must be followed when disposing of them as the electrolyte can damage the environment if it is not treated correctly.

Typical lead-acid automotive batteries are considered class 8 hazardous materials as car battery suppliers they contain sulfuric acid inside. However, hybrid and electric vehicles often use lithium-ion batteries which are classified as class 9 hazardous materials. When shipping these, it is important to understand the rules and regulations set by each carrier.

For example, some require that they be shipped in a plastic container and must be separated from each other and stacked in a certain way. Others may have restrictions on the number of batteries that can be packaged in a single container. The DOT also sets restrictions on routes, times of day, and other conditions for shipping these items. Knowing these rules and following them can ensure that your batteries are shipped safely and efficiently. This is especially important as the DOT has very strict fines for violations when shipping hazardous materials.