A car battery is one of the most important components of a vehicle. He not only starts the engine and unloads the generator, but also feeds all the on-board electronics. The average life of this device is from three to six years (depending on model). The main task of any driver is to choose the right battery. The polarity of the part can be direct and reverse, which, in turn, affects the process of its operation.
Types of appliances
There are three types of batteries - serviced, low-maintenance and maintenance-free.
The serviced battery is to be repaired: when the plates are closed, they are replaced with new ones. Also in such models, you can control the level of electrolyte - it is added if necessary. There are very few similar devices on the market.
In low-maintenance batteries, you can only monitor the electrolyte. There is no access to the plates in it. Such a battery can be purchased both filled and dry-charged - "for growth."
Maintenance-free models are a tightly sealed box in which electrolyte cannot be added and there is no access to the plates. Batteries of this type have a longer life due to the use of helium, which practically does not evaporate. The cost of maintenance free batteries is high.
What to look for when buying?
First of all, you should focus on the model. The least problem is the maintenance-free battery. Although its cost is higher than the rest, it also has a longer service life.
The battery needs to be bought in a specialized store. Be sure to ask about the availability of a certificate of conformity in order to avoid the acquisition of fakes.
It must be remembered that all batteries have their own shelf life. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the release date.
What to consider when choosing a new battery?
1. Polarity.
2. Capacity. The optimum battery capacity is indicated in the vehicle data sheet.
3. Dimensions. It is best to buy a new battery, taking into account the measurements taken from the old one.
4. Starting current (the higher the current, the better).
These four points are the main points that you need to remember and put into practice when acquiring a battery.
Polarity
When choosing a new battery, it is very important to pay attention to this characteristic. There is a direct battery polarity and reverse.
Battery polarity refers to the location of the terminals on it. If the polarity is straight, then the positive terminal is on the left, if the reverse is on the right. You need to look from the front.
If the polarity of the battery is not selected correctly, the device simply cannot be connected because there are not enough wires. Even if you extend them, the driver will always have problems connecting the terminals.
It is very easy to set the polarity of the battery according to the make of the car. It must be remembered that in American-made cars it is direct, and in Japanese - the opposite.
Of course, the polarity of the battery does not affect its quality. However, if the driver is used to the direct type, then by connecting the terminals, he will constantly confuse them in places. As a result, short circuits and burnout cannot be avoided.
The easiest way to remember the location of the terminals is by examining the old battery. Polarity is the main criterion for selection. This characteristic should be taken into account by each driver.
Proper care
In order for the car battery to last as long as possible, it is necessary to properly and, most importantly, take care of it in time:
1. The device must be properly charged. Never let one battery run out completely. It may happen that it becomes unusable.
2. If the battery is of a serviced or low-maintenance type, the electrolyte should be added periodically. The density of the liquid can be measured with an aerometer.
3. The surface of the battery should always be clean. Dirt and scale discharge the device, and accumulation of debris in the gas vents can cause an explosion.
4. To avoid short circuits, disconnect the battery correctly. The polarity of the device (plus and minus terminals) will help. It is necessary to start dismantling with the negative terminal, and mount with the positive terminal.
5. If the car is not used in winter, it is better to remove the battery and store it at home or in any other warm and dry place.
Conclusion
The battery is the most important component of any car. It is not so important what model it is (serviced, low-maintenance or unattended). Proper care will ensure long-term operation of the device.
If the battery is out of order, you need to buy a new one only in a specialized store. Knowing how to determine the polarity of the battery, what other parameters to pay attention to, you will definitely get a high-quality, reliable and suitable product for your car.