The effective life of a battery, like any other part of a vehicle, is limited. However, this does not mean that every battery problem should be solved by replacing it. Therefore, it is recommended to deal with the situation when the battery simply "runs out" and when it must be replaced with a new one.
Electrolyte level too low
The battery contains a so-called electrolyte, sulfuric acid solution. During the operation of the battery, the amount of electrolyte gradually decreases - the evaporation of water is responsible for this. In so-called maintenance-free batteries, this process is much slower or they are equipped with a mechanism that completely prevents the evaporation of water.
This does not apply to classic serviceable batteries. The electrolyte is very important because it conducts current between the plates of the battery.
If the level falls too low, it exposes the plates to negative effects, and the efficiency of the battery is sharply reduced. It is necessary to check the electrolyte level and, if necessary, replenish it with distilled or demineralized water.
After refueling, you should wait about half an hour and check the density of the electrolyte - it should be 1.28 g / cm3. An aerometer is used for measurement.
Uncharged battery
Another cause of battery failure may be insufficient charging. In such a situation, it is necessary to connect it to the charger as soon as possible, since the undervoltage creates conditions for constant sulfation.
Remove the battery from the vehicle before charging. If this is not done, there is a danger that gaseous electrolyte will get onto the body parts. It is important to remember that it is composed of sulfuric acid, which can corrode metal parts.
For charging, it is best to use an automatic charger, which automatically selects the correct current settings and can complete the charging process on its own. If the charger does not have these functions, you must set the required parameters manually. The capacity value on the charger should be 1/10 of the battery capacity. A full charge takes about 8 hours.
Voltage
The last test to do is to check the voltage in the battery. This way you can see and make sure that the battery is not worn out. For this purpose, a multimeter, for example, can be used. If the voltage of the loaded battery drops below 10 V, it means that it is worn out and suitable for replacement.
When is the battery replaceable?
The answer to this question comes to mind pretty quickly. The battery should be replaced when it can no longer be charged in various ways. In addition, if the case is damaged, it should be replaced immediately. Why? Because acid or gel leaking from the battery can cause serious damage to other engine components.
A charged and efficient battery that allows you to start the car without problems in any conditions. Its regular maintenance allows drivers to have no problems with the vehicle, even at low temperatures.