The battery of a car is vital for the safe functioning of any vehicle, but unfortunately, most car owners tend to take their battery for granted – or rather, don’t think about the condition or upkeep of their battery until there is a problem. The more you know about your car battery, the more likely you are to spot a problem before it escalates, so the team here at Citroen-Peugeot Specialists have put together this guide so you know exactly how your car battery works.
The advancements of car batteries
The first sealed car battery, which is the system our vehicles still run on now, was invented in 1971. This advancement meant that batteries no longer needed to be recharged or replaced as often, and didn’t corrode as earlier car batteries did. This first edition of the sealed car battery ran basic car technology, but as technology advanced, more compact and powerful batteries were required to run not only the vehicle and its lights and windscreen wipers, but also the air conditioning, in-car radios, satnavs and CD players that we now find in every modern car.
With so much power needed from your car battery every time you drive your vehicle, it comes as no surprise that car batteries have a very limited lifespan – usually of about 3-5 years – and often malfunction or drain with frequent use.
How does it work?
Once you insert your key into the ignition and start the engine, a signal is sent to the battery to tell it to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, which is then delivered to the starter to crank the engine, and to all of the various outlets of your vehicle that require energy. Simultaneously, the battery power is supplied to the spark plugs which initiates the ignition of the fuel and air in the engine combustion cylinders.
Once your battery has supplied the power, it then has to work to keep the voltage consistent throughout use. Typically, when fully charged, a car battery runs at 12.6 volts or higher, whilst a voltage of 12.39 or less is considered to be discharged. This shows that even miniscule changes in the battery’s voltage can affect the way your vehicle runs.
Battery checks
With so much riding on the condition of your battery, it is important to check the charge of your battery regularly. In order for your car to pass its MOT, your car battery must be in good condition, so it is best to let a mechanic look over your battery before you take your car for its testing.
Citroen-Peugeot Specialists operate throughout London to provide high quality car servicing at fantastic prices. We have over 30 years’ industry experience and fully qualified, professional mechanics on hand to deliver a first rate service. We’re highly capable of remedying any issue with any vehicle, but our specialised focus on French manufactured cars mean we’re the best choice for a detailed, in-depth analysis of Citroen, Peugeot or Renault vehicles. Whether you’re in need of an MOT, new tyres or repairs and servicing, we’ll guarantee a quick turnaround and fantastic customer service. For more information on any of our services, get in contact today.