How to Repair a Damaged Cell in a Car Battery
What You Need to Know About Replacing Your Car Battery
You may take it for granted that when you turn the key or press the start button, your vehicle's engine starts to purr—until the day it doesn't. When this happens, the first thing to check is the battery. If the battery is dead, the vehicle doesn't have the charge it needs to start. Fortunately, replacing the battery in a vehicle is simple enough that you can tackle this task on your own.
Signs of a Failing Battery
Batteries usually don't just stop working all of the sudden. Instead, they give off signals that they don't have the same amount of power they once had. One of the most common signs of a failing battery is a slow start when you try to crank the vehicle. When the battery starts to lose its power, it can't supply the charge the starter motor needs to crank the engine.
You may also see the battery light illuminate on the dash, a sign that there's trouble somewhere in the vehicle's electrical system. Sometimes you can spot potential battery problems when you look under the hood. A swollen battery case or rotten egg smell are signs that you need to inspect the battery.
How to Fix a Dead Car Battery
Batteries don't last forever, but that doesn't mean you have to automatically replace a battery that appears to be dead. Vehicle batteries usually last between three and five years, depending on driving conditions. If your battery is relatively new, you can try jump starting it from another vehicle or charging it with a portable battery charger. As soon as it starts, drive it around long enough to let the alternator charge the battery again.
Another solution for fixing a dead battery is to restore the balance of water and acid inside the battery. This technique only works with lead-acid batteries and requires precision because the battery won't work if it has the wrong fluid levels. You need to know how much water and acid are in the battery so you don't add too much. You also have to be careful as you work so you don't spill acid on your skin.
How to Size a Battery
Figuring out what size car battery to buy is actually fairly easy to do. Most stores that sell batteries categorize them by what's called group size. This is an industry-standard sizing system that incorporates the actual size of the battery and the location of the battery posts. Vehicle manufacturers use this information when designing their cars, trucks and SUVs. You just have to provide the year, make and model of the vehicle, and the employee will find you the battery you need.
When choosing a battery, you need to consider more than the physical size of the part. If you live in an environment where temperatures dip in the winter, pay attention to the battery's cold cranking amps (CCA). Cold temperatures make it more difficult to crank the engine thanks to the temperature-thickened oil. It needs a battery with more power. The higher the CCA rating, the more power the battery has to start the vehicle.
Where to Buy Car Batteries
You can find automotive batteries at a local auto parts store, automotive service centers, big-box retailers and discount warehouse clubs. They are also available for sale on these company's websites and through general online retailers. If you're a member of a roadside assistance organization, you may be able to buy a battery through its service instead of trying to find the nearest battery store.
How to Replace a Car's Battery
Disconnect the existing battery by removing the battery cables—start with the negative (black) side. Lift the battery out of the vehicle. This is a good opportunity to clean the battery tray to remove traces of corrosion before installing the new battery.
When you're ready, put the new battery on the tray. Attach the hold-down clamp and connect the cables to the battery terminal posts. Tighten the cable connections, and make sure the battery fits securely in place.
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How to Repair a Damaged Cell in a Car Battery
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