When it comes to ensuring your vehicle is ready to go when you are, you likely focus on making sure there’s gas in the tank, the oil doesn’t need to be changed, and—if you’re driving more than you typically drive—you might check the condition of your tires as well. One vital component that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong is the car battery. The truth is, however, that car batteries should be maintained as much as the other parts of your vehicle, and our team at Scrubway Wash & Lube can help. We offer a variety of services at our state-of-the-art car wash and quick lube, including the ones mentioned, as well as brake, steering, and suspension repairs, along with alignment and more. We can also help ensure your battery is in tip-top condition.
The Purpose of Your Car Battery
When asked what a car battery does, you’re likely to answer that it gives power to the engine—and you would be right. Essentially, a car battery provides the power required to crank or start the engine, which initiates the combustion process. As you may have been unlucky enough to find out, the car cannot start without a functional battery, which is why it’s important to ensure it’s in good working order.
In addition to starting the engine, the battery works as a stabilizer for the electrical system. It regulates the voltage provided to different electrical components such as lights, radios, and the car’s computer system, ensuring that they function properly and are protected from power surges. The battery stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, which is then converted back into electricity when needed. This conversion process is managed through the battery’s internal lead-acid cells, which generate and store power.
When the engine is running, the alternator takes control, supplying the vehicle with the power it needs to operate the electrical components and recharge the battery. The alternator generates electricity from the engine’s mechanical energy, keeping the battery charged and ready for the next time it is required. If the battery begins to lose charge or deteriorate, it may be unable to give the necessary power to start the vehicle or maintain the electrical systems functioning properly, resulting in a variety of issues ranging from dim headlights to the inability to start the car.
What Maintenance Does a Car Battery Need?
We mentioned that the car battery needs to be maintained and that our team can assist with that task, but what exactly does that mean? First, the battery needs to be inspected on a regular basis. This is something we can do when you visit us for an oil change before a road trip or at least once a year. During the inspection, we can check the battery terminals and wires for corrosion, as well as check for cracks, leaks, or bulges in the battery casing. If corrosion is found, we can clean the terminals. If other issues are noted, it might be necessary to change the battery. For optimum battery maintenance, the battery charge level should also be checked using a voltage meter. In addition, a load test can determine the battery’s ability to keep a charge under stress. Other maintenance tasks could include checking the battery hold-downs to ensure it is securely fastened.
Visit Our Team to Assess Your Car’s Battery Today
There are a variety of tasks that need to be completed on a consistent basis to ensure your vehicle is able to get you to your next destination and beyond. If battery maintenance wasn’t on that list before, you can see why it should be added. The good news is that our team can quickly assess your car’s battery and provide you with options if an issue is noted. If you’re unsure of the last time your battery was checked, schedule an appointment with our Scrubway Wash & Lube team today.