A Good Car Battery Should Last a Long Time

A car battery provides an electric current to a car. However, when the engine is running, the battery still supplies electricity to the car with the help of the alternator. Starting the car briefly uses little of the battery’s power, because car batteries provide maximum power briefly. Early cars had limited electrical systems and did not have batteries: the engine was crank-started. Car batteries, as we know them today, became popular when cars began using electric starters. However, a battery which did not require water refilling was not invented until 1971. Car batteries used 6 volt systems through the mid-1950's, but changed to 12 volt systems with bigger engines. Since the 1990's, there has been talk of increasing the 12 volt standard, but high-efficiency motors and hybrid vehicles have decreased this push.

What Is the Battery Actually Used for?

The principal purpose of a car battery is to start the engine. Once the engine is started, the power that operates the vehicle comes from the alternator. If your car battery will not start your engine, that does not mean your battery is at fault. Batteries and alternators work together to maintain the power of the battery. The battery cannot do its job (stay charged) if the alternator does not keep it charged while the car is turned on. If your car will not start (which is the principal function of a battery), the battery is discharged. However, make sure of the reason the battery is discharged. Is it because the battery is old and has seen its better days or is it because the alternator malfunctioned and is not helping the battery to maintain its charge?

Signs a Battery Is Failing

When a car battery fails, it may leave you walking. But there are a few signs your car battery is failing. It is prudent to be aware of these signs so you can replace the battery before you are left walking. The first sign a battery is failing is dim headlights. If your vehicle battery is failing, it cannot keep up with vehicle electrical components, which includes your headlights. If you notice your headlights are dim, consider this a warning sign of battery failure. Second, when you turn the key to start the engine and all you hear is a clicking sound, your battery may need attention/replacing. Third, if your car sounds like it is cranking slowly, a failing battery may be the cause. Fourth, a failing battery can cause your car to backfire. Since the car depends on the electrical system to fire the engine, a malfunctioning electrical system may cause the car to backfire. Be careful about diagnosing this problem too hastily because backfiring may show any of several problems. If you suspect your battery is the culprit, take the battery to a diagnostic place for a test.

Popular Battery Brands

There are many brands of car batteries from which to choose. Most of these brands are produced by three companies: Johnson Controls, Exide, and East Penn. They are then sold under different brands. Some of these brands are AC Delco, Auto Craft, Bosch, Diehard, EverStart, Interstate, and NAPA. These differing named batteries are produced with retailer's specifications in mind, so performance can vary among brands. For example, Delco brand batteries are typically available at GM dealerships and service centers, while Auto Craft batteries are available at Advance Auto Parts stores across the country. EverStart batteries are sold at Walmart while NAPA brand batteries are sold at NAPA auto parts stores.