Buying the Best in Auto Parts -- Batteries & Accessories

Introduction

A battery in a car is an electrochemical device, which produces voltage and delivers a current. The battery is responsible for the current that is necessary to start the motor in the engine of the car. If a cars battery goes dead it needs to be recharged and running the electrochemical action backwards thereby recharges the battery and extends it lifetime.

How the Battery Works … Understanding Auto Parts

The batteries current goes to the starter and the ignition system when the engine is cranked and it also gives additional current when the draw on the alternator is not sufficient to supply all the current necessary to operate the vehicle.

A battery is filled with a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. Sulfuric acid is a very corrosive and harmful substance should it get on your skin or in your eyes. A mild solution of baking soda and water can be used to wash or flush any area that the sulfuric acid touches. If the sulfuric acid should get into one’s eyes they should first flush the eye and then see a doctor.

Handling Your Battery -- Dealing with Auto Parts

The best way to handle a battery is by wearing gloves and goggles and to wear old clothing. Caution needs to be taken when recharging a battery since it emits hydrogen gas at this time and is highly flammable.

Shopping for Auto Parts -- Finding the Best in Auto Parts

Batteries come in many sizes but the average battery today will have a CCA or cold cranking amps, of 500. An individual needs to make sure to purchase a battery that has enough power to operate their vehicle properly.

Even though a battery says it is maintenance free, they still need periodic inspection and cleaning to make sure they stay in good working order. When you check your battery, make sure that the battery is in the right position and held securely in its bracket. Also make sure that any corrosion that has built up on the battery terminals is cleaned so as to not allow the corrosion to eat away at the casing of the battery. The corrosion can be removed by using a mixture of baking soda and water along with removing the battery cables from the battery and cleaning thoroughly with a wire brush. The cables need to be cleaned by removing the negative cable first and replaced negative cable last. Make sure that no cleaning solution gets into the battery cells.

Batteries for cars or trucks can be purchased at any automotive parts store or at specialty stores like Batteries Plus.