Borgman How To: Simple Auto Battery Care Tips

A Guide To Caring For Your Auto Battery in West Michigan

While this year’s winter (so far) has been milder than most, that doesn’t mean some of us won’t have issues with our car batteries in the West Michigan cold. This cold weather can slow down the chemical reaction that makes batteries work, but unless we’re in sub-zero temperatures, having trouble probably mean it’s time to visit Borgman for a new one. However, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your battery, and knowing the different parts might be the difference between getting some extra time out of one or needing a replacement.

Why Does a Vehicle Have a Battery?

In this Borgman How-To, we’ll get you comfortable with the parts and terminology of batteries, as well as a couple of owner tips to get you (or someone else) out of a battery-related jam. Hopefully, we’re all familiar with what an electrical battery is and what it does. Just like the tv remote control or your smartphone, your vehicle needs electricity from a battery to operate, but unlike these two things, it can generate its own once it’s running. Auto batteries serve two main functions within a vehicle:

You might hear auto batteries referred to as SLI Batteries (Start, Light, and Ignite.) This is more of a class of batteries and refers to three main uses for them. They’re designed to deliver short bursts of power.

Other Functions of Batteries

How Do I Take Care of My Vehicle’s Battery?

When you start your car, the battery discharges about 400 amps of stored current to the starter motor, giving it more than enough juice to start turning the engine. As the engine gets moving, it goes through its various stages until combustion starts. While an engine is running, the rotation is used to power accessories via a serpentine belt. One of these is an Alternator and generates electricity while the vehicle is running. This power is used primarily by the spark plugs, but also every other device in the vehicle that needs electricity. The alternator also recharges the battery for next time. Batteries perform other smaller functions too, such as supplying extra power when the alternator is operating at full capacity, protecting the electrical system from voltage spikes, and keeping various systems alive when the engine is off. These “keep alive” functions include the clock, control modules for the engine and transmission, diagnostics, the security system, and more. Maintaining a battery is pretty easy these days, as it’s more about good habits. It used to be that some batteries, often referred to as “wet-cell” would lose their electrolytes after a while and need to be topped up with water. Almost all modern batteries are sealed, so this isn’t necessary. Under normal use, a modern battery should last about 5 years with minimal maintenance.

How To Clean Corroded Battery Terminals in Your Vehicle

How To Use Jumper Cables

While SLI batteries are designed to deliver a lot of power at once, they do not like to be drained all the way. This is referred to as a deep discharge, and each time it happens it shortens the life of the battery. While we can guard against this by ensuring accessories and lights are turned off after use, a dead battery can happen to the best of us and once or twice usually isn’t a big deal. After a few years of use, you might notice what looks like salt growing on the posts of the battery. It is the battery leaking acid and corroding, but it doesn’t always mean the battery needs replacing just yet. If you’re having trouble starting the vehicle and there’s corrosion on the battery, this is something you can clean up in about 20 minutes. All you’ll need a wrench, baking soda, an old toothbrush, a tub with hot water, and safety gear.

Park both vehicles with their engine compartments facing each other and make sure both are turned off. The easiest way to remember how to connect them is to work your way around in a circle, beginning and ending with your vehicle. Also, try not to let the ends of the jumper cables touch each other.

Make sure both vehicles run for about 30 minutes after the jump. This gives the alternator time to recharge the battery. If your vehicle stalls at some point after a jump, it could mean your alternator needs to be replaced, or point toward different ignition issues. Have the experts at Borgman take a look and make the necessary repairs.

Having Battery or Electrical Issues? Trust The Experts at the Borgman Service Center

If your vehicle is having trouble starting, running, or you’re having any other issues, the highly-dedicated and expertly-trained staff at the Borgman Service Center are here to help. Use our easy Online Scheduler to make your appointment online or feel free to Contact Us by email or phone to discuss your vehicle.

Our customer service is what sets us apart. Come see why we’re the Best in the West!

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