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| Information provided by
Unique Battery & Electrical Service |
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| 7. When should you check the
voltage? |
| You should check the voltage if the battery light
indicator in your dashboard remains on after starting the car.
The light may also flash while driving. |
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| 8. What should the voltage
read? |
| For modern gas cars it is suggested that the
voltage be 20% more than the battery's voltage when the car
is running. For example, with a 12 volt battery, the voltage
reading when the car is on should be 14.4 volts. (20% of 12
volts is 2.4 which gives 14.4 when added to 12) |
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| 9. What may be the cause of
a low voltage reading? |
- a low charging rate from the alternator,
- a malfunctioning charging system or
- a defective battery.
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| 10. How do you know when
the battery needs changing? |
| You need to take it to a battery specialist and
have it tested. The specialist will check if the battery is
serviced properly. (i.e. checks the water level, voltage and
its ability to deliver current) |
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Technician checking battery
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| 11. Generally how often does
it need changing? |
| Some batteries have a 3½ year life span. Ask
your dealer for the life span of their battery. |
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| 12. How can I extend the
life of the battery? |
- Make sure the battery is properly serviced.
- Make regular water checks
- Make sure battery terminal and leads are clean to ensure
a good connection. Leads can be cleaned with a steel brush
or a terminal post cleaner.
- Make sure the battery is properly installed i.e. battery
straps should keep the battery from rocking. The bumps an
unstable battery will receive, especially from driving through
potholes, will knock about 6-8 months off the life of the
battery.
- Install the appropriate battery to meet the power requirements
of your vehicle. It is better to have reserved capacity
than too little.
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| 13. What causes the battery
to lose power? |
| By taking out more than you are putting in. When
the car is running, the car's alternator recharges the battery.
If you do anything to use the battery's power faster than it
is being replaced, you will drain the battery. High powered
amplifiers for car stereos are often the culprits of battery
drain. When the car is off, the battery is not being recharged.
Therefore, running any appliance when the car is off will drain
the battery. Leaving on the lights or playing the stereo when
the car is off are common causes of battery drain. |
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| 14. Is there anything you
should never do with a battery? |
- You should never expose it to flame. The gasses emitted
by batteries can be explosive.
- Never short circuit the battery. It may explode.
- Prevent water inside battery from coming in contact with
skin or eyes, as it is acidic.
- Never lean over the battery while it is charging or being
jump-started.
- Do not lift the battery by it sides. Applying pressure
to the sides may cause the battery acid to spill, especially
batteries with plastic cases. Use a battery carrier or lift
it with your hands at opposite corners.
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| Information provided courtesy
of Unique Battery & Electrical Service |
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