Testing Your Automotive Battery
Rechargeable batteries, or Li-Ion batteries as they are also known, are an important part of modern day mobile devices and play a crucial role in providing power for many electronic gadgets. Rechargeable batteries have the ability to store excess energy produced during the use of a cell phone, digital camera or other device. This energy is stored within the battery cells and when the device is recharged the battery’s ability to supply power is restored. This enables devices to work when they are not connected to a source of power.
A Li-Ion battery can lose its charge if it is left on or unplugged for long periods of time, or if the battery is exposed to extremely low levels of voltage. The performance of a Li-Ion battery is dependent upon the amount of voltage it can tolerate before it begins to lose charge. If the battery is not being used frequently, its ability to maintain a full charge will decrease over time, resulting in gradual loss of charge. Batteries are a very complex science, and many factors affect battery performance and capacity. All rechargeable batteries are semiconductor chemistries and have a certain level of memory capability which enables them to retain charge.
A car battery has two different sets of electrodes, called terminals, and each terminal connects to a series of positive and negative leads which are referred to as positive and negative electrodes respectively. When a DC motor, such as a motor to power up the lights, is used as the electrical energy is converted to mechanical energy, which is then transferred to a lead acid battery. The chemical energy is transformed into chemical energy and stored within the battery. In a normal car battery the chemical energy is separated into the positive and negative charges, while the electrical energy remains constant.
A battery must undergo a chemical reaction in order for it to release its stored chemical energy. This chemical reaction is actually a process called electrolysis, in which one plate of the battery contacts a second plate with an opposite charge. The positive and negative poles are separated by a thin membrane called the cathode. When the electricity enters the battery, the cathode separates the positive and negative poles, but only the anode does the actual reaction, releasing the chemical energy.
One common cause of a failed battery is an incorrect charging or discharging sequence. Many consumers mistakenly believe that a low battery power is the result of low voltage. Unfortunately, this is not true and only a current power low (IOS) failure will actually cause IOS. Incorrect charging or discharging will increase the potential for a battery IOS event.
If you are experiencing a problem with your battery, don’t assume that the battery is reaching its usable age or it is experiencing the telltale signs of aging. Before you decide to throw in the towel, determine if the problem lies in your battery capacity, chemical age, or charging or discharge cycles. By performing a self test or getting an auto electrician to perform an examination, you can more accurately pinpoint the problem and get the best solution. In addition, having someone with experience performing charge cycles can help you determine the amount of time the battery will last while maintaining its quality. This can save you hundreds of dollars in vehicle repair bills.