The battery ensures that your vehicle starts and much more. Without it, you wouldn't be able to raise and lower the windows, lock the doors, or keep the music on. So when something plays such a big role in your life behind the wheel, it's only natural to wonder how it works.
WHAT VOLTAGE IS A CAR BATTERY?
When we talk about the battery voltage of a car, we are generally talking about a 12 volt battery. Looking closer, we see that the car's battery voltage can range from 12.6 to 14.4.
- When the engine is off, the voltage of the fully charged car battery is 12.6 volts. This is known as "resting tension".
- When the engine is running, the battery voltage typically rises to 13.5 to 14.5 volts. The battery is lifted to these higher levels by the generator.
To explain it better, let's take a step back and look at the integral role the typical 12-volt battery plays in your car's starting and charging system.
HOW DO CAR BATTERIES WORK?
- The battery stores electrical energy.
- The starter converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy to start the engine.
- After the engine starts, the generator produces an electric current that replaces the energy that the starter drew from the battery.
These three steps repeat over and over again, powering your engine while the electrical energy is converted back into mechanical energy and the alternator charges the battery to provide additional power.
Now that we've looked at how many volts are in a car battery and how the battery works, we're ready to move on to amperage.
WHAT IS AMPERE?Amperage, or amps, is a way of describing the current of the car battery. The amperage will vary depending on the number of options your vehicle has. Simply put, a vehicle with many options has a higher amperage battery. Typical battery current ranges from 450 to 750 CCA.
WHAT IS CCA?CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps and refers to the number of amps that a 12 volt battery can deliver at 0ºC for 30 seconds at a voltage of 7.2 volts or more. The higher the CCA, the greater the starting power.
Proper maintenance can ensure your battery performs as designed. Normally this is recommendedbattery checkedat least every 6 months/6,000 km. The schedule for your specific vehicle can be found in your owner's manual. No manual? No problem! Jiffy lube®technicians have access to your vehicle's maintenance schedule and recommended procedures.
If you're experiencing battery issues but are between scheduled maintenance visits, don't hesitate to have your vehicle checked.Symptoms of battery problemsInvolving:
- Dimmed lighting (headlights and/or interior lighting)
- The "Check Engine" or "Charging" lights are on
- Accessories such as electric seats and windows do not work
Remember that consistent and careful battery maintenance can helpextend battery lifeand keep your starting/charging system running efficiently.
TRUST JIFFY LUBE TO SUPPORT YOU
Preventive maintenance, performed by highly trained technicians, can help you save two of your most valuable resources:
- Time.Commuting, carpooling to school, shopping... you need your car! Preventive maintenance can help you avoid a major repair that could keep your vehicle off the road and in the shop for days (or even weeks).
- Money.Spotting a minor problem while it's still easy to fix can save you the cost of an expensive repair.
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If you've ever wondered how long a car battery usually lasts:Find out here.
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