 Starting
System
A modern-day vehicle’s starting system is composed of an electric starter
motor and a starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is the electrical switch,
activated by the ignition system when you turn the key, which engages the starter
motor. The starter motor essentially spins the engine a few times so the
combustion process can begin.
Charging System
The vehicle’s charging system consists of three main components:
- The battery
- The alternator
- The voltage regulator
The battery supplies electrical power for your vehicle while
starting and during periods of high electrical loads. It also acts as a
shock absorber for the electrical system by smoothing out any voltage spikes before
they get to the computer.
The alternator and voltage regulator provide power to the vehicle
while the engine is running and maintains the battery’s charge. The
voltage regulator monitors the battery’s state of charge and directs the
alternator to recharge the battery as necessary.
Extreme Cold and Your Battery
Cold temperatures severely reduce the effectiveness of chemical reactions within
the battery and increase the battery’s internal resistance. As the
temperature drops, so does the battery’s cranking power. Autos also
require additional cranking power in cold weather since the motor oil is thicker,
making the engine more difficult to turn over. Weak batteries are also susceptible
to freezing, which damages internal components and containers.
Extreme Heat and Your Battery
Heat is the primary cause of battery failure. Heat causes the water in the
battery’s electrolyte to evaporate and causes the positive plate grids to
corrode more rapidly.
The Life of Your Battery
Battery life varies from vehicle to vehicle and is based on a number of factors.
Batteries are manufactured to last from two to five years, but exposure to extreme
heat, vibration and malfunctioning components of your vehicle’s electrical
system can shorten the battery’s useful life.
How can Alabama Auto Repair help with your car or truck’s
starting and charging problems? Our technicians can provide a complete
Electrical Systems Charge Test that will check out your vehicle’s entire
starting and charging system – battery, starter and alternator.
For your vehicle’s Starting and Charging problems, come
to Alabama Auto Repair!
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