Have you ever wondered why you can’t put a car battery on the ground? It seems like it would be easier to just set it down instead of carrying it, but there’s actually a good reason why you shouldn’t do that. Check out this post to learn more about why batteries need to be kept off the ground.
What ruins a car battery?
There are plenty of factors to consider, but the most common reason a car battery is ruined is because of heat.
The hotter it gets, the more energy that has to be used, and thus, less power can be generated from your vehicle’s engine. All batteries function best when kept cool as possible, which means not leaving them on hot surfaces such as asphalt or even concrete for extended periods of time.
Another factor to consider is overcharging and undercharging a car battery. Overheating, lack of charging, or disuse can all cause damage to your vehicle’s battery which will either make it not hold a charge properly or even completely broken down and unusable altogether. Even if you’re able to get the engine running for a bit, it’s not going to last long if the battery is damaged.
So remember, always try to keep your car battery cool and avoid leaving it on hot surfaces whenever possible. And make sure you’re charging and using it regularly for optimal performance.
Corroded battery terminals is another common issue. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as acid spilling out and corroding the metal, leaving it exposed to the elements, which will cause it to rust. If this happens, you might not be able to get your car started at all, or the battery might drain really quickly. The best way to prevent this is by keeping the terminals clean and covered with petroleum jelly or some other corrosion-resistant material.
Another possible reason your battery might be going bad is sulfation. Sulfation is the build-up of lead sulfate on the plates of the battery. This happens when a battery isn’t used for an extended period of time or if it’s not given a full charge. It can also happen if you drive in cold weather and then try to restart your car too quickly without allowing the battery to warm up.
If you suspect a sulfation problem, take your vehicle to an auto shop or mechanic for proper diagnosis and care. They will be able to remove this build-up of lead sulfate from the plates of your battery which will allow it to work properly again.
Don’t wait until your battery is completely dead to take it in for a checkup. If you’re noticing that your car isn’t starting as easily as it used to or if the engine is running a bit rough, go ahead and have the battery looked at. It might just need a cleaning or a charge, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What happens if you put a car battery on its side?
When a car battery is put on its side, the power it generates is diminished. If you leave your car battery on its side for a day, you’ll find that it can’t turn over your engine. If this happens, be sure to recheck the terminals and clean off any good contact surfaces with a good contact cleaner. This should get things working again.
The orientation of a car battery also affects how much current will flow when it charges and discharges. For this reason, please make sure that all positive (+) terminals are in close proximity to one another and all negative (-) terminals are together in order to maintain an electric connection when charging or discharging your vehicle’s electrical system.
How do you store a car battery when not in use?
To ensure that your car battery lasts, it’s important to take the necessary precautions when not in use. Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to do this:
- The first thing you need to do is remove all connections from your battery and place a non-conductive barrier under them so nothing can connect with the terminals. This could be a piece of wood or plastic, metal plate, or dish towel.
- You should also spray something like WD-40 or prolong antifreeze over the top of the terminals so they won’t corrode during storage.
- Store your car curbside angled just slightly up rather than flat down where it will get more direct sunlight and tend to dry out faster – this will keep evaporation to a minimum.
- Make sure the battery is always in a cool, dry place – if it’s too hot or cold, it could decrease the lifespan of your battery.
- If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, consider purchasing a car cover to protect your battery from rain and snow.
- Never store your car battery where there’s a chance of it being frozen.
- Always check the battery fluid levels before storing them and top them off if necessary.
If you’re not going to be using your car for an extended period of time, it’s important to store the battery properly. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your battery lasts as long as possible.
In conclusion, it is important to keep your car battery in good shape by cleaning the terminals, taking care not to leave it on its side for long periods of time, and properly storing it when you’re done using your vehicle.
