The battery boils when charging: the norm and the deviation from the norm
The battery is an important part of any car. It not only serves as an energy source for all on-board electronics, but also offloads the generator and helps start the engine. Proper care and timely charging of the battery is a guarantee of its successful and continuous operation. However, there are some nuances that can alarm the driver. For example, why does the battery boil when charging?
Battery and its types
All batteries are divided into three types:
- Serviced. The cheapest type. The battery has special holes for the replacement and repair of the plates. In such batteries, you must constantly monitor the level of electrolyte and periodically add distilled water. There are not many similar batteries on the market.
- Maintenance free. Relatively new type of batteries. Their body is completely sealed. Helium is often used as an electrolyte, which does not evaporate. The battery has an extended service life and is not too whimsical in care. The only drawback is price.
- Low-maintenance. This is the average option between the two previous ones. In such batteries, there is no access to the plates, but control over the electrolyte level is required. A low-maintenance battery can be purchased both flooded and dry-charged ("for growth"). The battery has good performance and an acceptable price.
Each of the types presented will serve for a long time without creating problems, but with the proper care.
How to properly charge the battery?
Recharge the batteryperiodically. If the density of electrolyte decreased by 0.08 g / cm3. - the battery is half discharged. The light of the headlights can also talk about discharging the battery, which quickly goes out; slowed-down starter; changes in electrolyte color (turbidity, darkening).
Before charging the battery, it must be cleaned of dirt, check the gas outlets and add water.
Charge the battery with an electric current, whose strength is 1/10 of its capacity. Charging time is 12-16 hours. Thus, a battery with a capacity of 75 A / h needs to be charged with a current of 7.5A.
The battery boils when charging and emits harmfulgas. Therefore, charge should be made in a well-ventilated area, away from the crowd. The battery should be on a level surface. After the end of charging, the battery is wiped dry with a napkin and installed back.
Why does the battery boil when charging?
This question is of interest to many drivers, but morejust the beginners. Boiling can occur for two reasons. You should pay attention to the process itself. If there is a small amount of bubbles, this is normal. This is how gas is released. This occurs before the end of charging. If the battery boils right away when charging, it's bad. Perhaps it has already become unusable. You can try to revive it by doing the following:
- Clean the housing and terminals from dirt.
- Top up the electrolyte.
- The surface of the battery should be wiped with an alkaline (soda) solution.
These procedures are best done before charging. A good battery boils when charging only a couple of hours at the end (2-3 hours). Any other boiling is a sign of a malfunction. Do not ignore this feature, because sometimes the batteries can explode.
How to properly care for the battery?
It's not a secret for anyone that the right andtimely care for any thing or detail can prolong their life. This applies to the batteries. On average, the battery can last (depending on its type) from 3.5 to 5-7 years. To a large extent, its "longevity" is affected by operating conditions.
So:
- The battery should always be dry and clean, do not have any electrolyte spills. Often the battery boils when charging it because of it. Contamination also increases the probability of self-discharge of the battery.
- The density of the electrolyte should be systematically checked, if necessary, add water. Measure the density can be a special device - hydrometer.
- The battery can not be left to spend the winter in the garage. If the car is not used in winter, the battery needs to be removed and stored in the heat before the vehicle is operational.
- The battery has its expiration date, which on average is 6-7 months. If the battery has not been used for more than 8 months, it may become unusable.
- The rechargeable battery must be charged in time. Even one complete discharge can negatively affect its operation. Do not recharge the battery. More is not better.
- It is better to buy batteries in specialized stores and always check the conformity certificate.
Conclusion
The battery is an important elementcar, which provides its full work. Without the battery, the car will not drive. Regardless of what type of battery the driver chooses for his car, to prolong the life of the device will help timely care and proper charging.
The battery should be boiling for two or three hours before charging when charging. In other cases, the presence of boiling can only indicate a battery failure.