When it comes to automobiles, everyone gets excited about the vehicle’s engine, suspension, and radiators- but have you ever wondered what keeps the heart racing of the car? It’s a car battery! Before delving into the car battery functions, first, let’s learn, What is a car battery.
Car battery, also known as an automotive battery, is the heart of the car which supplies power to car components. It is a rechargeable battery that generally comprises six galvanic cells to provide electric charge to start the motor vehicle. Car batteries are often comprised of metals like lead, lithium, magnesium, zinc, etc. Other materials for car batteries include electrolytes, plates, battery cases, and steel and aluminum. The use of material, metal, and design of car batteries varies depending on the requirements of automobile vehicles.
For example, manufacturers commonly use lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) due to their lightweight, whereas high-performance vehicles use gel batteries.
Now, let’s learn about the top 5 car battery functions
One of the key car battery functions is to supply power or electric current to the starting motor to turn on the internal combustion engine. It provides power to the main components of the car just like the heart supplies blood to the body parts.
Apart from being an engine starter, there are many other important car battery functions. Let’s learn about the car battery functions with JCBL India, a well-known manufacturer and supplier of car batteries from India.
Powerhouse Of The Car
A car battery is the “powerhouse of the car” because it is not possible to start the car without it. Without a car battery, the car engine is of no use as it will not ignite. Once the car key is turned on or the start button is pressed, a huge surge of electric energy is released from the car battery to the starter motor to ignite the engine.
No car battery means no ignition!!!
Car batteries’ role in supplying power does not end here; the electrical systems also run on the batteries. batteries are working continuously as they have to meet the energy demand of other electrical components. In this modern era, automobiles come up with numerous advanced electrical systems such as radio, music players, ambient lighting, cameras, power steering, power windows, sunroofs, etc. The car battery fulfills the energy demand of all these electrical systems by supplying the required amount of electric power.
Buffers The Electrical Surges
One of the key car battery functions is to provide surge protection. While running, the automobile vehicle can experience uneven voltage supplies due to overuse of certain components which can cause damage to the car components. To prevent any damage, the car battery acts as a surge protector. During the overuse of the components, the car battery absorbs, as well as stores extra voltage. It acts as a buffer to receive and supply a stable amount of power and voltage to the components. However, in cases where the battery is not efficient enough, it might fail to hold sufficient power further increasing the load on the alternator and contributing to battery failure.
Supports Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Do you know? Batteries play a pivotal role in your safety…
To provide a seamless and safer driving experience, smart features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are integrated into automobile vehicles. ADAS comprises numerous components such as sensors, radars, cameras, etc. However, these components cannot work without automotive batteries. Just like other car components, ADAS runs on the power supply provided by batteries. By providing power to ADAS, car batteries not only support these systems but also ensure the safety of the driver, as ADAS provides driving assistance, as well as alerts about potential hazards.
Facilitates Battery Management Systems (BMS)
In automobile vehicles, the battery management system (BMS) is dependent on the car battery for monitoring the battery’s health. BMS also manages the state of charge, performance, and overall battery health. By facilitating battery management systems, car batteries not only safeguard the battery but also the user by continuously monitoring the functioning of cells to ensure that they function within safe operating parameters.
There are numerous ways through which the batteries facilitate BMS such as cell balancing, cell equalization, SOC estimation, communication, battery modeling, etc. It protects the overall state of health of the battery by monitoring and controlling the environmental factors that affect the cell further ensuring the supply of voltage across the cells.
Emergency Power Backup
The car battery acts as a power bank that supplies the voltage to the components when needed. You can also use it as a power backup during an emergency. For example, to charge the backup battery of lower voltage to allow efficient charging.
Do you have any old automotive batteries at home or garage? Learn how you can use it as a power backup in many ways…
You can use old car batteries as power generators for providing power to different modules like charging transformers and batteries. An individual can use the batteries of an electric vehicle to power a home in emergencies. Also, it can be used in place of UPS batteries to increase the backup runtime. Car batteries not only save you in emergencies but it also helps you to save money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, car batteries are one of the critical parts of the car. The car battery functions are not only limited to starting the engine but also to supplying power to other components. From acting as a surge protector to safeguarding users and facilitating battery management systems, the functions of car batteries are numerous. Therefore, it is essential to select a high-quality and performance battery for your vehicle to run smoothly and effortlessly.
Choose high-performance batteries of international standard for your vehicle at JCBL India
JCBL India designs automotive batteries to meet the requirements and standards of the international market. It supplies products of high quality and durability are manufactured and supplied across the globe to keep your automotive friend running seamlessly and smoothly.
Click on the following link to get automotive batteries and other automotive spare parts today at JCBL India, to experience the quality difference we make:
Website: https://www.jcblautomoto.com/
Phone: +91-8968100180
Email: sales@jcblautomoto.com
FAQs
What is the key function of a car battery?
The primary function of a car battery is to provide sufficient power to start the vehicle. It supplies electrical energy to ignite the engine when the key or start button is pushed. Further, it distributes the electric energy to other parts of the car to keep the electric systems running.
What are the four key parts of a car battery?
A car battery comprises four key parts, namely electrolyte, cathode, anode, and separator. The electrolyte is the chemical solution that facilitates electrical charge between the cathode and anode. Furthermore, the cathode is the positive side of the battery, while the anode is the negative side of the battery. Lastly, separators ensure that the cathode and anode are not in contact with each other.
What are the key indicators of a bad car battery?
When you experience difficulty in starting the vehicle, a bad car battery might be the reason. The sound of the engine crank slowly and the dashboard battery indicator light is illuminated. Some of the other indicators of a bad battery include dim or flickering headlights and taillights, the smell of rotten eggs, a swollen battery, and the constant need to jumpstart the vehicle.
