Bosch Car Service – Battery Guide
What are the points to watch when buying a battery?
The constantly increasing amount of electrical equipment in cars and new technologies such as start/stop systems or braking energy recovery demand high-performance batteries. Conventional sources of power for example are soon overtaxed by frequent engine starting
Why is the battery check so important?
Have you any idea about the current state of your battery? Most drivers probably do not give it a thought until they have a breakdown or their vehicle refuses to start. The best solution is to have a regular battery check performed at a Bosch Car Service workshop. It makes more sense to spend a few minutes in the workshop than to wait around for hours for a breakdown service to turn up.
What is the main cause of breakdowns?
Would you have known that one in three breakdowns is the result of a defective battery? But it is not always the actual battery that is the problem. Other components may also be the cause of failure. In other words: Replacing the battery will not automatically solve the problem if your vehicle refuses to start. So it is advisable to look into other possible causes to avoid yet another trip to the workshop – this saves time, money and any amount of bother.
What are the most common causes of failure?
In addition to excessive storage times, one of the main reasons for battery failure is so-called exhaustive discharge. In this process the entire capacity is drawn off at once. The damage to the battery in this condition may be considerable depending on the length of time for which the vehicle is not driven. Consequences: Loss of power, re-charging not possible, substantial curtailment of service life.
9 reasons for a flat battery:
1. Short circuit in the electrical system
In the event of a short circuit, a considerable amount of current is drawn from the battery in a very short time and converted into heat.
2. Leaving the vehicle lights switched on
The vehicle lights consume a lot of power and should therefore be switched off on parking the vehicle.
3. Defective alternator
If the battery is not charged by the alternator whilst driving, it is the only source of power for control units and other electrical equipment – until it is completely flat.
4. Defective alternator regulator
If the alternator regulator is defective, exhaustive discharge will occur as a result of inadequate charging or the battery will be overcharged.
5. Control unit fault
If control units are not shut down when the engine is switched off, they continue to use power and thus cause exhaustive battery discharge.
6. Retrofitting of electrical equipment
Extra electrical equipment such as seat heating generally draws power through the cigarette lighter and very quickly leads to battery discharge.
7. Fitting of incorrect battery
Defective batteries should always be replaced with one of the same type so as not to shorten the service life.
8. Short journeys
On short journeys, the amount of power consumed is more than the alternator can supply. So it is best not to use unnecessary equipment (seat heating, radio, etc.) in winter.
9. Radio, TV, DVD, refrigerator units
Radios, navigation systems and other entertainment devices use a lot of power and will cause exhaustive discharge if the battery is not sufficiently re-charged.
Why does the winter present particular problems?
You would be surprised: batteries like it cold. During the hot summer time abrasion is far higher than in cold winter months. However, due to viscid, cold engine oil the battery has to overcome higher demands which then leads to defects.