battery part 2

Wedge style battery hold down

A design used for securing batteries, common in GM and Ford vehicles, which traps the battery in place with a built-in lift.

Electrolyte

The corrosive liquid inside batteries that can leak out and cause damage if the battery case is damaged.

Baking soda

A substance used to neutralize battery acid spills, which can fizz when interacting with the acid.

Cold cranking amps (CCA)

A measurement of a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures, tested at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Undercharging

A condition where a battery does not receive enough charge, often due to infrequent use of the vehicle.

Overcharging

An issue where excessive charging swells a battery and can lead to leaks or explosions.

Resistance in battery terminals

A result of corrosion or poor connection that can reduce voltage available to the vehicle's electrical system.

Hydrogen gas

The flammable gas released from lead-acid batteries during the charging process.

Specific gravity

A measurement used to determine the strength of the electrolyte in a battery, indicating its health.

Memory saver

A device used to maintain power to a vehicle's systems during battery replacement, preventing loss of presets and settings.

Dielectric grease

A protective substance applied to battery terminals to prevent corrosion.

Voltage test

A procedure to check the voltage of a battery to assess its state of charge, where healthy batteries should show around 12.6 volts.

Load test

A test performed on a battery to assess its capacity to provide power under load, typically using half of the battery's CCA for 15 seconds.

Corrosion on battery terminals

A common issue often seen as a powdery residue on battery connections that can impair electrical conductivity.

Hybrid vehicle battery cooling systems

Specialized systems in hybrid and electric vehicles designed to manage the heat generated by battery packs during operation.

Penetrating oil

A type of lubricant used to facilitate the loosening of corroded battery terminals and components.

Battery servicing

The process of inspecting, cleaning, and testing batteries to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Series vs. parallel connection

Wiring configurations for batteries where series increases voltage and parallel increases amperage.

Preventative battery maintenance

Regular checks and services performed on batteries to extend their life and prevent failures.