Car Batteries Explained | Car Parts For Beginners, Motor & Wheels (Peter Jones)

Motor & Wheels, with Peter Jones

Pictures and more in the blog post: motorandwheels.com/car-batteries-explained
Connect with Peter Jones.
📘 Peter Jones' book on car parts for beginners.
Transcript:
I’m Peter Jones, and today we are diving into the world of car batteries, understanding their role, lifespan, and the costs associated with them.
The car battery is an essential part of any car. It stores energy like any other battery you find around your household, and the battery power is used to start the engine, the ignition system, and the basic electronic systems in your vehicle. When you turn the key (or press start), the battery supplies the energy to start the engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over to power the electrical components and recharge the battery when necessary. We’ll get back to what the alternator is and what it does in a later episode.
A car battery is a rectangular box with two terminals on the top or the side, connecting your vehicle's electrical system.
Batteries come in different varieties, such as wet cell, dry cell, and deep cycle batteries, with wet cell batteries being the most common type found in vehicles. Typically, a car battery measures around 12 inches in length, 6.5 inches in width, and about 9 inches in height, though sizes can vary.
Now, let's discuss where you can locate your car's battery. Usually, it is found under the hood, either on the left or right side towards the front of the car. However, it can sometimes be situated in different locations under the seat or in the trunk to save space or balance the car's weight. If you have trouble finding the battery, just check your owner's manual for guidance. Remember to take precautions when handling car batteries as they can be heavy and contain hazardous materials.
When it comes to the life expectancy of car batteries, they last about 3-5 years on average. This duration can be influenced by several factors including the climate, your driving habits, and the health of your vehicle's charging system. Therefore, it's advisable to get your battery checked regularly, especially as it nears the three-year mark, to prevent unexpected failures.
Moving on to the cost aspects, new car batteries generally range from $100 to $200, though premium models can cost up to $300. You might also find used batteries at scrap yards for a much lower price, but be sure to inspect their condition before purchasing. Apart from the cost of the battery itself, remember to factor in labor costs if you're planning to get it replaced at a service center, which typically ranges from $50 to $100 for an hour of work.
If your car battery fails, you might notice signs like slow starting or complete failure to start, dimming lights, and loss of power to essential components. It's not advisable to continue driving with a faulty battery, as it is crucial for powering your vehicle's electrical system.
However, if you're looking to save some money, you can consider replacing the car battery yourself. It's a very straightforward process involving basic tools. Just make sure your car is off and parked on a flat surface before you begin. Disconnect the cables starting with the negative one, remove the old battery, and then install the new one. Consult your car's manual to check if there are any specific steps or resets needed post the battery replacement.
If you want to learn more about the car battery, there’s a link in today's show notes to an article where I dive a bit deeper. There are also pictures to help you understand it all better. There’s also a link to an overview of all the main parts of the car so you can lear

Check our website: MotorAndWheels.com.