Few battery myths need to be shattered to help you stay prepared
Car batteries are an absolute beast as they shoulder the responsibility of starting the engine and keeping the comfort and entertainment levels up to the mark. While just a turning of the key is needed to get your vehicle running, ultimately, it’s the health of the battery that decides the correct functioning of all the electrical components and the engine.
Unfortunately, in the age of the internet, still, various myths float around a car battery. We will see the top car battery myths under the microscope below to see whether they test positive or negative.
- Flat batteries doesn’t affect the fuel efficiency
It is one of the common myths as many people use a discharged or flat battery for starting the car and continue to do that without servicing or replacing it. Though a discharged battery can work with the alternator to switch on the car, it will put stress on the alternator whenever you try to start the car. As a result, the engine bears more stress, and this can lead to additional fuel consumption.
Moreover, the continuous use of flat batteries can disrupt the electrical components of the car. So, it is always recommended to get your discharged car battery serviced to avoid performance problems.
- Maintenance-free batteries don’t need servicing
These batteries come with a permanent seal and require less care but saying that they do not need maintenance is a misnomer. Maintenance-free batteries are known as lead-acid batteries, and the major advantage is that they don’t require electrolyte refill regularly. These batteries last longer, and once they die, they simply need replacement.
However, maintenance-free batteries still need periodic cleaning and functional testing for ensuring optimum performance.
- Idle batteries preserve charge
Every car battery will eventually come to an end, irrespective of the brand you choose and even if it is not much in use. Leaving the vehicle idle for a longer time will decrease its life, and you might need a complete replacement. If the battery is unused for a short period of time, it can recharge itself during long drives the next time you take it on a ride. But it is not recommended to leave the vehicle for a long period.
As far as disconnecting or unplugging the battery is concerned, it is a good idea, but there is a drawback, and i.e. it could reset all the electrical settings, especially in modern cars.
- Expensive batteries does not mean better performance
This is again a common myth. Expensive batteries would contain more plates which technically means a combination of a strong lead alloy grid and lead paste electrode material. In simple terms, more plates provide more energy to start the car.
However, the battery is intrinsically a cannibal and will eat itself over time. But having more plates will surely give enhanced battery life and improve performance. So, yes, if you are spending extra on branded on expensive batteries, it will be durable and return better performance.
Car battery life depends on various factors, such as proper maintenance, climate, number of electricals and frequency of usage. Eventually, it will come to an end. If you see it needs replacement, you must do that without delay.
