THE BATTERY

Southland Times, Issue 22915, 13 June 1936, Page 19

THE BATTERY

One of the most long-suffering and generally neglected components of the modem motor-vehicle is the battery, and in the colder weather a most severe strain is imposed upon it. So efficient is the battery to-day that the average owner is inclined to forget its existence until suden trouble gives him an unpleasant reminder of his neglect, (states the Auckland Herald). The battery is the heart of the modem motor-car. Battery and coil ignition is almost universal and, in addition, the starter, lights, horn, directionindicators, wireless and frequently the windscreen-wiper are dependent upon the battery for their motive power. A complete failure of this battery, with no spare available, thus renders most cars completely useless, and it should not be overlooked that consistent neglect of the battery is likely to result in such a failure over night. Even when the battery does not go completely flat, the driver of a large car is still in a predicament. It is extremely difficult to crank many modem cars: with some makes, indeed, there is no provision for this, and a crank - handle is not included in the tool-kit. The owner of the average small car is slightly better off in this respect, as he can frequently crank his car provided there is enough life in the battery to give a good spark. Electricians agree that a very large percentage of battery failures aie directly due to neglect coupled with ignorance. It is, in fact, rare for them to find a battery properly maintained, with clean, well-greased terminals free from corrosion and the water at the correct level. Once deterioration commences, it is usually rapid and will ultimately prove expensive. At least one or more cells will require replacement, while there is always the possibility of a direct short-circuit, due to corroded terminals, resulting in the disorganization of the electrical system. Maintenance of a battery is simple, requiring no expert knowledge or mechanical ability. With cars that do an average amount of running, an inspection should be made at intervals of not more than a fortnight, and the opportunity taken to “top up” with distilled water. The level should be maintained about a quarter of an inch above the top of the plates, which can be seen when the. caps are removed. Corroded terminals should be removed from their pegs, scraped clean, and liberally coated with grease or vaseline after being replaced. This will tend to prevent further corrosion. Occasionally it is as well to remove the battery from its cage, qlean the cage and paint it with some bituminous paint, as it also is liable to corrode. In fact, in- 1 stances have been reported of cages collapsing altogether and allowing the batteries to fall out. With the approach of cold weather, owners are well advised to check the ' efficiency of their batteries, or if they prefer it, to have this important work done at a service station. The battery needs to be in the best condition to cope with, the difficulty of turning over a stone-cold motor, and also to ! withstand the drain of current im- ; posed by increased use of lights and screenwiper. With cars that have only ; single-rate charging, it is often advis- ' able to have an electrician increase the ’ charging-rate slightly for the winter I months. The battery will probably ' function better for the additional cur- 1 rent it receives.