Why a good battery & charging system are important ?

A good battery and charging system are essential for reliable starting and vehicle operation. A starter motor can pull several hundred amps while cranking the engine. If your battery is low or weak, it will not provide enough amps to the starter for the engine to start.

The onboard electronics and control modules that operate almost everything in today's vehicles require a steady voltage level to operate properly. If the battery voltage drops to low, it can cause erratic behavior and problems with the car's electronic components.

Starting and electrical problems, which are usually blamed on the battery may not actually be the battery's fault. Instead, these problems could be caused by a faulty charging system. Your vehicle's alternator has two jobs: the first is to supply current to the vehicle's charging system, and the second id to is to maintain the battery at full charge. Lead-acid wet cell car batteries must be maintained near full charge, otherwise the plates become sulfated and the battery loses its ability to store power.

Normally, a battery is only used to crank the engine, provide power for lights and accessories when the car is not running, to stabilize voltage withing the vehicles electrical system and to provide supplemental power when the demands of the vehicle's electrical system temporarily exceed the output of the alternator. If the battery is in good condition and fully charged, it won't increase the normal load of the charging system. Driving your vehicle will help maintain the battery's charge. However, if the battery is in poor condition or is run down, it may take 20 to 30 minutes of driving to bring the battery back up, and even then, it may not reach full charge or hold the charge if the battery is in poor condition. Thus vehicles used for short term driving may not give the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery.

Should you experience erratic behavior or starting issues with your vehicle, call San Jose Auto Repair at (408) 258-6625 and we will be happy to send one of our experienced Mobile Automotive Technicians to diagnose and advise you of the possible cause and recommended repair of the problem.