Description & Operation: Battery

The sealed battery is standard on all cars. There are no vent plugs in cover. The battery is completely sealed, except for two small vent holes in sides. These vent holes allow small amount of gas produced in battery to escape. The battery has following advantages over conventional batteries:

• No water addition for life of battery.
• Overcharge protection. If too much voltage is applied to battery, it will not accept as much current as a conventional battery. In a conventional battery, excess voltage will still try to charge battery, leading to gassing, which causes liquid loss.
• Not as liable to self-discharge as a conventional battery. This is particularly important when a battery is left standing for long periods of time.
• More power available in a lighter, smaller case.

The battery has three major functions in electrical system. First, battery provides a source of energy for cranking engine. Second, battery acts as a voltage stabilizer for electrical system. Finally, battery can, for a limited time, provide energy when electrical demand exceeds output of generator.