All cars have two major systems. The primary one is the motor that powers the wheels. This motor may be battery-electric, or internal-combustion. The secondary system comprises an auxiliary battery, powering the accessories that transform your vehicle from a mobile platform to transport. This partly answers the question what does that battery do in your car?
What That Auxiliary Car Battery Does and Does Not Do
The first cars ran on hand-cranked internal combustion engines. There was a spurt of interest in battery-electric vehicles, until driving range killed that off. Early gasoline vehicles were purely mechanical, except for their spark plugs and headlights. Then somebody invented the starter motor. Soon every car had an auxiliary battery!
That auxiliary battery introduced portable electricity to transportation. Soon, gasoline autos boasted electric hooters, radios, and heaters with blower fans! Many other gadgets followed, culminating in air conditioning and infotainment systems. If you wondered, what does that battery do in your car, you partly have your answer.
Public interest in battery-electric vehicles, revived early this century, after being dormant for ninety years. The public became more aware of the dangers of internal combustion pollution. Scientists alerted us to gradual global warming, which is now beginning to affect our weather.
The automobile industry responded with a range of battery-electric cars. They removed the old fashioned gasoline motors, gearboxes, and transmission systems, and installed high-voltage batteries and electric motors in their place. However, they still needed secondary batteries for their auxiliary systems.
How to Keep Your Auxiliary Battery In Good Shape
You can’t legally drive a vehicle on North American roads without an auxiliary battery in good working order. This is because it would not be roadworthy, without having working electric lights and hooters. Here’s what you need to do, to ensure your auxiliary / starter battery remains in good shape:
- Make sure your auxiliary/ starter battery comes from a reliable supplier that you know you can trust.
- Read the instructions that come with the battery, so you know if there is any maintenance required.
- Never, ever run your auxiliary / starter battery completely flat. That would shorten its operating life!
- Replace your battery according to the instructions, before it starts giving trouble and lets you down.
The complete answer to the question, what does that battery do in your car, is therefore it allows you to drive, legally. Farewell from us for now. We hope to welcome you back soon.
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