10 Myths & Misconceptions About Automotive Batteries:
A car battery will last forever: This is a common myth that is simply not true. While car batteries can last several years, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Running the engine will recharge a dead battery: While running the engine can recharge a weak battery, it will not recharge a completely dead battery. In fact, attempting to jump-start a dead battery by running the engine can actually damage the alternator.
A larger battery will provide more power: While a larger battery may have a higher capacity, it does not necessarily provide more power to the vehicle's electrical system. The size of the battery should be matched to the vehicle's specifications.
All batteries are the same: This is not true, as there are different types of batteries available for different applications. For example, a deep-cycle battery is designed for use in boats and RVs, while a starting battery is designed for use in cars and trucks.
Disconnecting the battery will reset the computer: While disconnecting the battery can reset some of the vehicle's electronic systems, it is not a guaranteed solution to fix all problems. In fact, it can sometimes cause more problems by resetting important calibration values.
A battery can only fail due to old age: While age is a common reason for battery failure, there are other factors that can cause a battery to fail prematurely, such as extreme temperatures, overcharging, undercharging, or physical damage.
A battery needs to be fully discharged before recharging: This is a misconception as automotive batteries are designed to be recharged before they are fully discharged. In fact, discharging a battery completely can reduce its lifespan.
Jump-starting a car will always fix a dead battery: While jump-starting a car can provide enough charge to start the engine, it may not always fix a dead battery. In some cases, the battery may be too weak to hold a charge and will need to be replaced.
The alternator charges the battery: While the alternator does provide some charge to the battery while the engine is running, its primary function is to power the vehicle's electrical system. The battery is responsible for starting the engine and providing backup power when the alternator is not generating enough electricity.
All batteries are maintenance-free: While some modern batteries are marketed as maintenance-free, they still require some level of maintenance to ensure their longevity. This includes keeping the battery terminals clean and checking the electrolyte level if the battery has removable caps.
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