Car Batteries & Charging Systems in Clarksburg, MD
Electrical Systems Repair -- AutoStream Car Care Center
The purpose of your car’s battery is to supply a necessary electrical current to the starter and the ignition system to start the engine and is composed of three vital components: the battery, alternator, and starter. Additionally, it also supplies added current when the demand is higher than the alternator can supply. By storing energy and sending voltage to the starter to start the engine, the alternator then takes the electrical current and provides power to your electrical accessories while also recharging the battery in the process. The process then repeats itself. Over time, however, this can wear out a battery. Keep reading below to get a better understanding of how your car batteries and charging systems work.
If you think the systems in your car aren’t working properly, come visit us at AutoStream Car Care Center. One of our certified technicians inspect your car batteries and charging systems and suggest any repairs we believe will get you and your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely.
Repair Your Car Batteries and Charging System in Clarksburg, Maryland
If your vehicle is having trouble starting and you think it may be because of your car batteries and charging systems, stop by and see the certified mechanics at AutoStream Car Care Center today. We are conveniently located at 12051 Snowden Farm Parkway to service all of our Clarksburg, Maryland neighbors with their car batteries and charging systems needs. Call us today at 301-329-2262 to schedule an appointment.
How Your Charging and Starting System Operates
Battery Powers Your Vehicle
Your car’s battery stores chemical energy and then converts that energy into electrical energy and provides enough force to start your engine. The battery is supported by the starter to help it maintain its charge through your alternator while the vehicle is on. If you’re having trouble with your car battery, pop the hood and check to see that the black and red plastic terminal covers are not hiding any corrosion. A significant build-up can be scrubbed off with some baking soda and a wire brush.
Battery Transmits Energy
The cables that are connected to the terminals of your battery then transmit energy to your engine. Whether connections are loose or corrosion has built up, the cables on your battery can often be the cause of any issues you have with starting your vehicle. If you are having problems, inspect both ends of the cables and tighten any loose connections.
Relays and Fuses Receive Charge
Once your car is on, the battery then sends an electrical current through its terminals and cables to the starter. Depending upon your vehicle, there may be a starter fuse or fuse box that the current travels through in order to reach the starter. Over time, relays and fuses can go bad, which will prevent electrical energy from being sent to your starting system. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to discover where your relays and fuses are and check to see if they are operating properly.
Starter Turns Your Engine
Once the current has reached the starter, it allows a mixture of fuel and air to flow into your engine so that the spark plugs can begin combustion. Once you insert your key and turn on the ignition, the starter pulls an electrical current from your battery and uses the energy to get your engine moving.
Alternator Charges Your Battery
Once your engine is running, the alternator keeps every electrical system in your car operating properly. Once everything is provided with a constant electrical current, the alternator then returns energy back to your car’s battery to keep it charged.
