Frequently Asked Questions About GMC Parts: Batteries
Among the many GMC parts that comprise your vehicle, we find that the battery is one of the least understood. To help address this issue, our GMC service center put together this brief repository of frequently asked questions regarding car batteries and battery service.
Q: How Does a Standard Car Battery Work?
A: Whether a car, a truck, or an SUV like the GMC Acadia, most car batteries are categorized as lead-acid batteries. This means they generate electricity through a chemical process. This reaction is caused by dunking lead and lead dioxide plates – referred to as “cells” – into sulfuric acid, which generates electricity-producing electrons.
The electricity then flows from your battery terminals throughout your car, bringing life to your engine, headlights, and infotainment system among other systems.
Q: How are Batteries for EVs Different from Standard Car Batteries?
A: The electricity generated by a lead-acid battery occurs in short and efficient spurts that power the many systems in your car. Such a design is impractical for electric vehicle batteries, which must provide constant streams of power whenever the accelerator is pressed.
To achieve this, most EVs utilize lithium-ion batteries, which pack a lot of energy into a relatively small package. That means that these batteries can deliver impressive power on demand with ever-increasing driving ranges.
Lithium-ion batteries are also exceptionally resistant to deterioration and can be recharged numerous times without impacting the overall performance or capacity. Lead batteries, on the other hand, normally exhibit a lifespan of three to five years.
Q: How Can I Tell if There Is a Problem with My Car Battery?
A: Signs of a worn-out battery are typically easy to spot. You may notice a reluctance for your engine to turn over, or your internal electrical systems may malfunction. In electric vehicles, battery issues commonly present themselves through inefficient charging, weak acceleration, or poor charge retention.
At the first sign of trouble, responsible drivers know to reach out to our GMC dealers. Though battery problems can often be resolved very quickly, they can also cause severe issues if left unattended.
Schedule Your Battery Service with Zeigler of Lincolnwood
Now that you know a little more about how car batteries operate, it’s time to set an appointment for your car or EV. Visit us online or give us a call at Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood to schedule your battery service today.