Battery Description: Notes

The sealed battery is standard on all cars. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed, except for 2 small vent holes in the sides. These vent holes allow the small amount of gas produced in the battery to escape. The battery has the following advantages over conventional batteries:

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

The battery has 3 major functions in the electrical system. 1st, the battery provides a source of energy for cranking the engine. 2nd, the battery acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system. Finally, the battery can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical demand exceeds the output of the generator.