Long-term disuse requires charging, short-term parking needs power off.
The normal self-discharge of the battery is due to structural factors inherent in the battery itself, such as impurities mixed in the electrolyte, or parts of the internal active material falling off and settling at the bottom, causing the positive and negative plates to discharge through sedimentation. If the battery is not used for a long time, it will slowly discharge on its own; therefore, the car should be started periodically to charge the battery.
Truck owners should disconnect the main power switch each time after parking, and if stored for more than a month, it's necessary to remove the battery for a supplementary charge.
Observe the driving voltage frequently, check the alternator for low voltage.
Pay attention to the voltmeter reading while driving. When the engine speed is between 1100~1400rpm, the normal voltage range is 27.6~28.8V. If the voltage is below the standard value, it will affect the battery charging, necessitating an in-station inspection and maintenance of the alternator and charging circuit:
① Check the alternator fuse and output wiring
② Inspect the alternator and alternator belt
③ Examine the ground cable between the engine and the vehicle frame
(Insufficient long-term charging of the battery can shorten its lifespan)
What to do if the instrument shows normal but there's a power loss?
When the engine speed is between 1100~1400rpm and the vehicle voltage is within the range of 27.6~28.8V, it indicates that the alternator output is normal. If the battery still frequently loses power, the issue may be due to a decrease in the battery's capacity or problems with the battery cable connections (such as poor contact).
Maintain the engine at a medium speed and test the voltage between the battery's positive and negative terminals, comparing it with the voltage indicated by the gauge. If the two are very close, it means the connection between the battery and the vehicle's wiring is normal. Frequent power loss could indicate decreased battery capacity, requiring inspection or replacement of the battery.
If the voltage measured between the battery's positive and negative terminals is significantly lower than the vehicle voltage indicated by the gauge, it's necessary to check for poor contact in the battery cable connections to the vehicle (such as corrosion), and disassemble the cables for maintenance if needed.
