What Are the Functions of a Car Battery?
by Charles GreenYour car's battery is tasked with storing electrical energy, power that is needed to ignite the starter and keep your car running. A weak or dead battery will leave you stranded, while a healthy car battery will perform the functions it is designed to perform.
Basics
With electrical energy stored, your car's battery will have sufficient "juice" to supply power to the starter, which, when turned, helps to start your car's engine. A problem with your battery, connecting points, wires or starter will keep your engine from running.
Alternator
The moment your engine starts to run, the alternator is activated to supply electricity generated by the movement of two pulleys and a drive belt. As long as the alternator is working fine, important functions such as the headlights, the wipers, the sound system and climate control will work.
Voltage Regulator
The battery gets fresh power from the voltage regulator, which directs the regulator to send power back to the battery. This step ensures that the battery has enough energy to start your car the next time you turn the key.
References
Writer Bio
Charles Green is a freelance writer in North Carolina who has been writing since 1992 and freelancing since 2002. His work appears in "435 South Magazine," "Wisconsin Golfer" and for various websites. Green earned a Bacheler of Science in business administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey.
