http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T
0C6wvCcPo4&feature=related

• An automotive battery is a type of rechargeable battery that supplies electric energy to an automobile.
• It is charged back by the alternator.

• A battery supplies power to the starter and ignition system to start the engine.
• A battery also supplies the extra power necessary when the vehicle's electrical load exceeds the supply from the charging system.
• Supplies power to the electrical systems when engine is not running.

• Automotive batteries acts as a voltage stabilizer in the electrical system.
• An automotive battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy

 Hot weather shortens battery life more than cold.
 Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate.
 Battery failure happens more in the winter, due to cold starts, which puts more strain on the battery.

• SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Specific gravity means exact weight.
• A "Hydrometer" or a "Refractometer" compares the exact weight of electrolyte with that of water.

Battery are rated in both cold cranking amps and reserve capacity.
Cold Cranking Amps is the amount of amperage a battery can supply at 0 Degrees while maintaining
9.6 volts for 30 seconds
Reserve capacity: The amount of time a battery can supply 10 volts at 25 amps when not being charged reserve capacity is a battery's ability to sustain a minimum vehicle electrical load in the event of a charging system failure

• Heavy corrosion can cause starting problems.
• Disconnect negative battery terminal
• Use baking soda and water to clean corrosion

• When charging a battery always connect the positive cable first and the negative cable last
• When removing battery cables disconnect the
Negative cable first and the Positive cable last.
• Reason being, everything metal on the car is negative

• Usually between 3-5 years, but varies.
• While draining the battery to a zero charge will not
"kill" it, it will reduce the potential battery life every time it is drained.
• When you store your vehicle for long periods of time, disconnect the battery at the terminal connections.
• if your battery has fluid reservoirs, you must keep these filled

• Over charging of battery, by vehicle charging system or battery charger.
• Undercharging of the battery, due to fault or stop and go traffic.

• http://www.cdxetextbook.com/electrical/prin c/batteryMain/testbat_cable.html

• http://videos.howstuffworks.com/auto/carparts-videos-playlist.htm#video-41111