BATTERY: Describes an electrochemical device for producing electricity by converting chemical energy. The typical automotive lead-acid battery supplies the source of power for cranking the engine and also provides the necessary electrical energy for the ignition system.

BATTERY COMPARTMENT: Describes the place in the vehicle where the battery is located.

BATTERY IGNITION: Describes any system where the battery supplies the initial voltage to power the starter motor and fire the spark plugs.

BATTERY STRAP: Describes either the wire cable or braided wire strap to transfer electricity. It can be found between the engine block and the chassis because the engine is isolated from the chassis by rubber mounts.

CELL CONNECTOR: Describes the lead bar or strap connecting battery cell groups.

CHARGE: Describes the action of passing an electric current through a battery to restore it to the active (charged) state.

CHARGING RATE: Describes the amount of electrical current which is delivered by the charging system. Usually measured in amperes.

DIRECT CURRENT(DC) Describes the electric current that flows steadily in one direction only. Direct current is found in a car battery as well as throughout the lighting and accessory system of a vehicle. Contrasts with alternating current (AC).

DISCHARGE RATE: Denotes the amount of current discharged from a battery, expressed in AMPS.

DISCONNECT TERMINALS: Describes the solderless connectors found in male and female forms, intended to be easily disconnected and connected.

DISTILLED WATER: Describes pure water after distillation that has had all other chemicals removed, for topping up batteries and radiators.

ELECTROLYTE: Describes the sulphuric acid and water solution found in automotive batteries, although it can be any solution (usually an acid) that will conduct electric current. The acid reacts with the battery plates to produce direct current (DC) electricity.

ELEMENT: Describes the group of plates in a battery.in which there are three elements for a six volt and six elements for the twelve -volt battery. The elements are connected in series.

FAST CHARGER: Describes a battery charger, used in commercial practice, capable of charging a battery at a rate of 40 amps or more.

GRID: Describes the lead screen or plate to which the battery plate active material is attached.

GROUND: Describes a battery terminal connected to the metal framework of the vehicle so that the frame acts as a conductor of electricity.

HELMET CONNECTOR: Describes a special lug with tapered terminal posts used to connect a car battery.

HIGH ENERGY BATTERY: Describes an innovative battery design specifically developed for electrically powered cars.

INTERCELL CONNECTOR: Describes a lead strap or connector that connects the cells in a car battery.

JUMP LEAD: Describes the use of jump lead cables to start a car with a weak battery by conducting electrical current from another battery.

JUMP SPARK: Describes high tension electrical current that jumps through the air from one terminal to the other.

JUMP START: Describes using jumper cables on a weak car battery. LEAD: Describes a short connecting wire which makes electrical contact between two points.

LEAD-ACID BATTERY: Describes the system of lead plates and dilute sulphuric acid that is used as a starter battery as well as a traction battery in electric vehicles.

LEAD DEPOSIT: Describes the minute lead particles that are liable to separate from the battery plates during normal operation.

LOAD TEST: Describes a type of strength test applied to a car battery.

LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY: Describes a battery that rarely requires its charge to be topped up.

MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY: Describes a battery whose top is permanently sealed, therefore never requiring a top-up.

OXYHYDROGEN GAS: Describes a highly volatile mixture of oxygen and hydrogen, generated during charging of lead-acid batteries.

PLATE SUPPORT: Describes the support at the bottom of a battery case on which the elements rest that also provides space for the sediment chamber.

POLARITY: Describes a guide that indicates if a particular battery terminal is either positive or negative (plus or minus) (+ or -).

POST: Describes the round, tapered lead posts that protrude from the top of the battery to which the battery cables are attached.

SLOW CHARGING: Describes a battery charging procedure involving a charging current that corresponds to 10% maximum of the battery capacity.

SODIUM-SULPHUR BATTERY: Describes a new type of battery, with higher energy density for use in electric powered vehicles.

TERMINAL VOLTAGE: Describes the sum total of individual battery cell voltages in a battery terminal.

TRICKLE CHARGE: Describes the procedure of providing continuous charge to a storage battery at a low rate so that it will remain fully charged condition even when not in use.