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The
battery in a car provides enough amps to start the engine and then provide
volts to electrical demands. Once the car engine starts and is running, the
alternator restores the amps and voltage spent from the battery and provides
constant backup for the battery. An alternator does not fully recharge a car
battery, however, so when one is close to the end of its life, it does not put
out enough amperage needed to turn the starter. Charging it will temporarily
assist in getting the engine to start, but may not provide reliability on the
next intended start-up.
Batteries contain a diluted solution of sulfuric
acid, which has a chemical reaction to the lead plates that soak in it. This
reaction makes the batteries volatile and susceptible to ignite if a spark
occurs. A flammable mixture of hydrogen and oxygen escapes from the vents of
the battery, so if you charge it incorrectly, you are risking a battery
explosion.