Regular battery testing can identify suspect batteries before they fail and avoid the inconvenience of a roadside breakdown.Ĭheck electrolyte levels of a maintainable battery – fluid below the tops of the separators indicate overcharging or poor maintenance. Other less noticeable factors, such as changed driving patterns and colder/hotter weather will all have an effect on the life of a battery. Typical warning signs include a slower than normal ability to crank the engine. The average life of a car battery is 42 months, after this the battery is on borrowed time and should be replaced. Time plays a key indicator, too often motorists hold off replacing the battery and end up inconvenienced by a roadside breakdown. Overcharging and undercharging of a battery will also have a bearing on battery life.īatteries often fail when least expected and can be avoided with regular battery testing. ![]() Components corrode over time, electrical shorts occur and vibration causes damage eventually causing failure. The constant charge and discharge process eventually leads to failure. ![]() Factors affecting battery lifeĪs batteries operate and age, they gradually lose their capacity. Batteries in high temperature environments need to be well ventilated and have temperature compensation to reduce the output as the temperature rises, to avoid overcharging. High temperature increases gassing & water loss in the battery, leading to further self - discharge. It is important to install a battery that is designed to handle these conditions.Īs the temperature increases, so does the chemical reaction inside the battery, leading to an increased rate of corrosion. A battery being discharged to 100% of its capacity regularly will cause permanent damage to the internals of the battery.īatteries installed in applications that are exposed to high levels of vibration from moving equipment, uneven road conditions, unsecure fitment or engine harmonics can be detrimental to the life of the battery. Even deep cycle batteries should not be discharged below 50% of their capacity before recharging is required. The deeper a battery is discharged the shorter its life. Temperature can also increase the chances of overcharging, especially when the battery is inadequately ventilated or under bonnet in a constant high temperature environment. This can happen due to a faulty charging system or if the charging output is not compatible with the battery. Prolonged undercharging from short journeys and stop-start driving can cause plate sulphation and acid stratification which reduce battery life.Įxcessive voltage and current is the primary cause of overcharging. The leading cause of early battery failure comes from undercharging. Lead acid batteries must be kept charged at all times. Examples include over tightening the terminal leads or battery hold down bracket and dropping or knocking the battery casing.įitting a smaller, lower capacity battery or a battery designed for another application can lead to early failure.įailing to regularly maintain the battery's state of charge, fluid levels or terminal connections will accelerate battery failure. Incorrect fitment, handling and storage often leads to external damage and subsequent battery failure. High temperature will accelerate degradation rates. Over time this leads to a point where the battery will no longer be able to start a vehicle. Non manufacturing faultsĪs a battery ages, grid metal corrodes and active material is lost from the plate. This is when contact is made between the positive and negative plates causing a cell to discharge, resulting in a drop in voltage and battery failure. Battery failure can be attributed to various factors, however the causes of failure fall under two distinct categories: manufacturing and non manufacturing faults. ![]() Batteries have a finite life, determined by the application and the operating conditions.
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