Car Battery Life
Content
Every piece of vehicle equipment has its own lifespan, and the battery is no exception. This period of time will vary depending on a number of factors and the operating conditions of the battery. In addition, this criterion of performance depends largely on the quality of the battery itself.
The average battery life of a car in personal use is 3-5 years.
This range is rather arbitrary. With a careful attitude and compliance with all operating rules, this indicator can be extended up to 6 - 7 years. The battery life for cars in official use (assigned, for example, to a transport company or a taxi fleet) is determined in accordance with GOST and is 18 months with a mileage of no more than 60 km.
Let's take a look at the main factors that affect a car's battery life.
Outside temperature
Operating a battery at extremely low (<-30 C) or high (<+30 C) temperatures has a very negative effect on battery life. In the first case, the battery freezes and its charging efficiency decreases due to an increase in the viscosity of the electrolyte. As a result, the capacity of the battery decreases. With a decrease in temperature below +15 C for each subsequent degree, the capacity of the battery decreases by 1 Ampere-hour. In the second case, the high temperature provokes the process of boiling water from the electrolyte in the battery, which lowers its level below the required level.
Serviceability of the charging system (generator)
The next factor that significantly reduces the service life of the battery is its long stay in a discharged state (deep discharge). One of the conditions for ensuring a long battery life is a fully functional charging system, the main element of which is the generator. Under the condition of its normal functioning, it generates exactly the voltage that is required by the power source for proper recharging.
Otherwise, this leads the battery to a permanently discharged state, which subsequently causes the process of sulfation of the plates (release of lead sulfate when the battery is discharged). If the battery is constantly undercharged, sulfation becomes more intense, which ultimately reduces the capacity of the battery until it is completely out of order.
Serviceability of the relay-regulator
Equally important is the state of the voltage regulator relay, which protects the battery from overcharging. Its malfunction can lead to overheating of the cans and boil-off of the electrolyte, which can subsequently cause a short circuit and damage the battery. Also, a short circuit can occur when the putty of the plates falls into the cavity of the battery box, which can be caused, in particular, by increased vibration (for example, when driving off-road).
Leakage current
Another reason leading the battery to an accelerated discharge is the excess of the current leakage rate. This can happen if third-party equipment is incorrectly connected (for example, a sound system, alarm, etc.), as well as if the electrical wiring in the car is worn out or heavily soiled.
The nature of the ride
When making short trips by car and long stops between them, the battery physically cannot receive sufficient charge for its normal operation. This driving feature is more typical for city dwellers than for motorists living outside the city. The lack of battery power will be especially pronounced when driving around the city in the cold season.
Frequent engine starts are accompanied by the inclusion of lighting devices and the use of heating, as a result of which the car's power source does not have time to fully restore the charge during the trip. Thus, under these operating conditions, the battery life is significantly reduced.
Battery fixation
Battery fastening is an important aspect, which also directly affects its service life. If the battery is not securely fixed, then when the car makes sharp maneuvers, it can easily fly out of the place of its attachment, which is fraught with breakdowns of its elements. There is also a risk of shorting the terminals against the interior of the body. Strong vibrations and shocks will also cause the plaster to gradually peel off and destroy the battery case.
How to extend the life of your car battery
Battery life is maximized by careful handling and monitoring of the associated equipment. To significantly increase the battery life, it is necessary to periodically diagnose it and perform some simple actions listed below.
- When starting the engine in winter, turn on the headlights for 20-30 seconds. This will allow the battery to warm up faster;
- If you have a car with a manual transmission, make it easier to start the engine by pressing the clutch pedal;
- Leave the car running for 5 to 10 minutes to recharge the battery after completing your journey. In this case, it is advisable to turn off electrical devices;
- To increase the working life of the battery and prevent its discharge at least once every half a month, drive the car for more than 40 minutes;
- Try to avoid trips with a discharged or slightly "drained" battery;
- Do not allow the battery to discharge more than 60%. By checking the charge from time to time, you ensure the reliability of the battery and thereby extend its service life;
- Regularly inspect the battery box and clean the terminals from oxides and dirt;
- Charge the battery fully at least once a month. The ideal voltage is approximately 12,7 volts. Charge the battery every 3 months or more with the wall charger. A battery in a constantly charged state will be much less susceptible to sulfation processes;
- Tune the ignition system and engine operation. Ensure that the engine always starts on the first try. This will reduce the loss of battery power, optimize the charging system and significantly increase the battery life;
- To avoid mechanical damage to the battery, reduce the speed of movement on damaged sections of the road. Fasten the battery securely in the place reserved for it;
- If the car is parked for a long time, it is recommended to remove the battery from it, or at least disconnect it from the car's circuit.
In addition to these preventive measures, check the following battery parameters as often as possible.
How to check the battery voltage
The voltage value at the battery terminals must be checked in two modes: in the open circuit state and at the moment when the battery is connected to the circuit (with the engine running, the electronics and the stove turned on). Accordingly, the level of charge of the battery itself and the efficiency of the battery charging process by the generator are analyzed. The voltage value for the second case should be in the range of 13,5-14,5 V, which will be an indicator of the normal functioning of the generator.
It will also be helpful to monitor the leakage current. With the engine off and the on-board electronics disabled, its values should be within 75-200 mA.
Density of electrolyte
This value accurately characterizes the state of charge of the battery and is measured using a hydrometer. For the middle climatic zone, the norm of the electrolyte density of a charged battery is 1,27 g / cm3. When operating the battery in more severe climates, this value can be increased to 1,3 g / cm3.
Electrolyte level
To control the electrolyte level, transparent glass or plastic tubes are used. If the battery is maintenance-free, then this indicator can be judged by the marks on its case. Check the electrolyte level at regular intervals (once every two weeks). The level is taken as a value of 10-15 mm above the surface of the electrodes. If the level falls, add the required amount of distilled water to it.
By adhering to these simple rules, you can effectively extend the life of your battery and prevent premature failure.
Questions and answers:
How many years does the battery last? The average working life of a lead-acid battery is one and a half to four years. If properly operated and charged, it can last for over six years.
How long do car batteries run? On average, car batteries last three to four years. With proper care, proper equipment and proper charging, they will last approximately 8 years.
Which batteries last longer? AGM. These batteries are able to work longer even in difficult conditions and have 3-4 times more charges / discharges. Moreover, they are as much more expensive.
