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Batteries are the power source your car engine relies on to start combustion. The top reasons your car battery dies prematurely include loose or corroded battery terminals, parasitic drains, short trips that don’t fully recharge the battery, and a faulty alternator. Leaving headlights on, lack of maintenance, your battery’s age, and extreme weather conditions can also drastically impact the battery life. If you experience a slow or unresponsive engine despite a charged battery, it’s time to call the starter repair service to avoid premature battery failure.
Why Do Car Batteries Fail Ahead of Their Time? Rev up Your Knowledge For a Better Battery Performance
Did your heart sink when you rushed to the grocery store with meal prep in mind, and as you turned the keys of your trusted vehicle, all you heard was a faint clicking sound? The dashboard lights flickered weekly like dying embers. A dying battery may show warning signals like a bulging case, corrosion on the terminals, and a distinctive rotten egg smell. Common culprits for premature failure include a lack of battery maintenance, extreme temperature accelerating wear, a faulty alternator, or infrequent driving. Well-maintained car batteries prevent breakdowns, save money on repairs, and improve the vehicle’s performance.
| Did you know?A recent study shows that Battery Management Systems BMS, a predominantly gentle driving and charging behaviour, can slow down battery aging, with some batteries exceeding 200,000 miles while retaining a high state of health (SOH). |
The following are the top unexpected factors that can shorten your car battery’s lifespan.
- Parsitic Drain
Your battery recharges when your car engine runs, but when it’s off, little electrical mishaps can drain away the entire battery. An accessory plugged into the power outlet or a poorly installed stereo can draw power from the car battery even when it’s parked. To help avoid unwanted parasitic battery drains, make sure your door, glove box, and trunk are fully closed and latched before leaving the car.
- Battery Corrosion
Corroded terminals and damaged cables disrupt the flow of power, hindering the battery’s charging and discharging ability. For minor corrosion, buy a specialty cleaner. Major corrosion can be a sign of battery damage, so consider proper repair or replacement to prevent any mishaps. You need starter repair services if your engine cranks slowly or laboriously and you have intermittent starting problems.
- Extreme Temperatures
Severe temperatures can drastically impact a battery’s life. High heat can evaporate the electrolyte battery fluid, slowing down charging capability and even damaging battery components. Freezing temperatures impact the battery’s speed of charge and the ability to charge, significantly impacting its performance.
- Faulty Alternator
A defective alternator will hinder the battery’s ability to recharge and will prevent it from regaining power once it drains. Consider replacing a faulty diode instead of replacing the entire battery to prevent costly expenses.
| Did you know?Lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars self-discharge at a lower rate than other battery types, losing only 1 to 2% per month as long as the weather is not too extreme, and provide reasonably consistent voltage even as the charge degrades. |
- Short Trips
Frequent short trips prevent he alternator from fully charging the battery, leading to gradual power depletion. This, along with leaving your car parked for extended periods of time, can shorten your car battery’s lifespan, especially if your battery is getting older.
- Incorrect Battery Type
Using a battery not designed for your car system, such as installing a standard battery with a start-stop system, which requires a specialized AGM battery, can seriously impact the battery and car performance and cause premature failure.
- Lack of Maintenance
If you haven’t paid much attention to your battery’s maintenance lately and you forget to turn off the headlights or dome lights, you may stand in need of jumper cables very soon. If you neglect the corrosion buildup and forget to check the water levels in your battery, especially in hot climates, this can cause an unexpected drain, leading to premature failure.
Conclusion
With a little attention, your car battery can last many more years. The reasons your battery dies prematurely revolve around neglect, lack of maintenance, and extreme weather conditions. Regular checks boost the performance, saving you from the frustration and inconvenience of a dead battery in a critical situation.
FAQs
What is the latest development in battery technology?
Solid-state batteries are a promising car mobility technology that uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, enabling more energy to be stored in a smaller and lighter battery.
What is the lifespan of new car batteries?
In general, your car will need a new battery after every three to four years, as part of routine maintenance.
What is the most common cause of car battery drain?
Lights left on, loose or corroded connections, excessive heat or cold, quick trips, or leaving your car parked too long are the common causes of car battery drain.
