What Shortens Car Battery Life: Technical Specification and DIY

Car batteries are essential for starting the engine and providing power to various electrical systems in a vehicle. However, their lifespan can be significantly reduced due to several factors, including extreme temperatures, charging and discharging patterns, vibration and movement, and aging. This comprehensive guide will delve into the technical specifications and provide a DIY approach to help extend the life of your car battery.

Temperature

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can have a significant impact on a car battery’s lifespan. Understanding the technical specifications is crucial to mitigating these effects.

High Temperatures

High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to faster self-discharge and reduced lifespan. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), every 10°C (18°F) increase in temperature can cut a battery’s lifespan in half.[^1] For example, a battery with a 5-year lifespan at 25°C (77°F) may only last 2.5 years at 35°C (95°F).

The increased chemical activity in high temperatures can also lead to the buildup of internal pressure, which can cause the battery’s casing to bulge or even rupture. This can result in leaks, corrosion, and further degradation of the battery’s internal components.

Low Temperatures

Cold temperatures can make the battery’s electrolyte more viscous, reducing its ability to deliver power and leading to a shorter lifespan. In extreme cold, the battery’s capacity can be reduced by up to 50%.[^2] This is because the increased viscosity of the electrolyte makes it harder for the ions to move freely, reducing the battery’s ability to deliver the necessary current for starting the engine.

To mitigate the effects of temperature, it is recommended to park your vehicle in a garage, carport, or shaded area during extreme weather conditions. Regularly checking the battery’s terminals for corrosion, which can also occur due to temperature fluctuations, is also essential.

Charging and Discharging

what shortens car battery life

The way a car battery is charged and discharged can have a significant impact on its lifespan. Frequent deep discharges and incomplete recharges can lead to a shorter battery life.

Deep Discharges

Deep discharges, where the battery’s state-of-charge (SoC) drops below 20%, can cause sulfation, a process where lead sulfate crystals form on the battery’s plates. This reduces the battery’s capacity and lifespan. According to Battery University, a battery that is regularly discharged below 20% SoC can lose up to 15% of its capacity per 100 discharge-charge cycles.[^3]

Incomplete Recharges

Incomplete recharges can also lead to sulfation and a shorter lifespan. When a battery is not fully recharged, the remaining lead sulfate crystals on the plates can continue to grow, further reducing the battery’s capacity over time.

To prevent deep discharges and ensure complete recharges, it is recommended to avoid using accessories that consume significant power when the engine is off. Regularly checking the battery’s SoC and ensuring it receives a full charge is also crucial. If you frequently use accessories that consume power when the engine is off, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery at full charge.

Vibration and Movement

Excessive vibration and movement can damage a car battery’s internal components, leading to a shorter lifespan. This can occur due to loose battery terminals, improper installation, or rough driving conditions.

The battery’s internal components, such as the plates and separators, can be subjected to significant stress and strain due to vibration and movement. This can cause the plates to become misaligned, the separators to become damaged, and the overall structure of the battery to deteriorate.

To prevent excessive vibration and movement, ensure the battery is securely fastened in its tray, and the terminals are tightened. Regularly inspect the battery for signs of damage or loose connections, and address any issues promptly.

Aging and Maintenance

Car batteries have a limited lifespan, typically between 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Over time, the battery’s capacity and performance can decline due to internal degradation and corrosion.

As a battery ages, the active material on the plates can become less effective, and the electrolyte can become depleted or contaminated. This can lead to a gradual reduction in the battery’s capacity and cranking power.

To mitigate the effects of aging, regularly check the battery’s SoC and ensure it receives a full charge. Clean the terminals and connections to prevent corrosion, which can further degrade the battery’s performance. If the battery is over three years old, consider replacing it as a preventative measure to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

By understanding the technical specifications and following the DIY guide provided in this article, you can help extend the lifespan of your car battery and ensure reliable performance for years to come.

[^1]: Battery Lifespan | Transportation and Mobility Research – NREL. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/battery-lifespan.html
[^2]: BU-804c: Acid Stratification and Surface Charge – Battery University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-804c-acid-stratification-and-surface-charge
[^3]: 8 battery metrics that really matter to performance | Sila. (2022, March 30). Retrieved from https://www.silanano.com/insights/8-battery-metrics-that-really-matter-to-performance

References:
– Battery Lifespan | Transportation and Mobility Research – NREL. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/battery-lifespan.html
– BU-804c: Acid Stratification and Surface Charge – Battery University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-804c-acid-stratification-and-surface-charge
– 8 battery metrics that really matter to performance | Sila. (2022, March 30). Retrieved from https://www.silanano.com/insights/8-battery-metrics-that-really-matter-to-performance
– 5 Things That Shorten the Life of Your Battery – Commercial Tire. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://commercialtire.com/blog/5-things-that-shorten-the-life-of-your-battery/