It goes without saying that proper battery care is crucial, but why? Why does a battery that is left in an idle car or motorcycle run out of juice in a matter of months?
Understanding the fundamentals of charging and discharging a battery is essential to comprehending why battery maintenance affects how long your battery lasts. To put it briefly, when it comes to a conventional lead-acid battery, during a battery's discharge process, sulfuric acid and lead plates react chemically to produce electricity, which powers the device. However, sulphation also occurs.
Make sure your battery is correctly charged by testing it frequently. It's crucial to routinely inspect your battery and electrical system rather than waiting until a faulty battery starts to show symptoms. Its optimal performance can be maintained by having it tested twice a year, which also gives you the opportunity to replenish your battery when necessary. The voltage of a fully charged battery should be 12.6 volts or higher. You should inspect the battery terminals, cables, and acid levels if the voltage of your battery is less than 12.6 volts.
You will start to notice symptoms of declining efficiency if you are the sufferer of a sulphated battery. A battery that either refuses to charge at all or will not charge very well is the most typical indicator that it is sulphated. Your battery is most likely sulphated if you notice any indications that your electronic accessories are not getting adequate current. For example a weak starter motor or dimming headlights can be a sign that your battery is struggling.
Your battery is probably suffering from sulfation if it dies much earlier than you would have thought. You can also try doing a visual sulfation diagnostic test on the cells in your battery. It is recommended to perform this task in a well-ventilated, enclosed environment as it will necessitate opening your batteries.
If the vent covers on your battery are removable, you can pry them off with a flat-head screwdriver. Then, check to see if the water level inside each cell is sufficient to cover the lead plates. The cell may sustain harm if the plates are kept exposed for an extended period of time. The battery will then be destroyed because it requires all of its cells to be operational in order to maintain its full electrical charge and provide power. In general, a battery may need to be topped off more regularly in higher temperatures. The monthly check is usually sufficient, but if it's really hot outside or the level is significantly low when you check, you should check more frequently.
Maintaining the health and optimal performance of your battery depends on giving it the right charge once it has been completely depleted. Having said that, correctly charging your battery can potentially take more time than fully draining it. Because your battery needs variations in amperage and voltage to attain a full charge, battery chargers with fixed outputs are unable to provide the proper charge cycle.
An intelligent charging system with the capacity to modify the charging voltage and amperage in accordance with your lead-acid battery's requirements is necessary for proper maintenance and charging. By using the appropriate charging mode and smart charger, you can give your battery the best possible charge and extend its lifespan.
