While the first cars were not made with batteries, they have subsisted for over a century now. With that being said, batteries are very important to our vehicles. We never put much thought into these materials until they start to break down or stop working altogether. By knowing a little more about batteries, it can help us stay on top of them and ensure they are working in good condition. We take a deeper dive into many interesting facts regarding car batteries.
Dead Batteries Cannot Be Discarded
Dead car batteries cannot just be thrown out. These batteries have to undergo a recycling process as they contain lead dioxide and sulphuric acid which are harmful substances to the environment and to one’s own health. Dead car batteries can be taken to local recycling centers or to scrap metal facilities.
Cold Weather Can Affect a Battery’s Power
If you can put your car in your garage when extremely cold weather hits, you should take action. Extremely cold weather can lead to your car’s battery losing power. Because of this, modern-day batteries are made with cold-cranking amps (CCA) to provide an extra boost when starting your car on a cold morning.
Car Batteries Should Be Checked Every Six Months
Other parts of your vehicle may require fewer check-ups, but a car battery should get a good inspection every six months. To check the condition of your battery, you can clean your battery if there is any greenish-yellow buildup, look for loose cables, and examine the battery with a voltmeter and battery tester to know how much power it is emitting.
Car Batteries Typically Last Five to Six Years
Modern-day batteries are designed to last approximately six years, but their lifespan very much depends on how well you take care of them. Taking good care of any vehicle and its parts ensures a longer lifespan and less maintenance. So in the case of a car battery, multiple discharge and recharge cycles can shorten any battery’s life.
Early Car Models Didn’t Have Batteries
Some of the earliest cars, starting in the late 1800s, were not made with batteries. This is because early cars’ electrical systems were limited. Instead of a battery providing electrical energy, drivers had to start their vehicles with a crank and the car lights were powered by gas. The horn of a car was bell and indicators were powered by hand.
Modern-Day Batteries are Designed to be Maintenance-Free
Early battery models were made to require maintenance in the form of electrolyte refills. This isn’t the case for car batteries anymore. Batteries, by today’s standard, retain their fluid for the life of the battery. A great disadvantage to these batteries is that they are rather intolerant of a deep discharge.
Fifty Percent of Car Battery Failures are Due to Water Loss
Approximately fifty percent of premature car battery failures are linked to the loss of water which is used for normal recharging. Most car battery failures can also be tied to the lack of maintenance, evaporation from high underhood heat, and could also be due to overcharging, in which a car battery can only take so much.
Deep-Cycle Cell Batteries are Susceptible to Degradation
Deep-cycle cell batteries have thicker plates that are made to deliver less peak current but can withstand frequent discharging. These batteries are less likely to experience degradation due to cycling and are required for applications where the batteries are regularly discharged, such as forklifts, golf carts, electric cars, and other similar vehicles.
Batteries have a Natural Self-Discharge
Using your car less than you normally do helps to flat out your car battery. This is because all cars have a natural discharge system and a chemical leakage in their batteries. To keep a battery alive and working, the discharge system draws a tiny amount of power. To avoid a car from being fully discharged, connect a battery to a good charger to restore proper condition.
There Are Various Signs that Say Your Battery is on the Verge of Dying
There are many signs that indicate your car’s battery is giving out. Some of the most common signs include:
- Your engine cranks and is not starting
- The engine does not start and the lights will not turn on
- One day your car starts and the next day it doesn’t start at all
Upgrade Your Car’s Battery with Help from Our Professionals!
Here at Interstate Batteries, we know everything about our products. Should you have any questions regarding a new battery, we’re your best source. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with the battery you are looking for!
