What is the lifespan of a car battery?

Car battery life. How many years? Honest info

Any rechargeable battery is simply a battery and has its own service life, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever! However, ordinary acid batteries can have a fairly large “run” in their service life (sometimes doubled) - but what is this connected with? Why can some batteries last almost 10 years, while others barely last up to 3 years? It turns out there is a difference, and this specifically affects the life of our battery...

THE CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE

At the beginning of the article, I would like to note that today we will be disassembling ordinary acid batteries; however, gel and AGM batteries are a little different.

Battery life is affected by many different factors. Especially external ones, let's list them point by point:

Temperature
Battery version
Vehicle charging system is working properly
Leakage current
City riding
Battery mount

These are the main points that can extend the life of your battery, and a lot! However, first I want to talk about the quality of the batteries currently produced.

Quality and service life

At the very beginning I would like to say about the quality of modern batteries; now I will not get into the weeds with brands. Just want to point out:

Now there are really decent batteries that last 5–7 years , and possibly more. It is quite simple to distinguish them; firstly, it is a well-known brand, and secondly, it has a 2-4 year warranty. As a rule, they are made using maintenance-free technology to prevent the hands of inquisitive owners from getting into them.
There are also not very good batteries; their service life is limited at best - three years ! But they only provide 6-12 months of warranty service for their products.

The difference between a bad and a good manufacturer lies in the battery production technologies themselves; I read somewhere that serious companies do not spare lead for the plates, and also use calcium and even silver to reduce the electrolysis processes - so they obviously last quite a long time! But for those who save, the batteries will work very little, because there is a small amount of lead in the plates and after 2–3 years it begins to crumble. So when choosing a new battery (I advise you to read the article), you need to look first at the warranty and technology, you will already be able to understand everything.

Well, now I’ll try to quickly go over the main points that I indicated above.

Temperature

It should be noted that many motorists think that the service life is affected by the winter period, that is, the battery “freezes”, loses its charge and fails. This is partly true - the main problem is a cold battery, even after starting it does not take a charge normally until its temperature rises to above zero. Therefore, short trips can really have a detrimental effect on the battery, but as a rule, we all warm up the car and do what we do (as I think is correct), and therefore the charge accumulates normally.

But the summer mode, with its extremely high temperatures, and under the hood it can be + 60, + 70 degrees Celsius. Compromises battery sulfation ; in summer you don’t need much energy to start the engine, but in winter you need at least 30% more! And since the capacity sank in the summer, it’s possible that you won’t be able to start the engine!

desulfating the battery at least once every 2-3 years , this way you will extend the service life by at least a couple of years.

Battery version

I wrote about this in the article - serviceable or maintenance-free battery . Actually, if you take a serviced option, then be prepared to take care of it! Add distilled water, check the electrolyte density, etc.! If you “miss” the moment, then the battery may not last for a year! In this regard, the service life of a maintenance-free battery is much longer, but it is still worth buying it.

Vehicle charging system is working properly

Here I would like to highlight two main aspects:

Generator - it directly affects the operation of the battery. If it works in its normal mode, then the period is nominal. But if it starts to malfunction, does not give or does not give enough charge, then the battery begins to discharge more. This is fraught with deep discharges and sulfation of the plates, a couple of deep discharges and you throw away your battery.

The regulator relay is a small but very important microcircuit; it protects the battery from overcharging. After all, the generator knows no limits! In order to prevent overcharging and this small element is needed, it also extends the life of the battery ( more details here ).

If all systems work normally, you can count on the nominal battery life, that is, say, at least 5 - 7 years! But if something doesn’t work right, it critically reduces its service life.

Leakage current

Third-party equipment, such as radios or alarms, if they are not connected correctly, can drain your battery, it doesn’t seem like a large leakage current, but for a couple of days, or even a week, and that’s it – a deep discharge! Therefore, if you notice that after parking for the night, the starter does not spin so quickly, it is worth measuring the leakage current . Then we fix it without fail, otherwise in a few months you will be buying a new battery.

City riding

It’s also worth noting that batteries last less in cities! But why? YES, everything is simple - there are a lot of short trips in the city, you started the car, the battery gave up energy to start, and you drove only a few kilometers and after 10 minutes you were parked for a long time! Thus, the result was a slight “undercharge”! Then they started again and stopped again. Such undercharging drains the battery, and the voltage can drop to critical levels. For example, in winter you will not be able to start the car - you will discharge your battery to zero, and this will lead to deep discharge and sulfation.

Therefore, in order to extend its service life, it is worth driving your car for more than 30–40 minutes at least once every couple of weeks! Although if you are stuck in traffic jams for a long time with the engine running, then this is quite enough - after all, the generator spins even at idle and gives a charge .

Battery mount

Many may consider this an unimportant point and would be wrong! Because, in my opinion, the mount is one of the most important points - the battery can fly out of its place during sharp turns and other maneuvers. And if it is not secured, then the terminal may short out on the body (say, the positive terminal to ground). Either the terminal may break altogether, or the attachment point in the plastic case may break, which also does not bring anything good! This battery won't last long.

Remember, the battery must be well secured (sit in its socket), preferably with special brackets or other clamps.

Tips for extending service life

Do not operate a discharged or drained battery.
In winter, try to recharge your battery; after warming up the engine, let it run for 5 - 10 minutes with electrical appliances turned off, for example after a trip.
If you have a manual transmission, make it easier to start the engine by pressing the clutch pedal.
Do not turn the starter for too long! Because he simply spends an unrealistically lot of energy. Maximum 4 - 5 seconds, per start! If the car does not start 4 times, you should not force it further.
During the winter period. Before starting, it is advisable to turn on the headlights, this will start a chemical reaction in the battery and allow it to warm up faster. The headlights should be turned on for 20 - 30 seconds, this is enough.
Periodically inspect the battery housing, clean the terminals and housing from plaque.
Charge the battery periodically. Even if you use your car perfectly, it may run out of power. For example, the ideal voltage is 12.7 V, but often the car battery stays at about 12.2 - 12.4 V. It is useful to raise it to 12.7V, say once a month.

By the way, a useful video on the topic.

RESULT . Guys, a normal battery lasts about 5 – 7 years on average! Some particularly meticulous owners can extend the work up to 8 years. However, if you have a low-quality, cheap battery, its service life is unlikely to exceed three years.

That's all, read our AUTOBLOG, there will be a lot more interesting things.

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How long does a car battery last and what affects it?

One of the key elements in the design of any car is the battery. It is subject to significant loads from various systems - since it is responsible for many working units. To improve the life of your car battery, you need to understand how it works and what factors affect longevity.

The service life of the battery depends on the type of design, manufacturer and external factors, for example, quality of operation. How to increase the life of a car battery and what affects this needs to be discussed in detail.

Planned and actual service life of various batteries

The suitability of this car part depends both on the characteristics laid down by the manufacturer and on external factors, the most important of which are the type of battery and who manufactured the battery. The actual battery life depends on the following aspects:

Quality - the world's largest companies with a serious reputation do not produce low-quality products, so their devices last many times longer than their cheap counterparts.
Temperature conditions - depending on the climate in which the car is operated, the service life of the battery also varies.

The planned amount of time that the battery will last depends primarily on the type of battery and brand.

Let's look at the operating time of different batteries in more detail.

Important: The warranty applies only if all standards and requirements for the use of products by the manufacturer are met. The warranty service life is usually shorter than the planned one, and the planned one is shorter than the actual one. It all depends directly on how the owner uses the unit.

Type of execution

Cars use rechargeable batteries in various designs. Lead-acid batteries are the most common on the Russian automotive market, while gel batteries last the longest. Depending on the type of design, batteries have the following planned shelf life:

Calcium - works from 4 to 7 years, but is afraid of deep discharge, maintenance-free;
Lead-acid - works from 1 to 3 years, does not withstand deep discharge and high voltage, is cheaper than analogues, modernization is possible.
Hybrid - works from 5 to 7 years, have a high price, there are many fakes on the market.
Helium - works from 7 to 9 years, provided that it is charged according to technical requirements: does not tolerate faulty generators and chargers, does not withstand frost.
AGM – from 3 to 6 years, the electrolyte is sealed in fiberglass, intolerance to overcharging and full discharge.

The impact on the service life of batteries in automotive electrical networks depends on the conditions in which the battery was used, the amount of mileage and the influence of various factors. If you carry out maintenance correctly, treat the unit with care and exclude the influence of external factors that can shorten its service life, then the shelf life of a car battery can be increased by 2-3 times.

Manufacturer

The brand that made the battery also determines how long it will serve the vehicle owner. Bosch batteries are considered the best.

To independently determine the service life of a battery for a car of a certain brand, you need to pay attention to the warranty specified by the manufacturer. On average this is 24 months, but some batteries have a guaranteed service life of up to 48 months.

The following manufacturers are known among Russian car owners: Varta, Rocket, Bosch, Akom, Tyumen, Zver, Titan.

According to technical information, the best batteries are produced by foreign manufacturers Bosch and Varta. Devices of these brands have a warranty of 6 to 8 years, depending on the type of design. The only competitors to batteries from Bosch and Varta are models from Titan, which have a warranty of at least 5 years.

Rocket is the leading South Korean representative in this niche in the automotive market. Models from this brand last from 4 to 5 years.

Popular and at the same time inexpensive batteries are produced by Akom. The following products with different service life are produced under this brand:

AKOM – 3 years, for batteries over 110A/h – 1 year;
REACTOR – 3 years;
BRAVO and AKOM-Asia – up to 2 years;
ULTIMATUM – up to 4 years.

At the same time, the manufacturer's warranty applies to products only subject to a certain mileage. All information is indicated in the warranty card.

This is a maintenance-free device that has a warranty of up to 3 years. According to driver reviews, it works for no more than 12-24 months.

The Tyumen company produces high-quality batteries that have a warranty from the manufacturer that is greater than that of analogues. This is one of the best companies in the Russian automotive market. The duration of operation depends on the model and type of execution:

Taiga – high resistance to corrosion and low temperatures, high-quality work for 4 years;
Siberia – can be used in harsh temperatures, 5-year warranty;
STANDARD – resistance to voltage surges, warranty up to 5 years;
ASIA – products for Korean and Japanese cars, works for 4-7 years;
PREMIUM – minimum level of self-discharge, extended service life, lasts from 5 to 8 years.

At the same time, according to reviews from car enthusiasts, many of the listed car batteries lasted longer. If you exclude the influence of factors that reduce the life of the devices, proper operation and constant care, each of these devices will last a long time.

Factors that reduce battery life

In order for the battery to work for a long time, it is important to detect and prevent the influence of various factors on the unit.

Short circuits, corrosion, battery charge and discharge - it is important to eliminate all problems, then the unit in the car will last a long time and there will be no need to change the battery after a couple of years of operation.

Short circuit

If a short circuit occurs in the battery, it becomes unsuitable for further use. If a problematic situation occurs on a new battery, then this is a manufacturing defect and the battery must be replaced under the warranty card.

To prevent this, carefully operate the product in a vehicle, do not drive off-road or in potholes, and do not damage the structure.

The main reason for the expiration of battery life is corrosion of internal elements, which cannot be avoided. Some companies are trying to increase battery life by doping the plates. The onset of corrosion shows itself in the form of a decrease in the charge and operating time of the device.

Deep battery discharge

The battery life is affected by the discharged state of the battery. With a deep discharge, a process begins to activate in which sulfation of the plates quickly occurs.

Deep discharge is less critical for hybrid models, but is also dangerous for the design.

Excessive battery charge

If the voltage applied to the terminals of the battery is too high during charging, the battery is overcharged, which causes damage to it. A similar situation arises due to a malfunction of the vehicle’s on-board system, most often the generator.

To avoid this situation, it is important to maintain the vehicle and regularly check the voltage regulator, alternator and other on-board systems.

The quality and duration of the battery depends on: the type of roads, temperature conditions, ride quality and other features of the vehicle’s operation. For example, the device stops functioning normally if the vehicle is constantly used in extremely low temperatures.

At sub-zero temperatures, to extend the actual life of the battery, it is better to remove it from the car and charge it at home. There are other ways to increase the average battery life.

Important: If oxidation of marks appears, you need to find out what the reason is. Clean the terminals periodically and treat them with special compounds. Update parts and mounts on your device.

How to extend the life of a car battery?

To increase the shelf life of a car battery, you need to take into account the advice of professional car enthusiasts. There are quite a lot of recommendations and they all show their effectiveness - increasing the battery life several times. Known ways to extend the life of this unit are simple and anyone can do it. If difficulties arise in carrying out checks, contact a service station.

Do this in conditions when the engine is running, the glass heating systems, heater and radio are turned on. The standard voltage level is from 13.4 to 14.5 V. You also need to check the amount of leakage current - the required value is from 75 to 200 mA.

Monitor the condition of the vehicle, the quality of the ignition and engine. A properly functioning starter starts the engine on the first try. Keep an eye on his work, as he is the one who greatly drains the battery, thereby shortening its life. You also need to monitor other vehicle systems with which the battery interacts.

If the car is sitting idle, then it is better to store the battery separately. In low temperature conditions, it is recommended to disconnect and store the device only in a warm room. When operating, use a special thermal case.

The main thing is to treat the device with care. Avoid falls and securely secure the unit inside the vehicle. Do not handle the device with wet hands or pour liquids on it.

Monitor the density and level of the electrolyte by regularly adding distilled water. If it is difficult to independently check all electrical systems, then contact an organization for technical inspection of the machine.

If you ignore these tips, you may quickly lose a properly functioning battery. By understanding what factors determine the service life of a car battery and how to increase it, you will save money in the future. When purchasing a device, inquire about the warranty and type of performance. Buy models from well-known brands, even if they are more expensive than their counterparts.

Rechargeable batteries

Information site about energy storage devices

Car battery life

Indispensable in a car, the starting battery has a certain service life. The operating principle of the device is based on the release of energy during an electrochemical reaction. The system is dynamic, the process depends on many factors. The duration of reliable operation of the battery can be extended or shortened by improper maintenance. How to choose a car battery and increase its life?

Planned service life of a car battery for write-off

The role of road transport in the transportation of goods and passengers can hardly be overestimated. But each vehicle is equipped with batteries of varying power. Battery life varies from car to car. Equipment in vehicle parks works intensively, but is under the supervision of specialists. Therefore, the battery service life for professionally operating vehicles is set depending on the mileage or operating hours.

Based on the standards, the service life of lead acid batteries is regulated by the standard RD-3112199-1089-02.

Private transport companies set vehicle battery life limits based on their own regulations. In personal cars, they try to use every opportunity to extend battery life.

Car battery service life according to GOST

Each standard, including GOST 959-2002 for lead-acid batteries, is developed taking into account the ingredients used and operating characteristics. The section “Reliability Requirements” prescribes: the shelf life of a battery not filled with electrolyte is 3 years, with electrolyte – 12 months.

The average service life of a car battery is determined when the capacity decreases from the original to below 40%. Another reason for the end of battery life is:

For serviced batteries – 24 months with a mileage of up to 90,000 km, 12 months with a mileage of 150,000 km or 3,000 operating hours
For maintenance-free batteries – 48 months, mileage up to 100,000 km or 4,000 operating hours

Imported batteries must be marked with the addition of the letter “T”

Car battery lifespan

In practice, the battery operating cycle can be divided into 3 types - warranty, real and regulated. During the warranty, the manufacturer only eliminates proven manufacturing defects. With proper operation, the actual service life of a car battery can be significantly longer than the regulated one.

The warranty period for a new car battery ranges from 6 months to 4 years, depending on the manufacturer. A pattern has been noticed: the longer the manufacturer’s warranty, the longer the battery life. The shortest warranty period is provided by manufacturers of serviced batteries. But all factory defects are detected within the 6-month lifespan of the battery.

The actual life of a car battery depends not only on the mileage and operating hours.

The structural resource is based on the amount of active mass, the alloy of the gratings, the quality of the electrolyte and adherence to technology. It is important that the battery arrives to the buyer “fresh”.
The condition of the vehicle's on-board system, its energy saturation exceeding the capacity of the generator and the presence of leakage currents leads to chronic undercharging of the battery, which reduces its shelf life.
A malfunction of the generator can lead to a deep drain on the battery, bringing the decommissioning date closer.
Improper operation of the car in winter leads to freezing of the battery cans if the electrolyte has lost its density. The battery life may end here.
Keeping the battery clean, measuring the voltage at the terminals during idle and operation, checking the electrolyte and timely mains charging will extend the battery life.

If used incorrectly, when the battery operates for a long time at a charge of about 60%, or is overcharged due to a faulty vehicle voltage regulator, sulfation occurs, the active mass is peeled off from the lead grid, and lead oxidation occurs. All this reduces the resource and average life of the battery.

If the car is used intensively in taxi mode, with short runs and long periods of downtime, the battery has a low charge and wears out faster. In order for the car to last for the regulated period, careful care of the battery is necessary.

What is the normal lifespan of a car battery?

The battery life specified by the manufacturer is based on normal vehicle use. Typically, an average battery lasts 3-4 years. Rated models can retain capacity for 6-7 years, but their cost is much higher.

Please note that you should not buy a car battery for future use; without regular use, its capacity decreases and self-discharge occurs.

It is believed that normal conditions have been created for the operation of the battery if the car is operated correctly:

Without extreme temperatures - protected by insulation during downtime in winter, well ventilated and controlled in summer.
Good maintenance involves keeping the battery in a clean, well-secured compartment. Loads are regularly measured, stray currents are detected, and the power supply unit is under control.
The performance of the generator and the capacity of the battery are commensurate, the on-board systems - a computer, a stereo system, an air conditioner and others - correspond in terms of current consumption to the capabilities of the power system.

With good maintenance, the chosen driving style can be critical. During a short run, the battery does not charge. If, in addition, music is turned on during the idle period, the phone is recharging, the battery will receive a deep discharge, which will affect its service life. What kind of battery can withstand operating in constant deficit mode without consequences? There are no such.

During normal maintenance, the battery is considered new for the first 2 years. From the age of 3 in winter, it is necessary to strengthen control of the charge level before long periods of inactivity. If you do not comply with technical requirements, the life of a car battery can be reduced to a year or a year and a half.

Extending battery life

There are posts on motorist forums where owners note that their batteries last 8-10 years. To extend the life of the device, you need a competent approach to the maintenance of the battery and car. The basic rule of experienced car enthusiasts is systematic monitoring of the voltage at the battery terminals. Six cells in series connection give a charge of 12.6 V. If the voltage is less than 12.5 V, the battery needs to be recharged. At the same time, measure and adjust the level and density of the electrolyte. Charge with a weak current of 1-2 A for 12-14 hours.

Rules that will help extend the life of your car battery:

Do not try to start the car with a dead battery;
if the engine does not start the first time, the next 3 attempts can be repeated at one-minute intervals;
make it easier to start the engine in winter by giving a preliminary impulse to the battery - turning on the lights, fully pressing the clutch;
systematically clean the battery, paying attention to the ventilation holes;
When idle, disconnect all consumers.

These rules will help extend the life of car batteries. A prudent car enthusiast will not take risks. In winter, in the most severe frosts, it will keep the battery warm, ensuring trouble-free starting of the car engine in the morning. This is also the answer to extending battery life.

Service life of gel car battery

The use of a gel starting battery is no longer uncommon. The excellent performance characteristics of the device are associated with the aggregate form of the electrolyte. The gel substance prevents leakage and fits tightly onto the plates, increasing energy production. The battery has a long charge-discharge cycle and a service life of 10-12 years. What is the battery self-discharge time? Approximately 20% per year. Even with deep discharge, the battery retains its structure and the plates do not fall off.

However, the gel battery life will be short under the following circumstances:

the voltage in the vehicle's on-board network is more than 14.4 V;
if the gel-like mass freezes, its properties are not restored, the electrolyte is sensitive to low temperatures;
any short circuit will ruin the battery.

Each battery charge must be full, otherwise capacity loss occurs. The listed disadvantages and cost hinder the spread of gel car batteries.

We invite you to watch a video lesson on how long you can extend your battery life.

How long does a car battery last? 3-4 years is not the limit!

How long does a car battery last on average?

When this or that trouble happens, we can only judge by the experience of using the battery. No accelerated tests will allow you to predict the actual service life. This is confirmed not only by us, but also by colleagues from the Za Rulem magazine. As an example, we can quote the words of the Zarulevites: “The first year of intensive testing did not allow us to identify clear leaders and outsiders. All batteries behave approximately the same."

Figures from experience

It is not technically correct to indicate the average service life of twelve-volt products. Mainly because in the modern understanding of the battery, in simple words, it can be simple, sophisticated and not very advanced. When referring to the types and varieties of car batteries , we mean the usual “hybrid”, EFB, AGM and AGM TPPL. So, each of them has its own average service life:

Hybrid option with open access to banks (Sb/Ca): 5-6 years.
Same hybrid version, only with envelope-wrapped (EFB) plates: 6-7 years.
Hybrid modification with absorbed electrolyte (AGM): 8-10 years.
Purified version of AGM (TPPL - without calcium admixture in the active mass): 10-12 years.

Attention! The figures are relevant if you follow the rules for caring for the power source, among which the main point is timely recharging from the mains charger and avoiding deep discharge.

This gradation by shelf life is not invented, but has been confirmed over the years. And the theory may well explain the differences obtained. Everyone remembers how calcium batteries failed forever after the first deep discharge. As a result, they were replaced by “hybrids”, the alloying additive package of which contains silver along with calcium. Boiling of water in such power sources is a rare phenomenon; the main problem is shedding of the active mass and sulfation.

With the immersion of plates in envelopes (EFB), another problem has gone away - the crumbled mass and large flakes of lead sulfates accumulate inside the envelopes and do not close the jars over time. Using AGM as an example, manufacturers showed how to get even more capacity from one unit of volume. With the advent of purebred Absorbent Glass Mat (TPPL), capacious AGM has become less afraid of deep discharges and, as a result, lasts a significant period of time. Sulfation is the main scourge of any lead-acid battery; it is insurmountable even with modern battery designs.

What GOSTs say

GOST R 53165-2008 is responsible for starter batteries for vehicles. Of particular interest in this document are the test standards. Some of them are included by the Zarulevtsy in the testing program for new products. These are rigorous tests of cranking current in cold climates (-18°C) and severe frosts (-29°C).

Another thing is the former state standard GOST 959-2002, which has now lost force. The value of this document compared to this version is that it details the battery manufacturer’s warranties:

The guaranteed shelf life of the serviced version (with caps in the case) is 18 months from the date of commissioning. In equivalent, this is 60 thousand kilometers or 2,500 engine hours.
The warranty for a maintenance-free modification is 24 months from the date of installation under the hood, which is equivalent to 75 thousand km or 2,500 operating hours.

How to extend the life of your car battery

For some reason, 5-7 years of full service life of the simplest serviceable battery on board a car is equated to an anomalous phenomenon. In such cases, it is customary to say that the owner of the product is lucky, and nothing else. At the same time, the most important aspect falls out of focus - this same owner, among other things, took care of the battery. we can state the fact that the culture of servicing on-board power supplies, widespread among Soviet motorists, is now in oblivion.

A dry list of facts that affect the service life of the battery can be found in any article from an Internet source related to battery topics. We decided to get attached to the power supply device and show what will happen if one or another rule is not followed.

The editor-in-chief of Autobann.su, Vasily Terkin, set a certain tone for our discussion, holding in his hands a printout from the archived issue of “Behind the Wheel.” The copy, I must admit, is excellent - number 15, year 1934. It turns out that in pre-war times the battery was on the same shelf with rare and precious things, and extending its life was considered a matter of honor.

Avoid strong vibrations and shocks. The fact is that the well-known battery plates, located in each of the six cans, consist of a metal grid and a lubricant (active mass). Various shaking is another reason for the active mass to fall to the bottom of the jar, which results in loss of capacity and greatly increases the risk of jars shorting.

Monitor the electrolyte level in the jars. When the electrolytic fluid level drops, the plates open. The dry part will not work and will be sulfated to a critical degree. The capacity drops, the battery begins to quickly charge and discharge. The problem is actually acute, especially for maintenance-free models, which include all progressive designs. The bottom line is that during recharging and at some stages of charging, part of the water turns into gas and evaporates. The plates are not exposed immediately; the process is cumulative. Over time, it would be nice to add water or moisten the fiberglass mats (applies to AGM), but how to do this if the structure is simply sealed. Everyone finds a way out differently: some open the lid and do old-fashioned can maintenance, some find it necessary to check the alternator without removing it from the car using a multimeter , some buy a programmable charger. One way or another, you should try not to let the battery boil, and it will certainly last longer.

Avoid lowering the voltage to 10.8 V or lower. As the discharge progresses, the density decreases and sulfation of the plates progresses. In addition, the low-density electrolyte freezes even in slight frost. Let’s say that AGM structures don’t mind freezing, but they are in no way immune from sulfation.
Avoid strong discharge and charging current. This causes the plates to warp and the active mass to crumble, with all the ensuing consequences.
Allow explosive gases to escape from the inside of the battery. At the end of charging, the current decomposes the water into oxygen and hydrogen. This mixture is commonly called detonating gas. By the way, this mixture is explosive and if it does not find a way out, it will rupture the housing of the power source. Based on this, take note of the following tips: unscrew the caps on serviced models and clean the openings in them, clean the VRLA valve on non-serviced products, do not smoke near the charging battery, and ventilate the room well.

Charge the battery to 100% already at 12.4 V at the terminals (at a temperature of 20...25°C). For these purposes, it is necessary to choose not automatic chargers or, as they are commonly called among battery workers, “boilers,” but programmable chargers. It is important that the charger “replenishes” the charge to 100% with minimal water loss (in pulse mode). Yes, you need to understand a programmable charger, and it’s good to know how to charge a maintenance-free battery with a charger , but this increases the service life by 1.5-2 times.
Carry out desulfation, but not more than once a year. This complex process is otherwise called “battery capacity restoration”, and is a set of “discharge-charge” control and training cycles. The process requires in-depth knowledge of battery topics and a special charger with a desulfation function. For example, a Ca/Ca type battery cannot be discharged even to a voltage of 10.8 V, maximum - to 11.5 V.

In total, if you avoid deep discharges, charge the battery to 100% in a timely manner, avoiding boiling, periodically dissolve large lead sulfates (desulfation) in order to restore the working area of the plates to factory condition, monitor the electrolyte level, then the product will last, as they say , "above the norm."

If you do not follow these simple rules, then a regular battery will last for more than two winters. Any promising technologies do not in any way cancel the general requirements for battery maintenance. Reviews on forums serve as arguments when owners, already in their fourth winter, are experiencing difficulties with AGM products.

Average shelf life of a car battery from the date of manufacture

Without a battery, can operate, since the generator provides energy production only when the engine is running.

Therefore, starting the engine depends entirely on the quality of the battery - it provides the necessary amount of current for starting.

The shelf life of car batteries depends on compliance with operating conditions.

Dear readers! Our articles talk about typical ways to resolve legal issues. If you want to find out how to solve your particular problem, call the free consultation numbers:

Legislation

replaced from time to time .

However, there is a guaranteed service life during which the battery must operate uninterruptedly.

In most cases, manufacturers set it within 3 to 5 years .

According to the law (clause 1 of Article 5 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”), the service life of a product is the period of time from the date of production until the moment after which it becomes unsuitable for subsequent use.

Throughout this time, the seller is responsible to the consumer.

If during the warranty period the consumer discovers deficiencies that interfere with uninterrupted operation and/or affect the safety of the battery, then he has the right to demand that the battery be restored to functionality at the expense of the manufacturer.

It is important that the breakdown is not the fault of the car owner . That is, the consumer followed the operating instructions, but the product still does not work.

This rule is established in articles 18 and 19 of the law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”.

Read also in our article when to change a car fire extinguisher.

What is the expiration date and how is it determined?

The service life of a machine's battery is the period of time when the manufacturer guarantees absolute safety of operation.

Since in fact it begins from the moment of production, it is best if the car owner starts using the battery no later than six months from the date of production.

This recommendation is due to the fact that any battery will discharge during long periods of inactivity.

If the battery belongs to the lead-acid type of battery, then such devices have “memory”.

This means that the longer the battery is not used, the lower its maximum charge level becomes. Accordingly, the closer the release date of the battery, the more profitable it is to purchase it.

All manufacturers are required to indicate the date of manufacture of the battery. Most often, it is indicated on the packaging or on the product itself. The marking is a digital code, which in some cases contains letters, so you should check with the seller for the decoding.

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For example, the following code is written on the package: 18С25А3 . In this case, the date is the first five characters. 18 is the year, C is the month (March) and 25 is the date of production.

About proper storage conditions

In the automotive industry, lead-acid batteries are most often used, in which lead .

The electrolyte in them is a water-based solution containing sulfuric acid.

The shelf life and storage of such batteries depends on the filling of electrolyte .

If electrolyte is present, the maximum shelf life of a new battery in a warehouse is 3 years .

For dry-charged batteries, the lifespan increases to 5–7 years (depending on the manufacturer). Because of this, most batteries go on sale without filling the electrolyte.

If the battery has already been used, the electrolyte cannot be drained.

The shelf life of a used device will be no more than 2 years , provided that the battery is charged to maximum at least once every 30 calendar days.

In addition to lead-acid batteries, there are also hybrid and calcium batteries.

When storing new devices, recharging should be carried out at least:

once a quarter for lead-acid ;
once a year for hybrid ;
once every year and a half for calcium .

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Regardless of the type of product, it is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and maintain temperature conditions .

Batteries can be stored at temperatures from 0 to +18°C .

Deviation from the recommended parameters significantly reduces the battery life.

What affects the duration of work?

The following factors influence the duration of operation and shelf life :

type of device;
conditions of use (storage period or work in a car);
temperature conditions of use;
number of cycles from full charge to discharge;
presence of mechanical influence (vibration, shock, etc.);
adjustment of electronic devices car, which affects the electrical characteristics of the battery;

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time the battery is in a discharged state;

state of the plates , including the influence of the sulfation process during discharge;

presence and frequency of extreme use ;

short circuit in the battery banks.

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What happens if you use a battery of the wrong capacity?

Some car enthusiasts believe that they should install a battery of strictly standard capacity. However, this is not always true .

It is not prohibited to install a battery with a larger capacity.

This will not in any way affect the life of the battery itself or the quality of the car.

But you really can’t . This is due to the fact that due to frequent discharges it will quickly fail. In addition, in the winter season it may simply not have enough power to start the engine.

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How to extend the service life?

Failure to comply with the operating conditions of the battery significantly reduces its service life. Experts recommend adhering to certain rules to ensure uninterrupted operation of the battery throughout its shelf life.

Check the voltage level at the battery terminal. To do this, you need to start the engine, turn on the oven, heated windows, mirrors, seats and music.

, the voltage should vary between 13.5 and 14.5 V. After this, turn off all additional devices, turn off the engine and check the current leakage indicator.

During normal operation of the generator it will not exceed 200 mA.

At least once a quarter you need to remove the battery and charge it from the network.

This reduces sulfation and also increases the life of the battery.

Monitor the starter's operation . If the engine starts after 2-3 attempts, and the shaft idles for several seconds, this significantly reduces the battery life, and this also leads to a significant decrease in the charge level.

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Check the electrolyte from time to time . It should not fall below 10 mm above the electrodes. The test is done using a transparent glass or plastic tube. If the level drops, then you need to add distillate.

The density of the battery electrolyte is no less important . For central Russia it should be 1.27 g/cm³. In the northern regions, it is better to raise the density to 1.3 g/cm³.

If the car is not used for a long time, the battery must be removed .

After this, you need to disconnect the terminals and store them in a charged state separately from the machine.

Do not use the vehicle's electrical equipment at idle speed or with the engine turned off.

Avoid leaks when using the electrical equipment of the machine.

Avoid running the starter for more than 10 seconds (recommended starting time is 3 to 5 seconds).

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How to determine the imminent “death” of a battery?

The following signs indicate that a car battery is reaching the end of its service life :

decrease in maximum capacity , which can be seen by the discharge frequency;
inability to achieve 100% voltage after recharging from the mains;
presence of mechanical damage ;
oxidation .

When is decommissioning and replacement required?

The need to replace the battery is determined by the following criteria:

long start or regular inability to start the engine the first time;
indications of the need for recharging on the on-board computer;
the presence of a sour, unpleasant odor from the battery;
inability to charge the electrolyte to the minimum density standard (1.25 g/cm³);
darkening of the electrolyte (this is a sign of corrosion of the plates or a change in the consistency of the electrolyte).

If these signs are detected, the battery must be replaced immediately.

A failed battery can cause an explosion .

What to do with the old one?

Old car batteries should not be simply thrown away , as they are hazardous to the environment. It is best to take it to a specialized collection point or to a store.

Find out what rights the buyer has when returning goods here.

Please note that some points of sale of new batteries offer discounts on new devices when returning old batteries.

Some car enthusiasts use used batteries to recharge phones in the garage or to connect radios . However, in this case, you need to monitor timely recharging and the condition of the device.

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