How long should a car battery last?

How long does a car battery last?

Modern car batteries, on average, last several years, but if they are treated carelessly and without proper maintenance, they can fail ahead of time.

Types of batteries

The battery in a car is necessary to store electricity when starting an internal combustion engine (ICE); if the storage device does not have the required power, the engine will not start, which will make life much more difficult for the car owner.

There are a lot of different batteries on the Russian market - the batteries differ:

by dimensions;
brand and model;
type;
method of fastening;
polarity;
body material.

There are also serviceable and maintenance-free batteries; each type of battery has its own advantages and disadvantages. Based on the manufacturing materials, modern batteries come in two main types - lead-acid and gel, but the latter are not yet widely used, as they quickly fail if the on-board electrical equipment is faulty.

The battery can have a different casing - plastic or hard rubber; plastic has recently been used almost everywhere. Batteries with an ebonite casing are the easiest to maintain and even repair, but they are becoming less and less common on sale, as they have their own disadvantages:

ebonite is easily damaged by impacts and other mechanical influences (for example, compression);
ebonite batteries are quite expensive.

Rechargeable batteries come in different capacities, and the larger the capacity, the larger they are in size. When choosing a battery, you need to focus on the number of electricity consumers in the car - a battery with insufficient capacity will fail faster.

Average battery life

It is difficult to accurately answer the question of how long a battery should last; the battery life depends on many factors:

manufacturer (product brand);
operating conditions;
battery care;
region.

It is believed that the average battery life is from three to five years, but there is data when a battery (for example, from Bosch) could last for almost a decade. If there are problems with electrical equipment and the battery is not taken care of, it can be damaged even in the second year of operation. The battery becomes unusable ahead of time:

when distilled water boils out of jars. The battery may boil during recharging: when too much current is supplied by the charger, in the event of a malfunction of the relay regulator, if it does not limit the upper voltage limit;
under constant overloads, for example, the engine is often started in cold weather with thick motor oil that does not correspond to the season;
in case of faulty electrical equipment or wiring. If there is a current leak in the electrical circuit, the battery will discharge while the car is parked. Leakage also occurs if the battery case is oily and dirty - the dirt becomes a conductor and the battery is discharged.

How to extend battery life

In order for the battery to last as long as possible, you must follow a few simple rules:

During the winter period, the battery should not be allowed to be severely discharged. In the cold season, the load on the battery increases, and with weak charging, sulfation of the lead plates in the banks occurs (destruction). If, when starting a cold engine, the starter turns poorly, it is better not to force the battery, but to recharge it;
it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance of the battery - clean its case from dirt, keep the terminals clean, if the battery is serviceable, check the electrolyte level in the jars, add distilled water if necessary;
You need to make sure that the battery is securely fastened. If the battery dangles while the car is moving, vibration occurs, which will lead to shedding of the lead plates;
It is necessary to monitor the condition of the vehicle's electrical equipment - self-discharge leads to premature aging of the battery.

You can also extend the battery life by regularly charging it. In summer, it is recommended to charge the battery once every 4-5 months, and one recharge is enough for almost the entire spring-summer period. In winter, the battery capacity should be restored more often - once every 2 months.

How to properly charge the battery

The battery is charged using a special device; stores sell “chargers” of different types and power. There are regular and charging-starting chargers (chargers), the latter are capable of not only restoring the battery capacity, but also cranking the engine to start if the battery is dead.

The charger is powered by an ordinary household voltage of 220 Volts; it usually takes from 4 to 10 hours to restore the battery’s functionality. The more powerful the battery, the longer it needs to be charged; the duration of the procedure also depends on the current supplied to the battery terminals.

But too much current cannot be supplied; it should not exceed one tenth of the total battery capacity. For example, if the battery has a capacity of 65 Ampere-hours, then the charging current cannot be more than 6.5 A. One more rule should be followed - to charge a very discharged battery, a small current is first supplied, thereby restoring the density in the banks, then the current is increased.

Gel batteries

Unlike conventional lead-acid batteries, gel batteries have a longer service life, increased capacity, and charge several times faster. Other advantages of such batteries:

they require virtually no maintenance;
able to work in any position (can be turned over);
allow deep discharge without consequences;
withstand high starting current.

But all the advantages cancel out the serious disadvantages, due to which gel batteries are not very popular among motorists, the disadvantages include:

high cost of batteries;
critical attitude towards cold;
intolerance to overcharging - with increased voltage, distilled water boils away, and the battery quickly fails.

Gel batteries are convenient to use in the southern regions of Russia; in cold winter conditions it is better not to purchase them if the car owner uses the car all year round.

Features of using a battery in winter

To prevent the battery from failing prematurely, it is important to follow the rules for operating and storing the battery in winter:

If the starter turns poorly during a cold start, you need to let the battery “rest” - you should not allow it to completely discharge. To restore the functionality of the battery, it must be removed from the car and taken to a warm place to warm it up;
in cold winter conditions, it will not be superfluous to install a pre-start heater on the car; it will ensure uninterrupted engine starting and protect the battery from premature destruction of the plates in the banks;
it is necessary to fill the engine with winter oil with a low pour point;
if the car is in a garage for long-term storage, it is recommended to take the battery to a warm room, and in any case, the terminals should be disconnected if the battery remains on the car;
Before starting the engine, you need to check the tension of the alternator belt. If the tension is weak, the battery will not charge to the required extent;
When warming up the engine in winter in cold weather, you should not immediately load the electrical network - turn on the headlights, windshield wipers, etc., you need to wait until the coolant warms up to operating temperature.

Accordingly, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness; dirt on the battery contributes to current leakage and battery discharge.

Serviceable batteries

You can extend the life of your battery by maintaining its working condition:

regularly checking the electrolyte density;
adding distilled water;
recharging using a charger.

The density is checked using an ariometer; a normal value for winter is considered to be in the range of 1.28-1.29 g/cm²; in summer, the density should be in the range of 1.25-1.27 g/cm². The electrolyte in the jars should cover the plates 5-7 mm above their upper edge, and if the solution is small, distilled water should be added. You cannot add electrolyte to the jars - this can ruin the 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.

( 36 votes, average: 4.31 out of 5)

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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.

Car battery life: how long does a car battery last?

A car battery is an important element that allows you to start a car engine and also powers the on-board network. It is important to understand that the battery has a limited service life, that is, the battery life is within certain limits. Moreover, even if the battery is new and has not been used in the car, the battery still tends to age over time.

In this article, we will look at where the release date of the battery is indicated, how long the average battery lasts in a car, what affects the reduction in service life, and how to increase the life of the battery in a car.

Read in this article

Battery life on a car: what you need to know

So, as mentioned above, car batteries are an element with a limited service life. Let us remind you that the battery is a plastic case, inside of which there are plates made of lead and lead dioxide. The plates are in a solution of water and sulfuric acid (electrolytic solution).

Simply put, such a solution ensures the flow of electrons between the battery plates, making it possible to both release charge and accumulate it while charging the battery.

It is important to understand that operating characteristics and a number of other factors have a significant impact on battery life. In other words, if conditions are not ideal, the battery will last less. Let's figure out what this depends on.

The specified periods of time or mileage may be significantly reduced if:

The battery is used too actively, there are a large number of charge-discharge cycles;
the car has a faulty battery charging system from the generator or the battery has dropped to zero several times for other reasons;
the battery constantly operates in severe frost conditions or becomes very overheated (even the presence of insulation does not protect against the influence of extreme temperatures);
the owner makes mistakes when charging the battery with external chargers;
the density of the electrolyte in the “jars” does not in any way correspond to the climatic conditions in the region;
The car battery is incorrectly selected in terms of capacity, starting current, etc.

Of course, these are not all the reasons. For example, if the engine or car systems are not in the best condition and the engine does not start well, you have to turn the engine with the starter for a long time. Of course, the load on the battery increases and the charge is actively consumed. At the same time, short trips of 2-3 km do not allow the battery to have time to charge from the generator.

The top “light” layer corrodes the plates, while the heavy bottom layer produces more electricity than necessary. It is not difficult to guess that this significantly reduces the battery life.

If we add to this that vibrations that occur when driving on bad roads or an insufficiently secure battery also “kills” the battery, the outcome is far from the most rosy prospect.

Naturally, in such conditions the battery will last much less than a similar one in a car that starts with half a turn and drives for hours on a good highway.

At the same time, it is not so easy to determine the general condition of the battery. While serviced batteries can still be diagnosed, electrolyte density measured, density and level changed, etc., the situation with maintenance-free batteries becomes more complicated.

As a rule, in the second case, the entire check comes down to measuring the voltage with a tester, after which you also need to take into account the age of the battery. Based on the data obtained, we can approximately guess what condition a particular battery is in.

We also note that not all batteries are the same in quality. Different batteries also have different lifespans. In fact, original branded products from well-known brands are expensive, but often last 4-5 years or more. At the same time, cheaper analogues may fail within a couple of years.

The main reason is that usually with the onset of cold weather, even high-quality ones, but old batteries quickly run out, at some point the engine cannot be started, and this happens completely unexpectedly.

Another tip is that if the battery cannot be replaced after 4 years, the battery needs constant diagnostics in order to notice problems at the initial stage.

Battery production date: what to look for

When choosing a battery, it is important not only to take into account the dimensions, polarity of the battery, starting current and other parameters, but also the year of manufacture of the battery. So, the date of manufacture of the battery also determines its service life. As mentioned above, after manufacturing, even a new battery ages, since chemical processes are constantly occurring inside.

As a rule, the manufacturing date of the battery is indicated by the manufacturer itself, and the battery must be sold within 6 months. In other words, the battery release date determines the shelf life of a new battery. If the battery is more than six months old from the date of manufacture, it is better to refuse such a purchase.

Let us also add that in addition to the “freshness” of the battery, it is also advisable to separately study such parameters as cold start current (the ability of the battery to crank the engine crankshaft at minus 17 degrees under conditions of reduced battery charge), as well as its power reserve. By the way, data on the reserve is more difficult to find, but this parameter determines how long the battery will work if it does not receive a charge from the generator.

Useful tips

Please note that deep battery discharges can cause premature failure of even a relatively new high-end product.

Also, a decrease in the density of the electrolyte in winter leads to the solution freezing, the plates being destroyed, etc. Taking into account the fact that with the onset of cold weather the load on the battery increases, a battery that works normally in the summer may fail at the first frost. In this regard, it is better to service or immediately replace the old battery before the onset of cold weather.

As for testing with a tester, diagnostic procedures must be performed on a fully charged battery, the terminals and leads must be cleaned. You can clean the terminals with baking soda and water.

You should also inspect the battery visually; swelling of the battery, cracks in the case, leaks of electrolyte, and the appearance of a persistent sulfurous odor are not allowed. If this is the case, then the battery is overheating.

Let's sum it up

As you can see, taking into account the above information, it is difficult to say how many batteries will need to be replaced per 100 thousand km. mileage or 5 years of car operation. In some cases, even 1 battery may be enough, while in others you may need to change 2-3 or even more.

Finally, we note that the service life of the battery greatly depends on the operating characteristics. For example, short trips, downtime in winter, improper charging, etc. reduce battery life by 30-40%. You also need to monitor the general condition of the battery, since terminal oxidation, corrosion and electrolyte leakage will not add to the battery’s lifespan.

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Average car battery life

A car battery, popularly called a battery, is one of the most important elements in a car. It is impossible to start the car without this battery. Depending on the type, model, manufacturer and compliance with operating rules, the service life of a car battery according to GOST may vary. Some samples do not require replacement for 10 years, others cease to cope with their responsibilities after 2-3 years.

Specifications

Before talking about the reasons for the significant time variation in operation, it is necessary to understand the features of the technical structure of most models. Since the advent of the first rechargeable batteries, there have been no major changes in the operating principle. Lead plates are placed inside the sealed housing. Their number depends on the purpose of the battery. Each section with a plate is sealed, but has an active surface.

The appearance of energy is ensured by negative and positive charge. Plates made of finely porous lead are negatively charged. Lead is immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. It is he who interacts with the active substances of the plates. This chemical reaction produces an electric current. The battery is discharged due to the fact that lead sulfate precipitates, but during charging the entire process described occurs exactly the opposite. This allows high-quality batteries to last for many years.

Today, active development of new battery models is underway. Scientists are trying to increase energy intensity, reduce dimensions, and increase the service life of components. Some progress has already been achieved. For most modern cars and for batteries located under the hood, severe frosts are not terrible. Although just a few decades ago, low temperature was the worst enemy of an energy source.

Instructions for use

The service life largely depends on compliance with operating rules. You can purchase a battery of the highest quality from a well-known brand, spend a lot of money, but face the need to replace it within six months. In some cases, defects will be to blame, but most often the reason lies in gross violations of the instructions for use. To ensure that the service life of your car battery matches or exceeds the warranty, it is worth remembering a few rules:

It is strictly prohibited to turn the device over.
A properly functioning battery needs to periodically measure its charge level. It is best to carry out periodic monitoring once every 2-3 months. To obtain the most informative picture, it is necessary to measure the voltage with the engine on and off. If the device does not produce the declared values, you should contact a service center to determine the reasons. If you can identify the problem early, you can avoid more serious consequences.
Any battery model loses water from the electrolyte. The rate of loss may vary. It depends on the quality of materials, age of the battery, and operating conditions. It is recommended to measure the water level every 3-4 months. The life of a car battery can be extended by promptly adding distilled liquid in the required quantity. As a hint, there are special marks on the devices.
Some owners hardly use their car in winter. If there is a need to leave the vehicle in the garage for a long time, then it is worth disconnecting the terminals. Otherwise, the battery will be completely discharged and it will be impossible to start the car. In addition, the situation when the charge level drops to 0 has an extremely negative effect on the condition of the device.
You can assess the condition of the battery by the color of the electrolyte. In normal condition, the liquid should be transparent. The presence of dark shades indicates a short circuit in some banks.

The list of requirements is not that long. Under normal weather conditions, a quality device should last for a very long period of time.

Types of car batteries

The service life largely depends on the type of charger. Today you can encounter three most popular types of batteries:

Lead-acid. Such models are used more often than others. They are characterized by high reliability, low cost, and a long period of use. Simplicity in production and good performance ensure leading positions for lead-acid chargers on store shelves.
Batteries with AGM technology. This technology appeared relatively recently. The essence of modern development is to significantly reduce the amount of electricity produced. Efficiency and productivity are greatly improved. AGM technology has not become widespread due to installation limitations. Models are suitable for machines with an energy recovery system.
Gel batteries. The main feature of the models is the presence of a special gel instead of traditional electrolytes. This ensures high reliability and excellent current delivery. After charging, the battery capacity can be restored to its original value. This allows you to withstand a huge number of charging cycles without significant loss of capacity. According to statistics, gel batteries can reach 650 charges. Modern new samples guarantee an increase in performance up to 1000. Since the case is completely sealed, such samples cannot be serviced.

Regardless of the type of battery, you should be wary of counterfeits. It is worth purchasing batteries at trusted points of sale. During the purchase, you should ask the seller for all the necessary certificates and receive a receipt for the possibility of exchange if a defect is detected.

Battery life

Each item has its own service life. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how long a car battery lasts, since there are many factors that have a direct impact on its service life. The average service life of a conventional battery is 5-10 years. It is worth understanding that the figure is very conditional, suitability may vary. In addition to the type of battery and following the operating rules, other indicators also influence the service life:

Brand awareness. There is an opinion among car enthusiasts that when purchasing original spare parts from world-famous brands, the high price is determined by the name of the manufacturer, and not by high quality. It's a delusion. In the vast majority of cases, purchasing components from famous brands saves the owner from headaches. There is an overpayment for the name, but in return the consumer receives a warranty on the batteries for a period of 4-5 years. Less reliable manufacturers indicate a guaranteed service life of 1-3 years.
Temperature conditions. Extremely high and low temperatures have a negative effect on the state of charge of the battery. High temperatures outside the window in summer cause the deposition of lead sulfate. Negative chemical processes begin to occur when the thermometer reaches 30 - 40 o C.
The serviceability of other systems in the car. No matter what brand makes the car battery, no matter what materials are used, the battery cannot function separately from other systems. The generator has the greatest influence on the condition of the battery. Malfunction of this element can lead to complete discharge in a very short period of time. Incorrect connection of the radio can also contribute to current leakage.

Despite the fact that all of these problems are typical for any type of battery, the service life for each type is different. For example, acidic varieties can last up to 7 years . Of course, we are talking about a quality manufacturer. Gel batteries start well in cold weather, do not emit harmful fumes into the environment, and the maximum warranty service life in most cases is 9-10 years. A significant disadvantage is the cost, which is several times higher compared to conventional samples.

Increased service life

A new high-quality battery is not a cheap pleasure. The time spent on proper maintenance will more than pay off in long-term operation and savings. Experienced motorists always answer the question of how long a car battery lasts differently, because their attitude towards car maintenance is different. The most responsible car enthusiasts advise following the following rules:

The charge level must be monitored regularly, especially for cars that have been stationary for a long time. In such cases, it is necessary to charge the battery at least once a month.
You should not allow the terminals to oxidize. This process occurs due to electrolyte vapors. Cleaning the battery is not difficult; sandpaper is perfect for such purposes. To reduce the negative impact, you can lubricate the terminals with oil.
When trying to start the car, it is strictly forbidden to turn the starter for a long time.
Properly charging the battery is important. Firstly, it is strictly forbidden to allow overcharging. Secondly, if recharging occurs in winter, the device requires a long period of time to equalize the temperature with room temperature. Experienced professionals recommend waiting at least 6-7 hours.
A complete discharge of the battery causes a severe blow to the capacity and further service life. This should not be allowed.
It is extremely difficult to check the fluid level yourself at home, so experts advise visiting a workshop at least once every six months.

Do not forget about timely replacement of the old device. If the battery has exceeded the warranty service life by 2 times, then you should think about replacing it.

Age verification

Timely replacement of the old battery is only possible if the owner carefully monitors and records all dates for replacing components. It is simply impossible to keep all the information in your head, especially considering that a high-quality battery can last 5 years or more. In addition, sometimes car enthusiasts buy used cars. You should not trust the seller unconditionally. The battery life can be easily checked.

There are no universal rules for date placement. Different manufacturing companies have different labeling methods. Well-known Western brands (Bosch, Berga, Balckmax, Varta, etc.) have a code of 24 characters. The fourth position from the left indicates the year of production, and the fifth and sixth positions indicate the month.

The Titan Arctic and Titan companies have the month and year positions swapped. You can find information about the year of manufacture on the fifth and sixth digits, and the month of manufacture under the third and fourth serial numbers. A special system was introduced by battery manufacturers Bost and Atlas. When searching for the year of manufacture, you should pay attention to the first digit. Behind it you can find letters that indicate the month of production.

Information about age verification methods can be obtained from your retailer or online. Operating instructions for each model are most often freely available. With such information, you can closely monitor the service life and carry out timely maintenance and replacement.