With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, it’s easy for people to forget that there are still a large number of fossil fuel-powered cars and trucks on the roads that also rely on batteries to operate. Drivers often don’t pay attention to the batteries in their vehicles until those batteries run out of power or are inadvertently drained. The natural question that follows is: how long can car batteries last?
The answer to this question depends on several factors such as the design lifespan of the battery itself, the climate conditions in which the battery is stored, and the driving habits of the vehicle owner. While some generalizations can be made about the average lifespan, no two batteries perform exactly the same.
To make the most of car batteries, whether old or new, understanding how different variables can impact the lifespan of car batteries can be beneficial. This can significantly extend the overall lifespan of the battery and improve its efficiency.
How do car batteries operate?
Most modern gasoline and diesel vehicles use lead-acid batteries. These batteries contain a series of lead plate electrodes immersed in a sulfuric acid solution acting as an electrolyte.
When the battery discharges, a chemical reaction occurs, generating electricity. These relatively robust, reliable, and cost-effective devices are known as wet-cell batteries or flooded lead-acid batteries (FLA). They remain industry standards and are used in a wide range of new and old vehicles.
When the ignition key is turned, the car battery sends a strong and brief current to the starter motor to drive the engine’s rotation. This allows the starter motor to initiate the combustion engine. The car also has an alternator. This alternator is powered by the running car engine to generate electricity. The electrical power generated by the alternator is sent back to the battery to recharge it.
What other types of batteries are used in cars?
In addition to standard flooded lead-acid batteries, there are other options available on the market. Some of these batteries have advantages over the standard FLA batteries.
– Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries: These batteries have their electrolyte sealed in a container, making them especially leak-resistant. They are commonly used in recreational vehicles, as they can withstand extra vibrations and overall movement that such vehicles encounter.
– Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium batteries are most commonly found in hybrid and electric vehicles, as they need to release a large amount of power over an extended period. They are more expensive but can last 8 to 20 years.
– Absorbent Glass Mat Batteries: This battery type (also known as AGM) uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. AGM batteries can better withstand deep discharges and typically have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries—up to 7 years or longer. Of course, these batteries are relatively more expensive.
What is the average lifespan of a car battery?
The average lifespan of a car battery is around 3 to 5 years. However, with proper handling and storage in a relatively stable environment, the lifespan of some batteries can be significantly extended.
Many batteries currently on sale come with a warranty period of 3 years or 36 months, although some batteries may have longer warranties, such as 80 months.
While purchasing batteries with longer warranties is worthwhile, proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of car batteries and maintain their good performance.
What factors shorten the lifespan of car batteries?
The lifespan of car batteries is determined by multiple factors. Understanding the four most important factors—time, usage, temperature, and vibration—can help determine when to replace a car battery.
1) Time of Usage
This refers not only to the battery’s lifespan but also to the time it is providing power to the vehicle. All batteries degrade over time, but being in a dormant state for extended periods significantly shortens their lifespan.
Regularly running a vehicle helps keep the battery charged and prevents it from fully discharging, ensuring that the battery remains in optimal working condition.
2) Usage
Running accessories like air conditioning, radios, or lights with the engine off adds stress to the battery. Additionally, modern cars are often equipped with numerous electronic devices, all of which consume power.
If the engine’s running speed during each use is not sufficient to fully charge the battery, it can lead to gradual battery degradation over time.
3) Temperature
Excessive heat lowers battery performance, leading to a shortened lifespan and overall poorer quality. However, being too cold is also detrimental. When starting the car, it puts more strain on the battery and can result in faster discharge.
4) Vibration
Excessive vibration is detrimental to car batteries because the internal components’ agitation can cause corrosion and gradual decay. Stay tuned for the continuation next week.