Battery Life Span

Battery Life Span

Batteries have an average life span of between 18 and 24 months.

The car battery can last a considerable period in a normal-functioning car that is driven every day because the alternator keeps the battery at full charge. However, if the battery is left for days or weeks in a semi-discharged condition, crystals formed will cause adverse chemical reactions within the battery. This will in turn damage the battery cells, and the battery would no longer be able to hold a full charge.

The lifespan of a battery is however not totally dependent on the amount of work it has done. Since the battery is a chemical device, its capacity will decrease as the battery grows older and loses some of the active material from its plates. Therefore, the common belief of economizing on the use of electrical equipment, such as headlights and the radio, to extend the life of a battery is incorrect.

Normally a battery "ages" as the active positive plate material flakes off due to the normal expansion and contraction that occurs during the discharge and charge cycles. This causes a loss of plate capacity and a brown sediment called sludge or "mud," that builds up in the bottom of the case and can shorten the lifespan of the cell plates. Deep discharges, heat, vibration, fast charging, and overcharging all accelerate the "aging" process. The major cause of premature car battery failure is loss of water caused from high heat under the hood, or overcharging.

Battery Failure

The signs of impending battery failure include:

• Sluggish cranking of engine
• Weak horn
• Instrument panel lights and headlights that brighten very noticeably as the engine is revved

If you come across any of the above symptoms, call the AA Roadside Assistance at 6748 9911 for an appointment to check your car's battery condition.

Common mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes often made by car owners:

• Many people have the misconception that they do not have to check on their car batteries because they possess maintenance-free car batteries. However, a large number of batteries still provide an indicator for car owners to inspect and add water to the battery cells when necessary.
• Never run the engine with your battery disconnected.
• If you should ever need to change the battery on your own, always remember to take out the negative (-ve) end first, followed by the positive (+ve) end when removing the car battery. The sequence for connecting it back is the reverse, i.e. positive end first followed by the negative end. You should also check with your car agent whether the battery change will affect the car's computer memory system.

Basic maintenance checks to get the most out of your car battery:

• Keep the battery casing clean by using hot, soapy water and dry the casing well. The battery terminals should also be cleaned at every car service. Apply petroleum jelly or terminal protector to keep corrosion on the terminals to minimum.
• Check the electrolyte level every two weeks, filling with distilled water just above the plates or between the maximum and minimum markings indicated in the battery casing.
• Keep cigarettes and other naked lights well away when checking the battery.
• Secure the battery so that vibration would not cause any damage to the plates. The connections on the battery terminals should be inspected regularly.
• Ensure that the charge rate is correct at every car service, as either overcharging or undercharging will reduce battery life.
• Ensure that the car's electrical appliances (e.g. headlights, aircon, car stereo) are switched off before you start your car, to prevent a current surge that could cause the battery plates to buckle and thereby shortening the battery's life.
• AA provides quality batteries that come with an extended 12 to 18-month warranty period against manufacturing defects. As a value added service, a reminder will be sent to all members to alert them nearing the end of the warranty period. Battery delivery service is also available 24/7.