The price of Lead Acid batteries rises with every coming year. This makes prolonging the battery’s lifespan as much as possible. The users now look to utilize their batteries to full capacity. But maintaining them can be a daunting task. So, this is your complete guide to maximizing the lifespan of your Lead Acid Batteries in 2023.
How does a 12V Lead Acid Battery Work?
To prolong the lifespan of your battery, you need to know how it works. As you already know, Lead Acid Batteries are rechargeable. They use Lead and Sulphuric acid to function. The lead is dipped into the Sulphuric acid to allow a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction causes the battery to generate an electric charge. The same reaction is reversed to recharge the battery.
The lifespan of a Lead Acid Battery
Working conditions play an important role in determining the lifespan of a battery. Temperature is one such factor that directly affects its life. The optimal functional temperature for a 12V Lead Acid Battery is 25 degree Celsius. The increase in temperature shortens the longevity of the battery. A regulated 12V Lead Acid Battery that functions at 25 degrees Celsius has an average lifespan of 10 years. Whereas the same battery functioning at 33 degrees Celsius has an average lifespan of 5 years. The chemical reaction in a 12V Lead Acid Battery can never be halted completely. Hence, these batteries continue to discharge when not in use. Even though this happens at a very slow rate, factors like temperature increase the rate of discharge.
Ways to Maximize the Lifespan of a Lead Acid Battery
Healthy Charging Practices
You should always refrain from draining the battery completely. Letting a battery discharge below 20% causes Sulfation to occur. Sulfation accumulation blocks the electron flow which causes the charging time to increase drastically. This means increasing the charging time and ultimately reducing the productivity and lifespan of the battery. One way to prevent a battery from draining completely is to monitor battery levels closely on a daily basis.
Overcharging a battery significantly reduces the water levels in a Lead Acid Battery. As water levels reduce and temperatures rise, high damage can occur to the battery, affecting its productivity and longevity. It is important to know about the charging guidelines for the type of battery you use.
A battery has a limited number of charge cycles in its lifespan. The frequency of charging also affects a battery’s life and makes a battery lose its efficiency over time.
Storage of Lead Acid Batteries
Storage location and conditions of a battery can adversely affect a battery’s durability and performance. To let the lead acid battery perform at its peak capability, it must be stored in a cool, dry place with an ideal temperature. You should also avoid storing batteries in areas where there is direct sunlight or extreme freeze.
Overloading the equipment
Every battery has a regulated amount of power to distribute. Overloading the battery with numerous equipment of high power can significantly decrease its battery life.
Maintenance of a Lead Acid Battery
A battery should be cleaned and kept dry at all times. It is important to clean a battery immediately after any acidic overspill. Leaving an acidic overspill untouched for a long time may damage the battery forever.
The water level in a battery should also be monitored periodically and should be maintained at an ideal condition given by the manufacturer. While refilling the batteries with water, make sure that the water is clean and distilled.
Equalizing The Battery
The imbalance in chemicals gradually increases over time. The sulfate coatings start to accumulate reducing the total capacity of the battery. Equalization is the process of deliberately overcharging the battery to a certain level. This reduces the excess sulfate buildup in the battery.
Regular Checks
Regular maintenance is a necessary exercise you must follow to keep the battery life healthy. Checking if the vent plugs are tight and applying terminal protectors to reduce corrosion are a few things to follow.
Buy Lead Acid Battery online at L&T-SuFin
Lead Acid Batteries have become an integral part of our lives. But maintaining them is still something people hesitate to do. Following the procedures will really help you keep your Lead Acid Batteries in a healthy condition. For more information about 12V Lead Acid Batteries and their maintenance, visit our website L&T-SuFin.