How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
The battery is a crucial part of our vehicles that powers the ignition and allows our cars to run. Without it, your car isn’t going anywhere, and you are stranded.
Many factors can determine the lifespan of your battery, including temperature extremes, driving habits, and power load. However, if you carefully maintain your vehicle as needed, your battery can last seven years or more.
How Does a Battery Work?
The battery in your car is responsible for starting the engine, lighting up the headlights, and igniting the fuel. It also powers up the electronics inside your car, such as the stereo and the air conditioning system How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
A car battery comprises six starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) cells. Each cell consists of two plates known as grids.
When these plates are submerged in sulphuric acid, they trigger a chemical reaction that produces ions and lead sulfate. These ions then move around the plates and trigger chemical reactions that produce electrons.
These electrons then race across the battery cells in order to generate electricity that travels to the positive or negative terminals of the battery. The electrical energy then flows to your car’s wiring, which disperses How Long Does a Car Battery Last it to the starter motor and other vital parts of your vehicle.
When a battery is not fully charged, it is susceptible to sulfation, which is the accumulation of lead sulfate crystals and the remains of battery plates in the electrolyte solution. This leads to a shortening of the battery’s lifespan.
What’s the Difference Between a Wet Cell Battery and a Flooded Battery?
A wet cell battery is a rechargeable battery that uses a solution of electrolytes to provide power. They are commonly found in cars and boats and are the cheapest batteries on the market.
On the other hand, a flooded battery uses a liquid electrolyte solution that needs to be maintained regularly. It can leak if not handled properly.
The electrolyte of a flooded battery must be constantly replenished to keep the positive and negative plates covered. How Long Does a Car Battery Last, This is necessary to prevent the plates from becoming sulfated.
Sealed batteries, on the other hand, use a gel or acid-socked glass mat separator to absorb the electrolyte. These batteries don’t require water to be added, don’t need regular maintenance or ventilation, and can resist different climates more reliably than a flooded battery.
How Long Does a Flooded Battery Last?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including how the battery is maintained. If the battery isn’t inspected or charged properly, it can quickly die and need replacement.
Water is mixed with sulfuric acid in a flooded battery to form an electrolyte. The mixture then interacts with the metal plates inside the cell to produce electricity.
When a load is connected, the chemical reaction causes the battery to start working. Electricity is generated, and your car’s electrical components can use the battery’s energy.
Because a flooded battery loses some water while charging, it’s important to check its electrolyte levels periodically and add distilled water when needed. This can keep the battery in good condition and prolong its life.
How Long Does a Wet Cell Battery Last?
Wet cell batteries use a mix of lead plates submerged in an electrolyte solution. This mixture contains sulfuric acid and water, which is used to conduct a chemical reaction that produces electricity.
They can last a very long time if properly maintained. Periodic inspections, topping off water levels and regular charging can keep a wet cell battery in great condition.
However, overcharging a wet cell battery or leaving it at a low charge can also shorten its life. The battery loses water, and sulfate builds up on the plate material.
The sulfate prevents the battery from accepting a full charge and makes it weaker. It also forms a barrier that makes the battery harder to start and reduces lifespan.
