Why Does the Average Car Battery Fail?
Posted on: 11 March 2022
A car battery is one of those things that you take for granted. You don't think twice if it allows you to fire up your vehicle in the morning and head off to work, but it draws all your attention if it doesn't cooperate. But why should a battery play up in this way? What are some of the biggest challenges faced by this particular part and what can you do to make its life a lot easier?
Parasitic Drain
While the primary job of the battery is to provide power to the starter motor solenoid to kickstart your engine, it also provides trickle power to a variety of ancillaries. If you have fitted some aftermarket parts to the vehicle, such as a new stereo system, amplifiers, auxiliary lighting and so on, you need to be particularly careful. If you haven't connected everything perfectly, these components may have been permanently connected to the battery in error, causing what is known as a "parasitic" drain. The battery will give a tiny amount of power to the ancillary around the clock, significantly shortening the battery's life.
Multiple Charging
If you need to attach a battery to an external charger, often simply to keep it in good operating condition, this can also shorten its life. You may need to do this if you are suffering from a parasitic drain, as mentioned above.
Heat Effects
Do you live in a part of the country that is often affected by extreme heat? This is far from uncommon in Australia, but it can also do a number on your battery. While these units are designed to deal with certain temperature variances, you should avoid leaving your vehicle under the heat of the midday sun if at all possible. Park it under a carport or in a garage if you can.
General Deterioration
Batteries can also suffer from wear and tear and are, in any case, designed to deteriorate with time. They are a replaceable item, and you should expect to buy a new one every now and then. If you don't know how old the battery in your car currently is, you should conduct a close visual inspection. If you can see a lot of tiny cracks on the battery casing, this indicates that the battery may be aged. You should get into the habit of checking the battery anyway and cleaning the terminals carefully to get rid of any residue.
Getting a Replacement
If it's time to get a replacement, make sure you choose carefully. Talk with a battery supply expert, and they'll tell you what model is right for your vehicle.
For more information on car batteries, contact a company near you.
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