Although they are one of a car’s most replaced perishable components, many of us are unaware of how long a battery should last. We often assume that they will die one day and must be replaced. However, there are some guidelines to follow to better understand the internal mechanisms of a car.
Appreciating what a battery does and how long it lasts is critical for a conscientious car owner. Therefore the article will explain in detail how to estimate a car battery’s life and the best methods to ensure it will last as long as possible.
Why Do Cars Need Batteries?
With all of the technical and mechanical innovations the car industry has taken up, it may seem surprising that they still rely on a simple 12V DC battery pack. Likewise, with the slick and highly modernized interior and exterior design, it may seem surprising how rudimentary the internal components remain.
Around 110 years ago, mass production of privately owned cars was introduced to the global market. Although these primitive automobiles have come a long way since their inception, their fundamental characteristics have remained unchanged.
Most often, they will utilize an internal combustion engine just as they did when they were initially produced.
Although modern cars are far more efficient and quiet, gasoline engines still rely on electrical energy to function. The engine uses cavities that are filled with flammable gasoline that is ignited by a spark plug which is powered directly from the onboard battery.
This spark ignites the fuel and creates kinetic energy to push pistons translates into a car spinning its wheels.
Moreover, cars now use many electrical components beyond the mechanical necessary, from sensors and reversing cameras to touchscreen displays.
They all require an ongoing electrical current to operate. Batteries are now responsible for all of the onboard management systems, as well as the essential lights legally required when driving on the road.
Diesel-powered engines are no exception. Surprisingly their engines require pressure to ignite the fuel rather than a spark.
However, a starter motor is required to engage the engine’s ignition process to initiate the engine cycle. Ultimately, the entire complex mechanical process depends entirely on the tiny internal spark generated from the primitive dusty battery.
How Batteries Work
Car batteries have been necessary since they were first designed. Their design has remained essentially the same remaining true to their fundamental principles.
Typically, they comprise a chemical electrolyte solution encased by metal cells that can hold and discharge an electrical current at will. This is stored in a plastic casing with two terminals at either end.
The batteries have a negative and positive terminal due to the nature of dealing with electrical energy. These are connected to the electrical system to create a complete circuit where the components can access energy when required. However, these simple components have a finite life cycle.
Symptoms of a Failing Battery
A car battery’s capacity to hold and discharge energy will naturally dissipate. However, due to their chemical construction, the more they are used, the faster they degrade.
The most obvious symptom of their failure is a lack of electrical energy when the car is started. The display will not light up, and there will be no sound when the ignition is engaged.
This effectively means there will not be enough electrical energy to push voltage around the electrical system. It will appear as if the car is dead.
It is significant to note that batteries can lose their charge for various reasons. This does not mean that it is dead. It may be low on charge.
Therefore, the first action should be to recharge the battery and monitor how effectively it holds power. If it cannot hold a charge, then you can be sure that it is dead.
An initial symptom of a battery failure is that it struggles to ignite the engine on a typical day. If it takes longer to start, there will likely be a reduced energy storage capacity which is struggling to hold enough to perform optimally.
Ensure that this effect takes place in normal conditions, as extremely cold weather can result in poor power storage and thicker engine oil which will temporarily produce the same symptoms.
Many modern vehicles have a sensor to indicate an issue with the battery. These current sensors are key indications to warn you that the battery needs inspecting or replaced prematurely.
Often they will save you from finding a dead battery at the worst possible time. Ideally, diligent owners should ensure that their batter is inspected along with their annual service.
In addition, technicians should be able to check a car’s battery health within a few minutes and give an accurate timeline of how long it will last.
Factors Influencing Battery Life
Various influences will impact the life of an average car battery. These factors are reasonably well understood, allowing drivers to better understand their battery’s estimated life length.
Firstly, how regularly it is used will significantly impact the lifespan of a battery. For example, if the car is driven over 100,000 miles per year will seriously affect its lifecycle.
This is because the battery will be used for many more hours than expected, continually discharging and recharging, which will degrade the battery chemistry quickly.
The chemical energy stored in the battery depends on a balanced environment to operate effectively. Chemical reactions are typically far more effective at room temperature.
Therefore in colder climates, car batteries are likely not to function optimally. Suppose they live in a colder environment that is often below freezing. In that case, it is likely to significantly impact the life of the battery and require premature replacement.
Average Battery Life Span
Typically, car owners drive around 10,000 miles annually. Additionally, they tend to live in climates that experience typical seasonal temperature changes.
Therefore, the average driver will use their vehicle within speed limits and have it serviced regularly.
In this instance, the aggregate battery life span suggested by the major battery manufacturers is between 3-5 years. This general estimate for average use can be considered a guideline.
This may seem like a relatively short time. However, this is a reasonable expectation considering how regularly the vehicles are used.
How to Prolong Battery Life
Fortunately, certain efforts can be made to prolong the average life span of the car battery. Although they will not let it last forever, it is the best action to get the most out of your battery.
Firstly, ensure that the battery is located in the intended storage area of the vehicle. Manufacturers are particular about where batteries are placed.
They are placed to expose them to the least possible heat and protect them from any water. Therefore, it is imperative that they are securely fasted in place to guarantee they remain in good working order.
Ensure that the batteries are not exposed to excessive vibrations, as this can lead to damage. If the casing of the battery is damaged, the chemical liquid can leak out.
If this happens, it will effectively destroy the battery. Ensure that the batter is free from material that could be thrown around and damaged it.
Additionally, it is imperative that the battery is not exposed to excessive vibrations. Therefore, it is key that there are securing mechanisms are engaged properly.
Inspect the batteries regularly to ensure that they are not showing signs of breakage. Pay particular attention to the terminals and inspect if there is any rust beginning to form.
If it does begin to show rust, then use a baking soda-based cleaning agent to scrub the contaminant. This will guarantee the best chance of the battery lasting as long as possible.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you will be better acquainted with a typical car battery’s purpose and life span. These simple components are one of the most critical components of a modern vehicle.
Understanding exactly what they do and how long they should typically last will give you a greater appreciation of how to effectively maintain the battery’s lifespan for as long as possible. Although some essential guidelines exist to prolong the battery’s life to its maximum, we will inevitably have to change our car battery at some point.