However, poor management, no monitoring, and a lack of both proactive and reactive maintenance can kill a battery in less than 18 months. With proper maintenance, a lead-acid battery can last between 5 to 15 years. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your lead acid battery, proper maintenance and storage are crucial.
The number of charge cycles a lead-acid battery can undergo depends on the type of battery and the quality of the battery. Generally, a well-maintained lead-acid battery can undergo around 500 to 1500 charge cycles. What maintenance practices extend the life of a lead acid battery?
The lifetime of a battery is shortened by shelf life, gradual loss of capacity, the temperature that the battery is stored at and used at, and the actual current used from the battery. The common rule-of-thumb is that a lead/acid battery will last about five years from the date of manufacture.
Several factors can affect the lifespan of a lead-acid battery, including temperature, depth of discharge, charging and discharging rates, and maintenance. Extreme temperatures, frequent deep discharges, and high charging rates can reduce the battery’s lifespan.
Exposure to high temperatures and humidity can accelerate the battery’s self-discharge rate and shorten its lifespan. The ideal storage temperature for lead acid batteries is between 50°F (10°C) and 80°F (27°C). Avoid storing the battery in extreme temperatures, as this can damage the battery and reduce its capacity.
When storing your battery, make sure it is clean and dry, and kept in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Exposure to high temperatures and humidity can accelerate the battery’s self-discharge rate and shorten its lifespan. The ideal storage temperature for lead acid batteries is between 50°F (10°C) and 80°F (27°C).