To prolong the life of a lead-acid battery, it is essential to follow proper charging and discharging procedures. Overcharging or undercharging can significantly reduce the lifespan of a battery. It is also important to avoid deep discharging the battery as a deep cycle can damage the battery’s plates.
Lastly, the temperature also plays a significant role in the lifespan of a lead-acid battery. High temperatures can accelerate the aging process of the battery, while low temperatures can reduce the battery’s capacity. Therefore, it is important to store the battery in a cool and dry place.
Just because a lead acid battery can no longer power a specific device, does not mean that there is no energy left in the battery. A car battery that won’t start the engine, still has the potential to provide plenty of fireworks should you short the terminals.
If you are not familiar with lead acid batteries, see our article What is a lead acid battery. Ironically one of the most common reasons for battery failure is not an actual failure of the battery itself, it is people thinking the battery is dead.
Clean the battery terminals and cables with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion. Inspect the battery for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks, and replace the battery if necessary. Proper storage can also help extend the life of your lead-acid battery.
All rechargeable batteries degrade over time. Lead acid and sealed lead acid batteries are no exception. The question is, what exactly happens that causes lead acid batteries to die? This article assumes you have an understanding of the internal structure and make up of lead acid batteries.