There are approximately 1.2 billion autos in the world. Thanks to efficient recycling there are likely as many lead-acid car batteries. Our minds boggle as we try to imagine another consumer product as popular. And that’s not even mentioning the other sealed batteries, such as the UPS, alarm, home, garden, and sports batteries we sell.
The Life and Death of Car Batteries in the U.S.
A quality sealed car battery should last about six years. However, those requiring electrolyte topping up have shorter lives, if we forget.
We said ‘should’ because the duration is less if we run electronic equipment when the motor is not running. Leaving the GPS on, and cell phones charging increases the problem.
The pain thresholds are obvious. The starter motor cranks slower and the battery light comes on. If remote locks work intermittently or the cabin light dims, it is time to replace car batteries. Hopefully before the call-out electrician looks us laconically in the eye, and announces, “your car battery is dead but I have a spare in the trunk”.
The liquid electrolyte in most auto batteries slows the flow of electrons in a winter freeze. So the starter cranks slower although the battery may still be good. In extremely hot weather, the electrolyte in vented batteries evaporates upsetting the water / acid balance.
Using tap water worsens the situation further. Keep your auto in the garage in extreme weather, and use proprietary battery water to top up. Or else you may have to resort to pedal power which may be healthier.
What to Do If the Car Refuses to Start
You have either a battery or an automotive problem. If the starter clicks when you turn the ignition, your battery is dead. If the starter turns you may have a clogged fuel injector or a dead plug. Before you panic, you may have corrosion at the battery terminals. Loosen the connectors until you can just rotate them several times. Then retighten them and try again. You may have saved yourself a wad of bucks.
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