Automobile manufacturers report a gradual increase in premature lead-acid battery failure. We do not supply these battery types ourselves. Nevertheless, we thought it would be interesting to find out why new auto battery failure happens. We discovered a clue in a report by a luxury German manufacturer. Half of the faulty batteries dealers return are either semi-charged, or the acid in their electrolytes has sunk to the bottom.
New Auto Battery Failure Due to Driving Habits
Starter batteries do not function well after repeated deep discharging. They are happy to give their full strength to the starter motor. However, they need a full recharge period afterwards, and this takes time. The situation is worse in Japan, because the average automobile only travels eight miles a day.
This is typically between home and a commuter station car park in busy traffic. Americans are better off because they are more likely to drive for longer distances. However, power drain by in-car climate control equipment and entertainment systems partly offsets this advantage.
How These Driving Habits Cause Battery Failure
A European automobile manufacturer fingers battery failure for 52% of breakdowns, followed by 15% from flat tires. Stratification is a leading cause of new auto battery failure, and again this is down to driving habits.
The electrolyte in regularly undercharged lead-acid batteries starts to decompose below 80% capacity. The heavier acid in the mixture sinks, and concentrates in the bottom of the case. Higher up, the weakened electrolyte reduces plate activation, increases corrosion, and reduces overall battery performance. Unless driving habits change, the damage spirals until the battery fails.
The situation is detectable using advanced battery-test equipment. Thereafter, an experienced auto electrician can forestall new auto battery failure by shaking the battery or tipping it over. Alternatively, they may overcharge it by 30% for two hours. Only battery specialists should attempt either method.
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Preview Image: Goodbye, My Chariot
