About 15% of Canadian households have not yet parted with their dead batteries (and it’s understandable why). If these are lead-acid batteries, they may be holding on to the hope of restoring them. And that’s not a bad idea.
Lead acid batteries are notoriously hard to kill, and there may be some hope for them. If you’re one of those people who still have some life left in their lead acid battery, this article will help you get the most out of it by preventing common mistakes. To learn what to avoid doing in order to prolong the life of your battery, keep reading.
Using the Lead Acid Battery Until It Dies
You can damage a lead acid battery if you allow it to discharge completely. They may not hold a full charge anymore and will probably degrade faster than usual.
If you want to keep your battery going for as long as possible, don’t let it drain all the way. Lead acid batteries need to be charged after every use.
Not Fully Charging Batteries Before Storage
If you need to put your battery into storage, charge it to 100% using an appropriate charger. Also, apply a topping charge every six months. This will help to prevent lead sulfate from forming on the battery plates, which can diminish a battery’s performance.
The buildup of sulfuric acid can cause battery failure. This is the last thing you want if you need your battery to start an engine.
Overcharging a Battery
Overcharging a battery can cause several problems. Overheating and the buildup of hydrogen gas are some of these issues. There’s also a possibility that the battery could catch fire if left in an overcharged condition for too long.
When your battery is full, remove the charger and let it rest.
Equalizing the Battery Too Frequently
Equalizing is a high-voltage process that restores, and refreshes lead acid batteries by dispelling sulfation, eliminating stratification, and restoring the battery’s capacity. You should equalize flooded batteries about every 6 months.
If you equalize your batteries too often or inadequately, they may overheat and cause electrolytes to boil off during recharging. If you don’t equalize enough, the different electrolyte levels in each cell may become separated.
Storing the Battery at Cold Temperatures
If you store your batteries in a cold environment, they won’t last as long as they would at room temperature. Canada is often chilly, so your garage may not always be the best place to store your battery. Consider storing acid batteries in an insulated box to keep them warm and preserve their lifespan.
Preserve Your Battery’s Life
If you’re using a lead acid battery, treat it with special care. These powerful batteries are designed to last for many years, but you can help them last even longer if you avoid the mistakes we have listed here.
If you’ve decided that your lead-acid battery is beyond repair (or if the hassle of fixing it isn’t worth the effort), consider replacing it instead. We have an extensive inventory of batteries for cars, RVs, golf carts, and even commercial vehicles! Contact Prairie Battery today for all of your battery needs.