Reasons Why Your Battery Might Be Failing And How To Fix It

In the daily life of a commuter, automobiles play a huge role. Though two wheelers are known for being convenient for short distance travelling, four-wheeler cars are the most preferred mode of private transport. It is the battery that breathes life into a vehicle, powering all the electrical elements and starting the engine. The estimated life of car batteries is three years; however, battery problems can crop up even before the end of three years.

Car batteries are probably the most volatile component in the car because of the electro-chemical mechanisms involved. Not only do car battery manufacturers in India report problems during the warranty period, but manufacturers in Japan and Germany also cite battery failure as the biggest problem among new car owners. In fact, Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, German for General German Automobile Club, (ADAC) reports that about 52% of the breakdowns in cars over six years is due to batteries.

1) Effects of weather conditions:

The weather conditions play a significant role in draining the car battery. According to American Automobile Association’s Automotive Research Centre, at 0°F a car's battery loses about 60 percent of its strength and at 32°F it loses 35 percent. This means that cold weather is especially hard on batteries, causing a lot of starting problems among car owners in winters. In some cases, people do get stranded in a car because the engine simply won’t start.

Unsuspecting owners’ resort to jump starting their cars, however there is a risk of serious overvoltage that can potentially damage the automotive battery as well as the electric systems of the vehicle. Since you cannot fight the weather, it is best to keep the car well covered and parked in a garage to ensure that ambient temperatures do not inflict serious damage on the batteries.

2) Acid Stratification:

Another cause of battery failure is acid stratification. The electrolyte on a stratified battery concentrates at the bottom, causing the upper half of the cell to be devoid of acid. This commonly happens when a car is driven for very short distances and the battery is not fully charged. This can also happen if smartphones or devices are left on charge for a long time, causing a strain on the electrolyte levels. A simple way to fix it is by giving the battery a shake or tilting it to mix its electrolyte well, or by giving it an equalizing charge for a couple of hours.

3) Disuse:

If you've let your car sit idle for about two weeks or more, there are chance that the battery might have lost power to start the engine. Disuse of cars have spiked since the lockdown and during these times, car owners should check fluid levels regularly to ensure that no sulfation occurs. Sulfation is the build-up of lead sulphate crystals on a lead acid battery. This causes damage directly at the positive and negative terminals of the current and the engine is unable to function without the current.

4) Corrosion:

Corrosion is another thing that can cause a bad connection even in new car batteries. If there is corrosion, it can prevent the engine from drawing energy from the battery. As corrosion develops on the ports, the circuit connection consistently grows weaker. The metal to metal contact is reduced and therefore it becomes harder for power to transfer from the battery to the engine. Checking for corrosion is easy as it appears as white, green or blue blooms. If there isn't much corrosion, you can use a dry rag to wipe away dirt and grime. You can also clean corrosion from the cables and connectors with a mixture of baking soda and water using a wire brush.

5) Loose Terminals/Ports:

Sometimes, driving the car over rough and bumpy roads can cause the screws or bolts that connect the ports to the cables to become loose which results in the connection being broken. When this happens, the car won't start at all and it is a signal to check under the hood.

Car batteries are ultimately not meant to last forever. Many owners prefer to invest in a car for many years, but purchase new car batteries in every three to four years. These days car batteries can be bought off the internet. Online battery prices in India range from Rs. 750 to Rs. 9000. Purchasing a battery online can help one to compare online battery prices and models, helping them choose the most suitable one as per their needs.

You should always be prepared for any car related issue and prudently prevent battery troubles for a smooth ride.

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