Recently, the car quality website has received numerous complaints from car owners stating that their new cars frequently experience battery depletion and fail to start after only a short period of time. Most owners assume this is a problem with the battery itself, but when they contact the dealership, they are told that the battery has no quality issues, is simply experiencing normal wear and tear, and will not be replaced free of charge. So what exactly is going on, and are the dealerships shirking their responsibility? Below, we'll discuss some issues related to "car batteries."
Among automotive parts, besides tires, the battery (car battery) is the most prone to problems in terms of lifespan. As the most important component of a car's electrical system, the battery powers everything we use daily, including starting the vehicle, such as lights, air conditioning, and audio systems. When the engine starts, it drives the alternator. At this time, the alternator's output voltage is slightly higher than that of the battery. The power supply system then becomes the alternator, which continuously charges the battery, while the battery becomes a backup auxiliary power source.
How long do car batteries last?
With the diversification of car types, car batteries have also come in several varieties, the most common of which is the lead-acid battery.
Lead-acid batteries (lifespan 2-4 years)
Lead-acid batteries are the earliest and most common type of rechargeable battery. Their electrodes are made of lead and lead oxides, and the electrolyte is an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid. Generally, these batteries are inexpensive and have stable voltage, but they also have a relatively short lifespan and require more maintenance. Under normal use, their lifespan is approximately 3 years, with about 300-500 charge-discharge cycles. To maximize the battery's performance and extend its lifespan, the electrolyte level can be checked approximately every 10,000 kilometers, and topped up as needed to maintain a proper level. This can extend the battery's lifespan to some extent. However, most 4S dealerships have stopped offering this top-up service, so car owners must either go to a repair shop or perform this operation themselves.
Maintenance-free battery (lifespan 2-4 years)
The biggest advantage of maintenance-free batteries is that they require no maintenance. Compared to lead-acid batteries, they consume far less electrolyte and do not require the addition of distilled water during use. They also feature high-temperature resistance, small size, and low self-discharge. Of course, with so many advantages, the price is naturally not cheap, approximately twice that of lead-acid batteries. As for lifespan, under normal circumstances, maintenance-free batteries have a replacement cycle of about 3 years, comparable to lead-acid batteries.
AGM batteries specifically designed for automatic start-stop systems (lifespan 4-6 years)
Engines paired with automatic start-stop systems can save fuel, so many manufacturers have incorporated this technology into their vehicles. However, many people might ask: Doesn't starting the engine every time you turn it off and then start moving again put a strain on the battery? Yes, theoretically, that's true. But manufacturers have clearly considered this possibility, so vehicles with automatic start-stop systems are equipped with dedicated AGM batteries. AGM batteries are batteries with separators made of ultra-fine glass wool. These batteries have a cycle charging capacity three times higher than lead-calcium batteries and a longer lifespan. Additionally, they offer better low-temperature starting performance and more stable capacity during use, but they are also the most expensive.
Regardless of the type of battery, their capacity is very limited. Typically, with the vehicle off, two 55W headlights can completely drain a 12V 60A battery in just 5 hours. Furthermore, the starter motor places a significant load on the battery during ignition; usually, after 4-5 consecutive starts, the battery will be too low to start the car. Therefore, starting the car significantly impacts battery life. However, besides this factor, other operations can also affect battery lifespan.
Do not turn off electrical appliances before turning off the engine
Leaving electrical appliances on before turning off the engine is a common mistake many car owners make. They mistakenly believe that all electrical appliances will also disconnect when the car is turned off, but this is incorrect. Many vehicle functions, such as windshield wipers, radio, and headlights, can continue to operate normally after the engine is turned off due to design requirements. If these appliances are not turned off before locking the car, they will remain operational, draining the battery until it is completely depleted. Additionally, it's important to note that leaving car doors slightly ajar will also drain the battery.
Do not turn off the air conditioner before turning off the engine
Unlike other electrical appliances, car air conditioning automatically turns off when the vehicle is turned off. However, it automatically turns on again when the vehicle is powered on. Imagine the instantaneous load on the battery if you try to start the car with the air conditioning on, especially for batteries that are over two years old. If the car doesn't start on the first try, it's very likely that it won't start again due to a low battery charge.
Use external electrical appliances after the engine is turned off
Every car is equipped with one or more 12V cigarette lighters. In our daily lives, besides lighting cigarettes, cigarette lighters are mainly used to extend the vehicle's external power supply, such as for charging mobile phones, dashcams, air pumps, vacuum cleaners, etc. However, many people make a mistake when using these external power sources: they plug them in without starting the vehicle. They assume that short-term use won't damage the battery, and some don't even realize that the vehicle is consuming the battery's power. As a result, by the time they finish using the power, the battery is almost completely depleted. Therefore, regardless of the duration of use, always start the vehicle before using external power. This ensures that the electricity is supplied by the alternator, preventing damage to the battery and avoiding situations where the vehicle is unable to start due to a dead battery.
Long-distance short-distance driving
As mentioned earlier, starting a car consumes a significant amount of battery power, and it takes time for the alternator to fully charge the battery. If the driving distance is too short (less than two kilometers), the car may stall before the battery is fully charged, which can shorten the battery's lifespan. This is especially true for people who commute short distances; prolonged cycles of this can keep the battery in a semi-saturated state, significantly impacting its lifespan.
Upgrade to high-power spotlights
Some off-road enthusiasts install high-powered spotlights on their vehicles for better nighttime visibility. However, these high-powered spotlights undoubtedly increase the vehicle's power consumption. If the headlights are accidentally turned on when the vehicle is off, a typical battery can hardly sustain such a high current output, quickly draining the battery. Therefore, it is recommended that when installing high-powered spotlights, you also replace the battery and fuses with ones that have a higher current rating.
The car has been parked for a long time without being started.
Besides the human factors mentioned above, leaving a vehicle unused for extended periods can also shorten its battery life. In fact, when a vehicle is not driven for a long time, the battery will naturally discharge. A fully charged battery typically only needs about a month to completely discharge its charge, and this natural discharge will also affect the battery's lifespan. Therefore, if the vehicle is not driven for a long time, it is best to start the vehicle every 7-10 days and let the engine idle for about 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Summarize:
Car batteries may seem like an insignificant little component in our daily car use, but many car owners have actually left their vehicles stranded on the road countless times. When a car battery is completely depleted, it not only affects our daily commutes but also significantly reduces the battery's lifespan. Therefore, we remind everyone to be mindful before getting out of the car, ensuring all electrical systems are switched off. Also, remember to charge the battery when the vehicle is not driven for extended periods. Ideally, the battery should be checked every 1-2 years, and replaced or maintained as needed.
Finally, to be on the safe side, we recommend that you buy a car battery charger or jumper cables. This way, even if your battery dies, you won't be helpless and can jump-start it from another vehicle to get it working again in no time.
