Car Battery: Definition, Parts, How Long Do Car Batteries Last for, Failure

What is car battery, its definition, working principle, different parts, along with How Long Do Car Batteries Last for, Failure reasons, etc. are well captured. Many distinct modules make up the vehicle’s electrical system.

On the other hand, the automobile battery is the brain of the vehicle’s electrical system. It provides the starting and ignition systems with the initial current. When there is no electrical current to the alternator, the battery provides continuous power to the other electrical equipment.

What is Car Battery? How Long Do Car Batteries Last for?

Before understanding How Long Do Car Batteries Last for, let’s learn the basics of battery, its definition, etc.

Definition of Car Battery

A car battery, also known as an automotive battery, is a rechargeable battery used to start a vehicle. A car battery supplies an electric current to the electric-powered starting motor. Then the vehicle is driven by starting the chemically-fueled internal combustion engine.

The automobile battery supplies the surge of energy required to power all of your vehicle’s electrical components. It is not possible to start a car without a battery.

car battery how long do car batteries last for parts work basics
Car battery how long do car batteries last for parts work basics

Introduction to Automobile Batteries

When you turn on your vehicle’s ignition, it undergoes an electrical and chemical process to provide enough power to start it. The car battery is the most important component in this procedure.

The car battery is known as a lead-acid battery. It’s called a lead-acid battery because it has lead plates inside submerged in acid. It causes a chemical reaction, releasing energy and supplying us with voltage and current.

Your car is started by a chemical reaction when your battery turns chemical energy into electrical energy, which is used to power your vehicle and delivers voltage to the starter.

Your battery not only provides the energy needed to start your car, but it also stabilizes voltage (the name for the energy supply) to constantly run the engine the battery has a lot riding on it. It’s been dubbed the “small box that might.”

Although the automotive battery is small, the power it provides is enormous. That’s a lot of weight on your shoulders. Your automobile won’t start without battery power, as you’ve probably seen.

Also Read: Types of Cars

Parts or Components & Construction of a Car Battery

There are components inside the battery that provide enough power to run your vehicle’s lights and radio when the engine is turned off, as well as a sufficient charge to start your car every time you travel anywhere. The following are the key components of an automobile battery:

car battery how long do car batteries last for parts how work
Car battery how long do car batteries last for parts how to work
  • Battery Terminal/Bushing: The terminals are the connecting point between the battery and the car’s electrical system and are attached to the positive and negative straps of the end cells.
  • Battery Acid: It is a sulfuric acid and water solution with high purity. To generate a charge, a battery uses a chemical reaction. Sulfuric acid and water react to produce sufficient voltage to start the car inside the battery.
  • Negative Plate of a Battery: The negative plate of a battery is made up of a metal grid and spongy lead active material.
  • The battery’s positive plate: The positive battery plate is made up of a metal grid filled with lead dioxide material.
  •  The battery’s separator: The battery separator is made up of a polyethene substance that divides the positive and negative plates of the battery to allow for an effective flow of an electric current.
  • Battery Case: The battery case surrounds the entire machine and protects the contents inside. The plates of the battery, cast-on straps, and electrolyte are held in the casing made of polypropylene resin. It’s made to reduce vibrations and increase battery life.

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The positive and negative plates must be isolated within the unit to make the unit functional. The battery separator is located between the positive and negative plates inside the battery. Polyethene is the substance used to make it. There is also battery acid Inside a battery unit, cast on threads to connect to the terminals, and battery paste glue.

A lead-acid cell battery is the type of battery used in automobiles, construction equipment, and weight-handling equipment.

The lead-acid cell-type storage battery is designed to withstand harsh conditions such as vibration, engine heat, corrosive chemicals, cold weather, high current discharge, and extended periods of inactivity. To effectively test and service batteries, you must first understand their construction.

Positive plates, Negative plates, separators, and straps make up the battery element. The element is housed in the battery case’s cell compartment.

Positive and negative plates are two types of chemically active lead plates found in each cell compartment. The battery plates are built of porous lead-coated GRID (stiff mesh framework). These plates are separated from one another by separators and immersed in a sulfuric acid solution (electrolyte).

Charged negative plates include grey-colored spongy (porous) lead (Pb). Positive plates charged with lead peroxide (PbO2) have a chocolate brown tint. The active ingredients of the plates are these chemicals. Calcium or antimony is commonly added to the lead (acid fumes are formed during the chemical reaction). The battery acid quickly enters the substance because the lead on plates is porous like a sponge. It facilitates the chemical process as well as the generation of power.

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How Does a Car Battery Work? 

To fully comprehend the basic operating principles, we must get a basic understanding of electrolytes & electron affinity.

Working Principle of Car Battery

When two dissimilar metallic substances, called electrodes, are put in a saturated electrolyte, redox reactions occur in the electrodes, depending on the metal’s electron affinity. One electrode becomes negatively charged as a consequence of the oxidation reaction, whereas another electrode becomes positively charged due to the reduction reaction.

battery how long do car batteries last for parts work
Battery how long do car batteries last for parts work

The negative end of a battery is the cathode, whereas the positive terminal is the anode.

When two distinct types of metals are submerged in the same electrolyte, one gains electrons while the other loses them. The electron affinity of such metals determines which metals (or metallic compounds) receive and which lose electrons. The metal with a low electron affinity will accept electrons from the electrolyte solution’s negative ions.

On the other hand, a metal with a high electron affinity will emit electrons, entering the electrolyte solution and combining with the positive ions. One of the metals acquires electrons while the other loses electrons in this fashion. As a result, the electron concentrations of these two metals will be different.

An electrical potential difference between the metals develops due to the difference in electron concentration. Any electronics or electric circuit can use this electrical potential difference, or emf, as a voltage source. It is a universal and fundamental battery idea, and this is how a battery operates.

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A chemical reaction inside the battery

Sulphuric acid submerged the plates in the battery, which induced a chemical reaction between them. So, after a chemical reaction, the acid acts as a catalyst. This acid induces a reaction upon the lead dioxide plate, which creates ions on the plate.

The hydrogen & lead sulfate generated by the adjoining plate react with the ions produced by the lead dioxide plate. As a result, a chemical process that produces electrons happens. By rushing around the plates, electrons generate electricity. Energy comes from the battery connectors to start your automobile, switch on your headlights, and listen to the radio.

You can recharge your battery and continue to charge this for the rest of your life because this chemical process is fully reversible.

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Working Procedure of Car Battery

  • The standard car battery is located in the vehicle’s engine area. The battery is first used to turn the engine, and it does so by supplying power to the starting motor, a small electrical motor. It also powers the ignition mechanism, which kicks off the fuel combustion process.
  • The starter motor engages a tiny gear on the wheel of the motor. The little gear disconnects, and the engine runs on its own after it rotates to turn the crankshaft, which starts the combustion engine. Because the starter motor must deliver a massive amount of force to rotate the flywheel, it will consume a massive quantity of electricity, maybe hundreds of amperes, but only for a few seconds. The power stored in the battery will be depleted as a result of the high current. So, we’ll have to replenish it.
  • An alternator is a device that is connected to the engine. The engine turns the alternator, which generates electricity while it does so. It is re-charged by feeding it back into the battery.
  • The alternator recharges the battery while the engine is operating and provides electrical power for things like the lighting and audio system. When the electricity demand exceeds the alternator’s capacity, the battery will step in to give the extra power, draining the battery once more.
  • The alternator stops working and recharges the battery when the engine is turned off; therefore, it will deliver full-electric power until it dies. We need to kick and start the car because the battery can’t produce enough voltage to start the engine at this stage.

Factors affecting car battery life span

There isn’t an exact figure that determines car battery life span; however, some factors affect car battery life span. But time, vibration, and environment are among the most prominent factors. The other factors affecting car battery life span are also elaborated below:

car battery how long do car batteries last for parts work affecting factors
Car battery how long do car batteries last for parts work affecting factors

Environment

The car batteries are also affected by the external environment. Heat speeds up the chemical reaction in the batteries for electricity generation, but it also increases battery degradation. It is a contributing factor to the battery’s life. In hot weather, the battery fluid evaporates, damaging the battery’s internal cells and reducing life. Therefore, batteries in colder climates will last longer than in warmer climates.

Time

Time is a crucial factor in a battery’s life. There is a limited period in which batteries can work best. The batteries of those vehicles driven for short trips don’t fully recharge. Similarly, the batteries of vehicles staying parked for long times self-discharge naturally. Both the cases greatly affect the time the batteries will stay functional. The alternator charges the battery. Battery degradation takes place as the alternator charges it each time. Hence, over time, the charging capacity drops.

For instance, after 1000 cycles, the charge holding capacity is 80%. Similarly, it will drop to 60% after 2000 cycles. It prevents sudden battery failure. Hence, consider that the battery will work for up to 3 years if used daily. If it is still in use for up to 5 years, sudden battery failure can occur.

Vibration

Vibration is another major factor decreasing the life span of the battery. It causes wear and tear in the battery’s internal components. Areas with harsh and bumpy roads will ultimately contribute to larger vibration than straight and smooth roads. The vibration, however, is minimizable with hold-down hardware. It is used to secure the battery to prevent excessive movement.

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Charge

An alternator is used for charging the car battery. Any issues with it can cause battery damage and shorten the battery’s life. Both overcharging and undercharging should be prevented. Overcharging can lead to fluid leakage.

Undercharging can result in faster battery drainage. Sulfation is another term used for undercharging. The important thing is that whenever one faces issues related to the alternator, a mechanic check is mandatory.

Use

Usage is another major factor. Batteries are energy storing devices that can result in self-discharging if kept stationary/unused. Additionally, the greater the onboard electronics in a vehicle, the quicker it will self-discharge. Additionally, driving short distances also strains automobiles’ batteries. It is because the drainage time will be shorter than the recharging time.

Corrosion and low-fluid level

Sometimes, the battery’s internal parts or the battery’s positive/negative terminal corrode. It can lead to a disruption in the car battery’s function. Lead-acid batteries are more often susceptible to corrosion. Similarly, the low-fluid level can also result in battery issues.

How Long Do Car Batteries Last For?

Two major things that are considered while talking about battery’s life are:

  • For how long the battery can sustain the charge
  • And for how much time it is capable of being recharged

These two aspects greatly determine the car battery’s life. However, the estimated life span of a few different types of batteries are mentioned below:

  • NiMH Battery: They are known as nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is used as a hybrid car battery having an estimated lifetime of seven to eight years.
  • Lithium-ion Battery: These are EV batteries and have a comparatively longer life span. They come with a warranty of five to eight years but can last for as long as fifteen or twenty years.
  • Lead Acid Battery: An average estimate shows that these batteries last for three to five years.
  • Gel and AGM Batteries: these dry cells lead batteries can last for as long as seven or eight years if maintained properly.

Only the type doesn’t determine the lifetime of the battery. Therefore, there is no solid explanation for “how long do car batteries last” because there are various contributing elements to the degradation of the battery’s service life. Wear and tear are constantly happening in the batteries, which is natural. A battery can last for two to five years depending upon the usage and other factors such as the environment. Hotter regions offer more degradation as compared to colder regions.

Electric cars greatly rely upon batteries. In comparison, fuel cars rely upon petrol or diesel. But the estimated life span of electric car batteries is greater. They mostly use lithium-ion batteries that can last for ten or even fifteen years if properly maintained.

However, the manufacturers fix batteries in an isolated area, such as outside the engine compartment or using heat shields for heat insulation. Even with these measures, car batteries are prone to degradation and function only for short. Loose or missing hold-down hardware also decreases the life of the battery. Each factor mentioned in the blog equally contributes to disrupting the chemical reaction inside the battery.

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Signs of Failing Car Battery

There are some signs of a failing car battery that are quite prominent. One must be aware of them in order to identify the failing car battery. Some of these indications are discussed below:

Battery warning

A battery warning sign is the first and most obvious sign indicating that the battery is moving at the end of its life. There is a battery warning light on the car’s dashboard. If it is switched on, it means the battery has some issues, and it’s time for a mechanic check.

Struggle to start the engine

If a person starts the engine, but it doesn’t start. It means that there is a struggle going on to start the engine. It indicates that the battery is weak and needs to be replaced. Hence, a slow start is one of the greatest indications of a weakened battery.

Electrical problems

All the electrical connections in the vehicle are powered by the batter like the lights, charging area, stereo system, etc. if the battery is having a hard time powering these areas, it indicates that the battery has weakened. 

A pungent smell

A pungent, irritating smell like those of rotten eggs indicates that the battery has some internal damage due to which it leaks gas. If you experience a bad smell, get your battery checked and replace it if necessary.

Corrosion

Suppose one observes a whitish powdery substance on the battery’s metallic parts, its corrosion. The corroded battery terminals (positive or negative) can result in voltage issues and trouble starting the vehicle.

Swelling and cracking

The extreme condition can cause the battery’s casing to swell and, in some cases, crack. It also results in the malfunctioning of the battery.

How old is the battery?

One must remember the time when the battery was bought. Depending on various factors car battery can last three to five years. However, if the battery isn’t functioning properly and there aren’t other major issues, it means it has gotten old.

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Causes of Battery Fast Failure 

Car batteries play a vital function in the smooth working of a car. Every battery has its life. After that period, the working of that battery is affected. However, this doesn’t mean that the car batteries would run smoothly during the guaranteed period. They are machines, and they do require maintenance. Here are the following reasons that lead to the fast failure of car batteries.

Aging

Each battery comes with a warranty card that states how long would the battery run smoothly. It also ensures the buyers that if the user had any problem with the battery within the mentioned time, the company would look into the issue and try to replace the battery for the customer. But here lie the most significant problems. Some batteries do run smoothly for an extended period.

However, after some years there is an apparent downfall in their performance. There is no such rocket science behind this issue. It is just that the car battery has lived its maximum life. Each battery component has its entire life, and those components have gotten past their whole life most of the time. It affects the working efficiency of the car battery and leads to fast failure of car batteries.

Maintenance

The car batteries play a significant role in switching on the cars, requiring proper maintenance. For the care, the user needs to take the battery to the shop owner or the mechanic frequently after some specific period rather it be three months or more. There are several components of a battery that require regular cleaning.

The batteries have their type of water, which must be poured inside the batteries. So that’s what maintenance is. Everything requires care. And if those things are used properly or are not handled with care, their working efficiency is greatly disturbed. The same is the case with car batteries. They need to be taken proper care of; otherwise, not maintaining them would lead to a fast failure of car batteries.

Erosion

The battery water discussed above is not pure water; rather, it is known by the common name of battery water. It has a high level of acids that makes the water acidic. There are terminals in the battery through which the battery could get charged up.

If the battery is constantly containing acid water, it will affect those terminals, and most of the time, those terminals get corrosion. One of the primary reasons for the fast failure of car batteries is that the acid water being corrosive damages the battery terminals.

Weather

Cold weather is one of the most significant issues for battery owners. Batteries can’t function properly in cold weather. The solutions of the battery and the components of the battery require a moderate temperature to work efficiently.

Providing an average temperature to the batteries becomes a big problem for the people who live in colder regions. That is why the battery does not work for an extended period there.

Less usage

Some people think that they would not use the battery that much and the battery would function properly for an extended period. Well, they are wrong. One needs to use the battery to keep it in working condition. Suppose the battery is not used regularly. It starts to lose all the electrical energy stored in it through a process called self-leakage.

Leakage

One type of leakage is self-leakage. However, other actions also lead to the leakage of electrical energy of a battery. It may happen due to some carelessness during the manufacturing or packaging in the company. The temperature also plays a vital role in the case of electrical leakage. These leakages lead to the fast failure of car batteries.

Charging cycle

One should be very careful with the charging of a battery. A battery tends to lose its components if it is repeatedly fully charged and fully discharged. This repeated cycle also leads to the fast failure of car batteries.

How to maximize car battery life?

There are no specific methods by which car owners can increase the life span for many years with surety; as explained above, a car battery comprises several components. Each component has its own maximum life.

There are many ways that a person can increase the life span of the batteries so that they can run smoothly for a bit longer period than the period estimated by the manufacturers. Following are some points to follow if one wants to maximize the life of a car battery.

Car Driving Time

It is commonly said that a car should not be used to cover minimal distances that a person can cover by walking. It has a massive reason behind it. The reason is that it affects the life span of a battery. A battery stores the charge and uses that charge to switch on the car. The lost energy of the battery is recovered by the car engine when the car gets started.

If someone starts a car and then goes for very short trips and shuts the engine off, this drastically affects the battery. It is because the machine could not return the energy or charge back to the battery in that short period. That is why the mechanics recommend driving the car on long routes. That driving gives ample time for the engine to recharge the car batteries, and hence his action maximizes its life.

Avoid Vibration

If one wants to maximize the life of their car battery, they should keep it safe from vibrations. For this purpose, a suitable battery clamp should be used; otherwise, the vibrations can damage the battery. The battery should be tightly fastened to avoid the severe beating of the battery’s internal components. By taking care of the fastening of the car battery, one can surely maximize the life span of the battery.

Reduced Power Usages

There are many things in the car that require energy from the car’s battery to run. Those things include the headlights of the car, the music player, and things like that. Sometimes people switch off the engine but tend to keep the headlights on. That is something that the users should avoid to maximize the life span of a car battery.

Keeping the headlights on or playing the music with a turned-off engine means that all those things are taking power from the car battery. A battery needs to be fully charged to function appropriately while doing such activities would reduce the charge, and the engine may not recharge it back correctly.

Cleaning

The battery also requires cleaning. The battery works appropriately when it is thoroughly cleaned. The components of batteries are susceptible. They work in a specific PH. Most of the time, the dust particles get trapped inside the battery and disturb the PH balance of the storm, which reduces its life span; in order to maximize the life of a car battery, one should clean it after a regular period.

The terminals should be cleaned properly so that they do not get corrupted. The acid water should be changed and refilled regularly. By doing so, one can maximize the life span of a car battery.

Harsh Temperature

Cold temperature is the biggest rival of car batteries. But that doesn’t mean that the car batteries can efficiently survive in scorching weather. Car batteries require a moderate temperature to work efficiently. If that temperature is not maintained by the battery usage, the battery may not work for a more extended period.

The water gets evaporated from the cells of the batteries in scorching weather. To maximize the life span of a car battery, one needs to maintain a moderate temperature for the battery to function correctly.

Regular Voltage Checking

Some batteries tend to stop working if they are left discharged below a certain point. Especially the lead storage battery has this issue. So, to maximize the life span of such a battery, one should use a voltmeter to check the battery’s voltage. If it is below 12.5V, the battery needs to be recharged as soon as possible.

Advantages of a car battery

A battery is an essential component of a car. It has a lot of advantages. Some of them are discussed as

  • The car battery works as a power reserve in the car. It stores the electrical charge inside it that helps the vehicle to start.
  • The batteries provide the electrical energy to the various parts of the car that requires continuous electrical supply. Those things include the car headlights, the music system, etc.

Disadvantages of a car battery

Following are the disadvantages of a car battery:

  • Car batteries come with a specific life span of some years. These need to be changed after that period.
  • Car batteries require proper maintenance. The car owner should make sure that he is taking care of the battery properly; otherwise, it won’t work correctly.
  • Car batteries require a temperate weather environment to work efficiently.
  • The battery doesn’t need the engine to work simultaneously with it. It still provides electrical energy to the car even if the engine is turned off.
  • Batteries are available in all sizes. So, it gets convenient for a car owner to choose the battery according to the size of the engine so that both of them can work properly in parallel.

FAQs on car battery

What causes the degradation of a car battery?

Overcharging and undercharging are two main causes. Similarly, the lights should also be turned off if not used. Temperature and usage are other contributing factors to the degradation of a car battery.

What is the cost of replacing a car battery?

The cost of replacing batteries vary. It depends on the car model, battery size, battery brand etc.

Do new batteries need to be charged?

New car batteries come fully charged; therefore, there is no need to charge them. However, you must ensure some things, such as the battery, should be sealed when bought, and it must be fully packed when bought.

When should I get my battery checked?

It isn’t necessary for the battery to show signs of failure. Therefore, getting your battery inspected with every oil change is necessary. Moreover, the annual check should be performed after 2 years for hot regions and after 4 years for cold regions.

What does the car battery group number represent?

Car battery group number is an industry-standard showing terminal type, location, physical size, and hold-down configuration.

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Conclusion

The car battery is a rechargeable battery used in automobiles that aid in starting the car. It constitutes several components such as battery terminals, battery acid, negative plate, positive plate, battery separator, and battery case. It supplies power to start the motor, which helps in the ignition mechanism and starts the combustion process. The battery’s life span is prone to several factors. Weather, charging, corrosion, usage, and many contributing factors add up to the degradation of the battery.

Different types also have different life spans. However, when a battery fails, it will show some signs. These signs must be considered, and the batteries should be taken for a mechanical check. Usually, a battery can last for three to five years, but EV batteries have a longer life and can last up to eight of ten years.

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