Last Updated on March 12, 2003
Written and compiled By Bill Darden (freely reproducible public domain)
Re-produced here by www.optimabattery.co.uk for your information, and it will be updated regularly.
Normally, premature battery failures are caused by one or more of the failures listed below. Prior to 1980, plate or grid shorts were the most common failure. Since then the manufacturers have significantly improved the reliability by using improved separators and plate alloys to reduce corrosion. Relocating batteries out of the engine compartment has also decreased premature battery failures. Batteries that have been in use for longer periods of time will typically fail from multiple causes. All batteries will fail at some point in time.
12.1. Heat!
12.2. Heat!
12.3. Heat!
12.4. High under hood heat or over charging causes a loss of water, which accounts for over 50% of the failures; accelerated positive grid corrosion; or plate-to-strap shorts.
12.5. Sulfation from water loss, under charging, or prolonged periods of non-use. (Please see Section 16.)
12.6. Deep discharges (such as leaving your lights on).
12.7. Misapplication or using an under sized battery that causes discharges greater than 10%.
12.8. Excessive vibration due to a loose hold down clamp.
12.9. Using tap water which causes calcium sulfation.
12.10. Freezing due to a discharged battery.