In the present scenario, vehicle owners are always seeking ways to save time and effort when maintaining their cars. One such invention that has gained momentum over a decade is the maintenance-free battery. These batteries are built to be more pliable and reliable as well as need minimal attention as compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
What are Maintenance-Free Batteries?
Also referred to as sealed lead-acid (SLA) or valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, maintenance-free batteries are specifically designed to reduce the need for regular maintenance. The design of maintenance-free batteries is customized to acknowledge ordinary issues such as electrolyte evaporation, which is pervasive in traditional flooded lead-acid batteries.
- A vital aspect that sets maintenance-free batteries apart is their sealed construction. In contrast to traditional batteries that possess removable caps or vents, maintenance-free batteries are built using sealed housing and pressure-relief valves.
- Also, maintenance-free batteries are designed to lower electrolyte evaporation by seizing the water vapour within the battery case.
- Another core aspect is that the pressure-relief valves consolidated into the design of maintenance-free batteries assist in regulating internal pressure. These valves open when the pressure inside the battery surpasses a predecided threshold, enabling excess gasses to escape, thereby retaining the water vapour within the battery.
Common Issues/Myths With Maintenance-Free Car Batteries
Despite their name, problems with maintenance-free batteries are still viable.
- Sulfation
The formation of lead sulfate crystals on the plates takes place when a battery is not completely charged, and its chemical composition is known as sulfation.
Solution: To prevent sulfation, it’s vital to keep batteries completely charged, particularly during events of inactivity.
- Overcharging
Overcharging can take place when an erroneous charging system provides too much voltage to the battery.
Solution: To overlook the overcharging issue, make sure that vehicle charging systems are working appropriately and that a compatible charger is being used when charging the external battery.
- Aging
Unsurprisingly, maintenance-free batteries have a finite lifespan. Over a period of time, the battery’s capacity will lower due to the natural aging process, including the sediment pile up and shedding of active material at the bottom case.
Solution: Aging cannot be averted and these conditions are not reversible, however, appropriate care can slow down deterioration for batteries to last longer.
Maintenance-Free Batteries, too, Need Some Servicing
- Routine Inspection
Though maintenance-free batteries do not need topping up with water, it’s vital to inspect them, regularly for any signs of damage, swelling, or leakage.
- Cleaning the Battery Terminals
Corrosion can develop on the battery terminals, which can hinder the flow of current and minimize the battery’s performance. To prevent these issues, cleaning the terminals regularly is the key.
- Battery Testing
Even maintenance-free batteries can be a victim to a decline in performance periodically. To make sure the battery is functioning properly, it needs to be tested constantly with reliable battery testing and diagnostic equipment.
Conclusion
However, maintenance-free batteries deliver multiple benefits in contrast to traditional lead-acid batteries, they are not completely maintenance-free. Constant inspection, cleaning, testing, monitoring, and appropriate storage are still essential regularly.
These steps can help vehicle owners enjoy the benefits of maintenance-free batteries and also provide a perfect battery management solution to minimize the risk of prospective issues. Besides, to mitigate battery management risks, advanced battery analyzers can provide more accurate readings and facilitate higher battery throughput than fixed current units.