How to Prevent Sulfation in Lead Acid Batteries?
Sulfation is a normal occurrence within both lead-acid and deep-cycle batteries. A properly maintained and charged battery will reconvert small sulfur crystals into lead. Improperly charged or poorly maintained batteries, however, will lead to a buildup of sulfur crystals, which eventually harden and coat the inner plates of the battery. This is known as permanent sulfation. Permanent sulfation will render a lead-acid battery incapable of accepting a full charge, thus requiring the need for a replacement battery. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent the sulfation of your lead-acid battery.
1. Check the electrolyte level within your lead-acid battery. Remove and set aside the caps located on top of the battery. Look inside the refill holes. You should see that the level of fluid is high enough to submerge the plates inside the battery. If the fluid/electrolytes are low, the plates are more susceptible to sulfation.
2. Add distilled water to refill holes on the lead-acid battery. Carefully pour only enough distilled water into the holes to immerse the plates. Replace the caps. If you have a sealed or gel-cell battery, you cannot replenish its electrolytes.
3. Use the battery at least once per week. Continued disuse of a lead-acid battery will lead to permanent sulfation, as the battery naturally discharges over time. Deep-cycle batteries or batteries in recreational vehicles are especially prone to sulfation, as they are used less frequently than the battery in a car or truck. If the battery discharges, recharge it immediately.
4. Connect a battery float charger or smart charger to the lead-acid battery if the battery cannot be used on a regular basis. The float charger will provide a small, continuous charge to the battery, thus preventing the extreme discharge of the battery and subsequent sulfation. A float charger will monitor the level of voltage in the battery and adjust the charge accordingly. A smart charger will also monitor the voltage of the battery and shut down once a sufficient charge is achieved.
5. Store the battery in a cool area. Batteries discharge more quickly at higher temperatures than at low temperatures. For instance, a battery stored at 95 degrees Fahrenheit will lose its charge twice as quick as one stored at just 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, due to insufficient charge, the battery is at greater risk of sulfation.
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1. Check the electrolyte level within your lead-acid battery. Remove and set aside the caps located on top of the battery. Look inside the refill holes. You should see that the level of fluid is high enough to submerge the plates inside the battery. If the fluid/electrolytes are low, the plates are more susceptible to sulfation.
2. Add distilled water to refill holes on the lead-acid battery. Carefully pour only enough distilled water into the holes to immerse the plates. Replace the caps. If you have a sealed or gel-cell battery, you cannot replenish its electrolytes.
3. Use the battery at least once per week. Continued disuse of a lead-acid battery will lead to permanent sulfation, as the battery naturally discharges over time. Deep-cycle batteries or batteries in recreational vehicles are especially prone to sulfation, as they are used less frequently than the battery in a car or truck. If the battery discharges, recharge it immediately.
4. Connect a battery float charger or smart charger to the lead-acid battery if the battery cannot be used on a regular basis. The float charger will provide a small, continuous charge to the battery, thus preventing the extreme discharge of the battery and subsequent sulfation. A float charger will monitor the level of voltage in the battery and adjust the charge accordingly. A smart charger will also monitor the voltage of the battery and shut down once a sufficient charge is achieved.
5. Store the battery in a cool area. Batteries discharge more quickly at higher temperatures than at low temperatures. For instance, a battery stored at 95 degrees Fahrenheit will lose its charge twice as quick as one stored at just 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, due to insufficient charge, the battery is at greater risk of sulfation.
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