Batteries are an integral part of any electronic device, and they are used in almost all kinds of devices. From cell phones to cars, there is always a need for batteries. Suppose you have bought a 12-volt Deep Cycle Battery or any type of battery for that matter. Then it is very important for you to know how to maximize the lifespan of your 12v deep cycle battery. So that it can give you optimum performance throughout its lifetime.
How to maximize the lifespan of your 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery:
Following are some of the most efficient ideas that can help you learn how to maximize the lifespan of your 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The first step in maximizing the life of a deep-cycle battery is to follow all instructions laid out by its manufacturer. Every company has its own set of recommendations, which should always be adhered to. They usually include things like keeping them charged and maintained and storing them properly.- Use the right battery for the job. If you have multiple jobs requiring batteries, then it’s important to ensure that each one is designed for its specific purpose. Otherwise, they might not last as long as they could if used appropriately.
1. Understand your 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery capacity
You can increase the lifespan of your battery by understanding how it works. Capacity is the amount of energy a battery can store, measured in amp hours (AH). The higher the capacity, the more energy you can hold in your battery.
The larger your battery is, the greater its capacity will be. If you want to calculate battery capacity in amp hours:
- Multiply C times V for each cell type (example: 4 cells x 12 volts = 48 volts)
- Divide AH by time at 40 degrees F
Example: A 100 AH-hour battery at 80% depth of discharge (DOD) will last 50 hours if operated at 25 degrees C or 77 degrees F
2. Avoid overcharging or undercharging
- Avoid overcharging or undercharging
Overcharging and undercharging can reduce the life of your battery, as they lead to sulfation (excess sulphur) on the plates of your 12-volt deep cycle battery. This leads to a battery’s premature failure, reduced performance, and shorter lifespan. Undercharging also causes water loss due to excessive gassing. Which can result in corrosive damage to metal parts (like terminals).
3. Maintain your Deep Cycle Batteries
You can maintain your battery by cleaning and maintaining the terminals. Also, check the battery monthly to ensure it’s in good shape.
If you have a sizeable deep-cycle battery, store it upright. So that air can circulate the plates inside (if possible). Never stack batteries because they are heavy and may be unstable when stacked on top of each other. If you want to stack them, tape them together. So that they’re secure as well as stable. Battery life is affected by many factors, including capacity, depth of discharge, temperature and state of charge. A battery that’s getting discharged more than 80% will have significantly reduced power and won’t last as long. The hotter the temperature and higher the voltage, the faster a battery will lose its charge.
Charging at too high a voltage can damage your battery
Charging at too high a voltage can damage your battery. This is because the water inside your battery heats up and boils off under excessive charging, causing electrolyte levels to drop. The result is an increase in plate sulfation and reduced performance. Overcharging also causes premature failure of a battery by increasing gassing (excess hydrogen production). Which can result in corrosive damage to metal parts (like terminals). If you notice water on top of the battery, remove the cables and check for signs of leakage. If there is none, put it back together and try to recharge it by turning on your generator.
4. Use it or lose it!
This is a good rule of thumb for most Deep Cycle Batteries. You want to avoid leaving your deep cycle battery unused for long periods or allowing it to be discharged or charged too much.
Don’t leave the battery inactive for months on end. This will reduce its lifespan considerably. If you need to store your RV battery for an extended period, ensure it is fully charged, remove it from its compartment, and place it in an insulated box that is cool, dry and ventilated (not hot).
5. Store it in a cool and dry place
- Store it in a cool and dry place.
Deep cycle batteries should be stored at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F, but never above 100°F. Extreme cold or heat can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. Deep cycle batteries should also be kept out of direct sunlight, as this can cause overheating and damage the cells inside the battery.
Never store your deep cycle batteries near chemicals, water sources like sinks or toilets (they tend to leak), or any other liquid substance that could come into contact with them—this can lead to corrosion over time. Which will eventually lead to an irreparable leaky mess under your bedside table that smells like sulfuric acid stewed in rotten eggs (if you know what we mean).
6. Never charge a frozen battery
This is an important point, as a frozen battery can explode and cause severe injury to you and your family. Suppose you do not have access to a portable generator. Then it would be best if you didn’t charge the battery at all. However, if you must set a frozen battery, ensure that there are no sparks nearby and that the area is well-ventilated.
Heat the battery by wrapping it with blankets or towels. Let it sit for about one hour, and then try to start your vehicle again with the same results as before (that’s okay). After this point, try charging the battery again using a manual charger or in an environment where there are no sparks around, such as an indoor garage space with plenty of ventilation
Knowing how to maximize the lifespan of your 12v Deep Cycle Battery can help you!
Knowing how to maximize the lifespan of your 12v deep cycle battery can help you spend every penny worth on it. As well as help your battery live a long and happy life! Here are some tips:
Understand the capacity of the battery.
The capacity of a 12V deep cycle battery determines how many charges it will be able to take before dying out or becoming useless. For example, a 20Ah battery has double the lifespan of a 10Ah one.
Avoid overcharging or undercharging your batteries.
If you’re charging them too quickly (overcharging), they will die faster due to excess heat generation. If you’re not charging them quickly enough (undercharging), they won’t get fully charged, and this way won’t hold their charge as long as other batteries would have been able to do so.
Maintain 12v Deep Cycle Battery throughout its lifespan
Maintain 12v Deep Cycle Battery throughout its lifespan by readjusting their levels periodically to keep them balanced when needed.
- Use it OR lose it! It’s essential not only that we use our batteries often enough. So they don’t go dead entirely, and we don’t store them in places. Where they’ll stay cold. This prevents any chemical reaction from occurring within an inactive cell.
- Store 12v Deep Cycle Battery
Conclusion
The lifespan of your 12-volt deep cycle battery is directly related to how well you care for it. To get the most out of each one, you’ll need to follow some basic steps. The first thing to do is keep the battery cool and dry. Then, make sure that it’s always charged when not in use. So that it doesn’t overcharge and damage itself prematurely. Finally, do not drain down past 50% capacity during use or storage periods. If this sounds like too much work. Then maybe buying an automatic charger might be better than doing all these things manually!
