Why Does A Battery Not Hold a Charge?

The Houston climate can be very hard on batteries. For every 25 degrees that the outdoor temperature changes, a car battery doubles its discharge rate. Very hot days and very cold nights often kill batteries in the greater Houston area.

When a battery is dead, it no longer will take a charge. You might be able to jump-start your car by using the charging system on another vehicle. But the battery is dead and will not start again.

Why Is My Battery Not Holding a Charge?

If you have wondered why is my car battery not holding a charge, the answer can be very scientific. As batteries age, they gradually lose their ability to accept a full charge. Eventually, they no longer can take a charge and require a replacement. Acid stratification often is the cause.

Batteries need electrolytes that enable them to take and hold a charge. Over time, the acid inside a car battery separates and accumulates as electrolytes at the bottom of the battery cells. The acid stratification deteriorates the battery’s performance over time.

Stratified acid enables battery corrosion that reduces its performance. Initially, the battery will appear to take a full charge. But the stratification creates an artificially elevated level of voltage in the open circuit. Sulfation caused by the acid stratification slowly decreases the battery’s conductivity. Eventually, the battery cannot take or hold a charge and needs a replacement.

How To Counteract Acid Stratification

A fully charged battery generally lasts longer than those that sit for days at a time. If a battery is continually at about 80 percent of its charge capacity, acid stratification occurs faster. You can help prevent acid stratification by removing the battery and shaking it to help mix the acid more thoroughly. But that is not a realistic option for many people.

Raising the charge level of a 12-volt battery to about 16 volts reverses the effects of acid stratification. A battery charger could help raise the total voltage to a level that helps reverse the acid stratification and its effects. It also will enable the 12-volt battery to remain at full charge longer and enjoy an extended service life.

Many Options for Battery Replacement

The specialists at Texford Battery in Houston are highly experienced at testing and changing out old, dead car batteries. We have more than nine decades in the battery business and a founding member of the Battery Foundation in the 1970s. We can inspect your battery and determine whether it is taking a full charge or has deteriorated to the point of needing a replacement.

We have a wide selection of batteries that can hold up against the Houston climate and help to deliver the full charge when you need to start your car. We offer the industry’s top battery products for the lowest prices.

Categorised in: Battery Chargers, Battery Service

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