When was the last time you turned the key in your vehicle’s ignition, and it just… clicked? We’ve all been there: that moment of panic when you realise your battery is dead. But did you know that one of the main culprits behind battery failure is a process called sulfation?
Well, maintaining the battery of your car and bike is very important. But as much as you care for external damages and the expiry of the battery, you must also keep an eye on problems arising due to internal chemical reactions in the battery. Internal chemical reactions can also reduce the battery’s performance and life. This internal reaction process is known as Sulphation.
Understanding sulfation and how to prevent it can save you from inconvenient breakdowns and extend the life of your battery. So, let’s dive into the world of batteries and explore the ins and outs of sulfation.
Sulfation is the buildup of lead sulfate crystals on the plates of a lead-acid battery. This process occurs during normal battery operation but can become problematic if not addressed.
A lead-acid battery is an electrochemical equipment. It converts chemical energy into electrical energy, which powers the electrical system of a car, a bike; or for that matter, when connected to the inverter provides for the power needs of your house or any building.
The lead acid battery consists of Sulphuric Acid, and the positive and negative plates are made out of alloy consisting of either lead, antimony or copper. These chemicals react with each other, and the loose electrons from these reactions are used to supply electrical power. In these reactions, as the electrolyte, which is a mixture of Sulphuric Acid, breaks down, Sulphur ions get loose and form crystals. However, when a battery is left idle or not charged properly, sulfur ions can accumulate on the plates, leading to sulfation. This buildup hampers the battery’s performance and can significantly reduce the lifespan of the battery.
Lead acid battery, due to its nature, is bound to experience sulfation. Let us look at common causes that lead to sulfation in a battery. Here are some common reasons why sulfation occurs:
One of the most common causes of sulfation is leaving your battery idle for a long time. It is recommended to start the car battery or a two-wheeler for at least 15 to 20 minutes every week or two. The longer the battery sits idle, the faster it will it sulfate.
When the electrolyte levels go down and remain low for a long time, it exposes the plates. When exposed to air the plates sulfate faster. Monitoring and topping off the electrolyte levels can help avoid this problem.
To keep your battery in optimal condition, it should be charged to 100% regularly. If a battery is consistently undercharged, it gives room for sulfation since the inactive area of plates starts to sulfate.
Sulfation in lead-acid batteries can be classified into two main types:
Reversible, as the name suggest is the mild sulfation which can be reversed or treated and get the battery working to its normal potential.
As the name suggests, this form of sulfation is more severe and often results in permanent damage to the battery. Irreversible sulfation typically occurs when the battery is when the user does not start the battery for months or the battery is left in a low state of charge for long period of time because of incomplete charging. The lead sulfate crystals become hard and cannot be easily converted back into active materials.
So, how can you tell if your battery is starting to sulfate? Here are some common signs to watch for:
If you face a problem starting the vehicle engine, a slow start, or a longer-than-usual start, the battery is possibly going under sulfation. Pay attention to any delays when starting the engine.
If your car battery is showing signs of low performance, it is probably sulfating. Signs to watch for are a reduction in the AC’s performance, dimming headlamps, the horn not working or delay in response, and low cabin lights.
The visual sign of sulfation can also be seen on the battery terminals. Sulfation leaves a white dust that accumulates on the terminal, causing corrosion of the terminal. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act and assess your battery’s condition. Ignoring these signs can lead to more substantial problems down the road.
Taking proper care of your battery and periodic checks is the simplest way to prevent sulfation. Here are a few things you should keep in mind
Sulfation is a common yet often overlooked issue that can significantly impact your battery’s performance and lifespan. By understanding the causes, signs, and preventive measures, you can keep your battery healthy and avoid unexpected failures.
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