What actually happens when a battery is damaged? What are the most common symptoms and causes of a car battery damage?
The moment we find out the battery is damaged is most often the one, when we put the key in the ignition and nothing happens, the car will not start. The starter does not have enough power to crank the crankshaft, so the engine does not start. Sometimes the battery is discharged so deep, that the car cannot be opened with a remote or, in the newer cars, with a keyless access system.
Car battery malfunction might potentially make a car theft much easier, due to the security systems such as central lock, immobilizer, alarm being disabled.
Poor battery condition can also cause multiple anomalies in the car systems functioning. Among the most common ones we can find messages regarding malfunction of the airbags, ABS or ESP systems, as well as other pop-up messages warning us of other car equipment malfunction. It often occurs that the red battery warning light appears on the dashboard, indicating a general electrical system malfunction such as the broken alternator, damaged voltage regulator or a snapped alternator and auxiliaries drive belt.
The main cause of the battery damage is deep discharge, which leads to total and irreversible destruction of the battery.
Most common causes of the battery deep discharge are:
Few drivers realize that battery malfunction might be caused by dirt and contamination. Residual layer of dirt on the battery cover causes a quicker discharge of it due to the so called wandering currents. In a longer perspective this may lead to the battery deep discharge. Dirty or tarnished battery leads make it harder for the electrical current to conduct properly, which might in turn significantly worsen both the ability to supply the vehicle with the current as well the charging of the battery itself. Untightened battery clamps result in similar symptoms.
Battery damage might be also caused by its incorrect installation. The battery shall be firmly secured to the car in the space designed for it, disabling it from any movement independent of the car body. Battery damage might also be caused by incorrect clamp attachment to the battery leads.
One of the last causes of the battery malfunction is its incorrect fitment to the car. Battery of a too small capacity might be overcharged whilst a battery of a too large capacity will not be charged fully. Such a situation will directly affect the battery’s electrical efficiency and might result in a battery damage in the long term. Also employing a “regular” battery in a car equipped with a start-stop system will quickly cause its failure and irreversible destruction.
Do You want your battery to function reliably for multiple years? If Yes, then:
