It is common for cars that remain unused for long periods to experience battery problems. The primary cause is often related to insufficient charge, which can lead to a problem known as sulfation.
What is Battery Sulfation?
Sulfation is a phenomenon that affects lead-acid batteries, occurring when lead sulfate crystals accumulate on the internal plates. This is typically a consequence of prolonged discharges or incorrect recharges. As a result, the battery loses capacity and performance, significantly shortening its lifespan and increasing the likelihood of premature failure.
Preventing sulfation not only helps extend battery life but also ensures more reliable performance.
1 – SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT
Before measuring, ensure that no devices are connected to the battery and no external sources are supplying power. This is crucial for obtaining accurate results.
3 – ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME
Once disconnected, the battery should be left to rest for at least one hour for its voltage to stabilize.
4 – MULTIMETER CONFIGURATION
- Select the DC voltage mode.
- Set the range to 0-20 V if the multimeter does not have an auto-ranging function.
5 – CONNECTING THE PROBES
- The red probe to the positive terminal (+).
- The black probe to the negative terminal (-).
6 – RESULTS
With the obtained reading, consult a specific reference table for the battery chemistry to estimate the remaining state of charge (SoC).
If the multimeter reading is 12.3 V or lower, for both conventional and AGM batteries, there is a high risk of sulfation beginning. Therefore, FQS Battery recommends immediate charging to prevent damage and ensure proper battery function.
CONCLUSION
Proper maintenance and regular monitoring of the battery’s state of charge are essential to prevent problems such as sulfation. At FQS Battery, we recommend using appropriate tools like a multimeter and adopting good charging practices to maximize battery performance and lifespan.
