How to extend the life of a car battery. How to Extend Battery Life

Most modern smartphones, after prolonged use, cannot boast of battery life. One of important factors that affect battery life is the process of using and charging the battery. It would seem, what can be done wrong? How can a battery be misused? But as it turned out, at first glance, harmless habits lead to the death of lithium-ion batteries. That is why in this article we will describe several battery usage errors that lead to a quick failure.

You can not charge up to 100% and discharge to zero

If you're constantly worried about getting your battery to max out, you might want to reconsider. Such batteries have a lifespan, which is measured by the number of full charge. Maintaining a full battery charge is not really effective way saving battery life. Experts say that maintaining the battery at a level of 20% to 80% is more effective than charging the battery to the maximum and discharging to zero (). This is a feature of modern lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, instead of leaving the phone to charge overnight, it is better to use frequent and short charges during the day.
Lithium-ion batteries become unstable when running at low power. Therefore, "low battery" alerts are also best avoided.

Need to maintain the right temperature

This is not specifically a charging problem, but also a very important point. You may have noticed that your phone may behave strangely in terms of battery power at extremely low or high temperatures Oh. For example, when you use your smartphone in the cold, it can be discharged from one hundred percent to zero in a couple of minutes. According to the developers, comfortable temperature for smartphone battery from 2 degrees to 30 degrees.

Don't use wireless chargers too often, these chargers generate excess heat. The case you are using can also affect the overheating of the smartphone. Perhaps it is he who does not allow the smartphone to cool down, if you feel that the temperature of the phone is a bit high during charging, the phone is heating up, remove the case while charging.

Maintain a charge even on an unused smartphone

If you suddenly keep a spare phone somewhere just in case, then it's best to do it in a cool, dry place and half charged. If you leave a battery completely drained, for example, Apple claims it will go into a "deep discharge state" that, in addition to sounding like a nightmare medical diagnosis, will make it less able to hold a charge in the future. Conversely, if you keep it fully charged for an extended period, it may lose some battery capacity.

Mobile devices have long entered our lives and already seem to be an integral part of our daily life. The search for a free outlet to connect the charger of a mobile phone, tablet or laptop has become the same familiar activity. IT.TUT.BY has put together a few simple recommendations, following which will help extend the life of your battery mobile phone.


Today, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lithium polymer (Li-pol) batteries are the most common in mobile devices. They have a number of advantages over the obsolete nickel-based batteries.

A bit of history

The first work on lithium batteries was carried out by Gilbert Newton Lewis back in 1912. However, the first serial lithium current sources appeared only in 1970. Attempts to improve them continued into the 80s, but they failed to provide a sufficient level of safety: during charging, the temperature rose to the melting point of lithium, which led to a violent reaction and an explosion. In 1991, Japan had to return a large batch of lithium batteries, after a person received facial burns from a similar explosion.

Due to the natural instability of lithium, scientists decided to turn to the study of non-metallic lithium batteries using ions of this chemical element. Although the energy density of lithium-ion batteries is slightly less than that of lithium, they are the safest in terms of chemical composition from all existing ones. This helped them to become the most popular. The first lithium-ion battery was released in 1991. Sony company. Since then, about two billion lithium-ion batteries have been produced annually in the world.

The principle of operation of a lithium-ion battery

Exploitation

Modern lithium-ion batteries have an operating voltage of 3.6-3.7 V. The operating life up to a loss of 20% of capacity is from 500 to 1000 charge / discharge operating cycles. Lithium power supplies have good safety - self-discharge is only 7-10% per year. The well-known "memory effect" in this type of battery is virtually absent.

During operation, it must be understood that the energy of the battery is used to operate all components mobile device. So, the operation of the processor, receiver, display, backlight, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, FM receiver and flashlight "eat up" the battery charge. The more power consumers are turned on, the faster the power supply will be discharged. If you want to charge your battery less often, turn off unnecessary internal consumers, set app updates to be more infrequent, turn off your Internet connection when you're not using it, etc.

Time battery life the same phone in 3G networks is less than in 2G networks. The fact is that 3G uses a fundamentally different way of packing information for transmission over a radio channel, which requires significantly larger computing resources and continuous reception of the base station signal.

Charger Li-ion battery performed in combined mode. First at DC until reaching 70-80% capacity (40-60 minutes), then at constant voltage until 100% capacity is reached (the process may take 40-80 minutes). So, it is enough to turn on the mobile phone for charging for half an hour in order to get 70% of the battery capacity. At the same time, no negative consequences for the battery will not.

Lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of 2-3 years if properly maintained. To prolong their life, it is necessary to observe several simple rules.

Li-ion batteries really "do not like" low and high temperatures, so try not to use your phone on severe frost. Do not charge a battery that has been in the cold until it warms up to a positive Celsius temperature - this is an important requirement for the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries. While charging, the battery may become warm, but the phone will temporarily stop charging to allow the battery to cool down. Using a mobile phone in high humidity can lead to oxidation of the battery contacts.

Contrary to popular belief, the battery should not be discharged before turning off the mobile device. This procedure is called "deep discharge" and it can completely destroy your battery. When performing a deep discharge in lithium-ion batteries irreversible chemical processes take place, which entail a loss of efficiency. Why doesn't the battery fail when it is inadvertently completely discharged, for example, if you simply forgot to charge your phone? The fact is that in any Li-ion battery there is a controller that ensures that the battery discharge does not reach critical low level, and in time opens the power supply circuit. If at a certain point this controller does not work, the battery will become unusable.

If new battery already a few months after use, it begins to significantly lose capacity, most likely the discharge controller does not work correctly. Based on the voltage and internal resistance of the battery, the device can make erroneous conclusions about the capacity of the battery and "turn off" it much earlier than reaching the critical point. In such cases, it makes sense to calibrate the battery. This is a common procedure for most modern devices. Its meaning is to correct the errors accumulated in the controller by performing a full cycle of charging and discharging the battery, which is not recommended to be done more than once every 1-3 months. Calibration will also help you more accurately display the remaining battery charge.

It is recommended to use original batteries from the cell phone manufacturer. Since the functions of the battery management system for mobile phones are greatly reduced, and the charge is controlled by the mobile phone charging system, the battery from third party manufacturer will work less, since the charging system does not know the features of non-original batteries.

Lithium batteries get old even if they are not used but just sit on the shelf. It is best to store a disconnected battery with a charge level in the range of 40-50%. Do not forget that the battery is consumable and has a limited shelf life. A gradual "drawdown" of the charge is inevitable, and the operating time of the device from such a battery will decrease over time. It makes no sense to buy a battery "in reserve" or get too carried away by "saving" its resource. At the time of buying new battery be sure to note the date of manufacture to know how long this power supply has already spent in stock. If more than two years have passed since the date of manufacture, it is better to refrain from buying, since the battery has already “lain” for more than half of its life.

Life car battery can last 4 years or more if properly cared for. There are many rules for caring for batteries, if they are not followed, batteries can only work for 2-3 years.

The battery case and terminals must be kept clean at all times to avoid stress, loss of capacity, and accidental short circuits. Their characteristic dirt is removed ammonia. Whitened, that is, oxidized, the terminals are treated with a soda solution (used only after complete drying) or sandpaper.

The main cause of battery failure is vibration. If the battery "walks", then there is a possibility of capsizing and hitting the body and terminals. Reliable fastening The battery reduces vibration, but sways in a few months, so it needs to be tightened.

Because in a broken state internal elements battery are destroyed, it cannot be in it for a long time, especially in winter. Only the battery charger can be used for recharging. The supplied current is not more than 10% of nominal capacity battery. In cold weather, you need to charge 1 time in 2 months, in warm weather - 1 time in 3-4 months.

How to properly charge the battery:

1. Unscrew the protective plugs.
2. Check the electrolyte level and, if necessary, top up with distilled water. A sufficient level of liquid (10-15 mm above the plates) prevents the battery plates from oxidizing and breaking down earlier than expected.
3. Connect the charger, observing the polarity of the connection. This is important, otherwise the battery can be safely thrown away.

The troubles that electrolyte can bring, namely its evaporation in heat and low density, are sulfation of battery plates and freezing. If you do not neglect the maintenance of the battery, you can not think about these problems.

A serious blow to the battery is faulty wiring in the car. Oxidized wires and loose contacts increase resistance, the battery heats up more and becomes unusable faster.

How to extend the life of the battery in the cold season

Here's how to extend battery life in winter:
1. In winter, the battery is used more actively and does not have time to charge while driving, so it turns out to be discharged at the moment the engine is started. The problem is solved as follows: after stopping the car, it remains to work so that the battery has time to charge.
2. Only a dry and warm battery is suitable for recharging from a charger, that is, one that has stood warm for 2-3 hours, depending on the temperature outside.
3. To make it easier to start the battery, you can warm it up by turning on high beam for 20-30 seconds.
4. The clutch pedal pressed into the floor before turning the key helps. So the battery does not need to “wake up” the transmission with viscous oil.
5. It is better to refuse short trips, since more often the battery is not allowed to warm up, and for a trip to the store it will not have time to stir.

When the car has to stand idle for a long time, it is better to remove the battery and put it in a dry room fully charged.

Tell your friends about the article: after all, it can be useful not only for you

The life of a modern person is inextricably linked with various mechanisms and gadgets. And to a large extent, the comfort and convenience of using numerous devices is associated with a reliable and smooth operation various batteries. There are simple and not too burdensome rules that allow you to extend the time of their operation, avoiding many unpleasant problems. Let's take a closer look at how to extend battery life.

Taking care of your car battery

The car battery is responsible for starting the engine, provides power when the engine is turned off, secures the generator in moments when there is not enough generated power. Battery life depends to a large extent on its proper use. Consider the basic rules to extend the life of a car battery.

The car battery is responsible for starting the engine, provides power when the engine is turned off, secures the generator in moments when there is not enough generated power. Battery life depends to a large extent on its proper use.

Basic rules for battery operation

The main rules to extend its durability include:

1. Do not fully discharge the battery.
2. At deep discharge battery should only be charged charger a current of 0.1 battery capacity.
3. If the level is low, add electrolyte only with distilled, but not tap water.

Avoid full discharge

The optimal operating mode of a car battery provides for a discharge at a level of 20 ... 30%, followed by a full charge.

The most important rule of operation is to maintain strict cleanliness of the battery. Thanks to this, it is possible to avoid leakage currents, contact closure, and capacity discharge.

Monitor electrolyte levels

The value of the electrolyte level should be regularly monitored, which may decrease due to the evaporation of the water included in its composition. Many models have a maximum and minimum mark for control. In their absence, one should strive to ensure that the level is one and a half centimeters above the edges of the battery plates.

It is important at a low level to top up the electrolyte only with distilled water, but not with tap water. Do not drain the electrolyte yourself, add new or sulfuric acid.

Check electrolyte density

It is also necessary to check the density of the electrolyte, which should be in temperate climate at 20 degrees 1.28 g / cm3 At a lower value, it is worth recharging the battery. The voltage should not drop below 12.6 V.

The impact of vibrations contributes to the violation of the fastening of the electrode grid, destroys the spreads. Therefore, it is very important to fix the battery securely and firmly.

With proper use of the battery, insufficient and overcharge are equally unacceptable.

Causes and effects of insufficient charge

Reasons for undercharging can be:

• generator malfunctions;
• insufficient tension of the alternator belt;
• excessive load on the power supply network, especially in winter conditions.

The consequence of undercharging can be sulfation of the plates and even a change in the polarity of some cans.

Malfunctions of the relay-regulator and other vehicle electronics can lead to overcharging the battery. In this case, the electrolyte overheats, its level decreases with the danger of destruction of the positive plates.

Work with the battery should be carried out in glasses, gloves, work clothes. Watches, bracelets, rings should be removed due to the danger of capacitive discharge.

The question of how to extend the life of a car battery is largely related to proper operation. Starter cranking time should be limited to ten seconds. The interval between unsuccessful attempts should be at least a minute. In the event of several unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, it is worth checking the ignition and fuel system. High power consumption should be avoided idle engine. Large temperature fluctuations are also undesirable. It would be useful to use a modern insulating coating in the engine compartment.

How to extend the life of your smartphone battery

Newer smartphones use lithium-polymer or lithium-ion batteries. The recommendation to fully discharge and then charge was for older batteries.

Modern smartphones are undesirable to discharge more than half of the battery capacity. Longest life is achieved at a charge level between 40% and 80% of full capacity. When storing the battery for a long time, a charge level of about 50% is required. Keep the battery in the shade, maintaining the temperature at room temperature.

For a battery, both extremely low and elevated temperatures. But overheating is more dangerous. It should be understood that the battery heats up during the charging process and it is undesirable to immediately go out into the heat after that. Also, when charging, it is better to remove the case. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

The rapid discharge of the battery can be caused by dust on the Micro-USB contacts. In this case, it is worth cleaning the contacts with a toothbrush.

Operating rules

Following simple rules will help reduce the power consumption of your smartphone, stay connected longer and increase battery life.

For gadgets with Android, the following recommendations should be followed:

1. Keep the screen brightness as low as possible for comfortable viewing.
2. Disable the ability to automatically sync data.
3. If there is no need to use it, then you should turn off GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, accelerometer, vibrating alert.
4. Although live wallpapers are beautiful, they quickly drain the battery, and you should refuse them.
5. After working with the program, close it.
6. Activating the “Use only 2G networks” mode will significantly reduce the load on the battery.

It is important not to keep the smartphone under the sun, overheating it.

Let's see how to extend the life of the iPhone battery. The same recommendations apply to them. Additionally, you can recommend:

• use of power saving mode;
• enabling an ad blocker in the browser;
• disable the unused AirDrop function;
• prohibit applications from using location services;
• prohibition of the option to improve Apple products;
• disable content refresh.

We provide mobility for laptops and tablets

Tablets and laptops are equipped mainly with lithium-ion batteries, and macbooks with lithium-polymer type.

Key measures to ensure durable operation of these batteries include:

• support for battery charge in the range from 0.4 to 0.8 of its full capacity;
• operation of the gadget in the temperature range from 15 to 25 degrees;
• operating temperature limits from 5 to 45 degrees;
• exclusion of direct sunlight, overheating when charging;
• use only a native and serviceable charger;
• storage of a battery with a charge level of about 50%.

When using a laptop from the mains, it is better to remove the battery, but periodically it is necessary to work from it at least once every five days. Ensure that the laptop is cool enough, do not block the ventilation holes. Large amount of RAM will allow you to use less HDD, which also reduces the degree of heating.

It is advisable not to use the standby mode, disable unused services and programs, adjust the brightness towards the minimum necessary. The switched off laptop should be disconnected from the network.

Keeping the tool working

The cordless electric tool provides mobility and convenience in work. Consider how to extend the life of the battery of a power tool. The rules for longevity of a battery depend on the type of battery.

Classical nickel cadmium battery must be stored unloaded. For its durability, due to the memory effect, charging should be carried out after a full discharge and reach 100%. It is necessary to beware of overheating during operation, use a regular charger.

The nickel-metal hydride battery does not need to be fully discharged. It can be stored in a charged state at low, but positive temperatures. The operating temperature range is from -10 to 40 degrees. Overcharging, full discharge and excessive heat should be avoided to extend the life of the battery.

New Li-Ion batteries store better at half charge at temperatures above 0 degrees but below ten degrees. During operation, avoid high temperatures, do not charge at negative temperatures, make sure that the charge is within 20 ... 90%, use branded, serviceable charging.

Modern batteries usually last less time than basic equipment. However, knowledge and compliance with easy rules can significantly increase their service life. Moreover, an almost twofold increase in durability is possible.

Every car enthusiast knows that the battery is not eternal and needs to be replaced periodically. The term of operation reaches usually 3-4 years. For some, it fails much earlier, and for someone - later. This aspect depends on many factors, but often all problems happen due to the mistakes of car owners. If you treat the battery with care, then it can work for 8 years. How can you increase its service life? Everything is simple! It is enough to listen to the elementary recommendations of the manufacturer. But first you need to figure out why the battery deteriorates and why it forces drivers to start the car from the pusher in the cold.

In fact, a battery can perform poorly for various reasons. They are somehow connected with negligent attitude to the car. These may be driver errors or machine malfunctions that need to be identified in time. The manufacturer also affects the service life. Having bought a battery for 1000 rubles, you will not get the power that you would have received for 3000 rubles. Therefore, the cost also plays important role. In the end, a factory marriage may just get caught. But if you are confident in reliability, then here are a few reasons related to the operation that ruin any battery.

Severe battery drain

The most detrimental effect on the battery has a deep discharge. Usually this happens very rarely. The fact is that the battery is constantly charged from the generator and cannot sit down by itself when the engine is running (even with all the devices turned on). But if there are any problems in the power supply system, then discharge is guaranteed.

Most often, the relay, wiring or the generator itself fails. In this case, the driver indicator will definitely light up. check engine or the charging sensor will not work. It is possible to plant the battery even with serviceable power supply elements. For example, trying to repeatedly start the engine in cold weather. As a rule, it is this procedure that has the greatest burden. It is not for nothing that, according to the rules for operating a car, manufacturers advise giving rest to the battery after an attempt to start.

Burning Check indicator Engine signals problems with the battery

Overcharging

No less detrimental is improper charging. On the company label is written the current at which the this process. This value must be observed, otherwise 2-3 cycles and the battery can be thrown away. Often, drivers deliberately increase the current in order to charge it faster. This is the most stupid mistake, because it takes time to be effective.

The longer your battery is charged at low current, the more productive the return will be. If it is increased, then excessive boiling will begin, which will cause deformation of the lead plates. Because of this, the active mass can crumble from them. Optimal current when charging, it will fluctuate between 3 and 6 amperes, depending on the power of the battery.

The battery must be charged with low current and a long period time

Failure of charging elements

When driving continuously (especially at night) huge pressure goes to the generator. He has important detail- a current relay that regulates the voltage during charging. In good condition for a 12V system, it should be no higher than 14 Volts. In the event of an increase in voltage, water will begin to evaporate from the electrolyte. General level liquid will fall and the plates will be exposed. From drying out, the coating will gradually fall off from them. Then the battery can close or work at half its potential.

To avoid this practice, cars have charging sensors that can be used to monitor the condition of the battery. But not all cars have them. For example, in modern foreign cars this system regulates automatically and in case of problems, it simply turns off so as not to cause a short circuit.

Adding electrolyte

When the battery has been used for a long time, part of the electrolyte evaporates. Ideally, the void should be filled again. Then drivers buy acid, mix it with water and thus get an electrolyte. It remains only to fill it in the battery, making a big mistake. When the liquid evaporates, the acid concentration rises. By adding a new one to the leftovers, you will mix them, breaking the ratio.

It is strictly forbidden to add electrolyte to the battery!

This will lead to poor performance of the active substance. It will not be possible to fully charge the battery and it will not work at full capacity. In addition, there is a risk of oxidation of the plates. If this happens, then the battery can be immediately carried for recycling.

You can add electrolyte to the battery only if you know exactly the desired density and make exactly the same density new fluid. In other cases, you will either have to completely drain the electrolyte and fill in a new one, or replace the battery.

Frost blown battery

Careless handling of the battery winter time year also leads to its disrepair. If it is charged, then nothing will happen. But it often happens that, having gone outside in winter, the owners make several unsuccessful attempts to start the engine. By these actions, the battery is set to zero, and the electrolyte turns into water. As you know, water freezes in the cold and increases in volume. From this wall and lead plates Batteries can swell and burst. Then you can not even try to restore it.

A battery swollen in the cold is not recoverable

But, if bulges with cracks are not observed in appearance, then you can try to charge. This should be done at a very low current (1-2 amperes), respectively, the procedure will take more than one day.

Short circuit (short circuit)

There are also cases when a lot of keys are collected under the hood of a car during repairs. In the confusion, there is a chance that one of the tools will fall on the terminals, shorting them out. Then the battery will be severely damaged.

But this is far from the only short circuit method. It is enough to rub the wiring on the case. In this case, even a fire is possible. "Why?" - you ask. After all, the voltage is small - only 12 volts. But for car battery more important is the current. She is the cause of the fire. short circuit. This place begins to glow red hot and sets fire to everything around it. If anyone did not know, then the battery is even able to melt the electrode and weld metal, like a welding machine. Thanks to high current he spins a powerful starter and starts the engine. This procedure discharges the battery by 90%, in relation to other electrical appliances.

Poor fit and fastening

An important point is to secure the battery under the hood. In general, there is a special place for it with fasteners. But, if a person in a hurry was going somewhere and charged the battery on the eve, then there is a possibility that he forgot to fix it, or did not fix it well enough. Then, on large bumps, the battery will jump, hitting the car body and all possible mechanisms. Because of this, cracks may appear on the case, which will cause the electrolyte to leak. Further, its level will decrease and everything is the same - the plates dry up and the active mass crumbles.

The car battery must be installed correctly and well fixed on seat

Careless maintenance of the battery

The most common cause of battery failure is dirt under the hood. In 60% of cars, the battery is greasy and full of dust, which increases the risk of short circuiting of the electrodes. Everything must be clean, free of oil and moisture.

It is also necessary to check if the plugs are screwed in, because water evaporates through them and the surface of the battery gets dirty. It is better to lubricate the terminals with grease or petroleum jelly so that they do not oxidize. Careful attitude to the battery significantly extends its service life.

The battery must be periodically cleaned from dirt and dust.

These are not all the reasons bad work battery. There are many more of them and they are all associated with the inattention of car owners. It is worth mentioning another important point. If the drive is strongly planted, it is necessary to charge with a small current for a long time. To make sure that the battery is working, you can see whether it boils or not during the charging process. Inside the battery is divided into banks. If bubbles appear in each, then there is a chance for recovery. When the process of air release is not observed in one of the cans, most likely it is closed and no longer works. Do not bring the battery to such a state and it will serve you for a long time.

Now you know the main causes of battery failure and are more or less guided by what can and cannot be done. But to consolidate, it is worth knowing the basic rules for caring for a power source so that it does not fail ahead of time. It's not difficult at all, but important points:

• Purity. First of all, the drive must be in a clean, well-secured area. This is necessary to avoid short circuits and the appearance of cracks on the case during operation. The electrodes must be lubricated special composition to easily remove the terminals, and so that they do not oxidize;
• Presence of fluid. It is necessary to periodically check the electrolyte level in the battery. If it is low, then only distilled water can be added. In the case of adding electrolyte, the situation will turn out as with engine oil- the composition will change;
• Proper charging and discharge. The battery should not be heavily loaded. When charging, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Usually it is written on the side of the label;
• Proper operation at low temperatures. After long trip or a heavy load (as a result of starting attempts), it is better to remove the battery and charge it in a warm place. When it is dead, the electrolyte turns into water and freezes. The battery can swell, causing it to crack. A charged accumulator is not threatened by frost, since the electrolyte retains almost all of its properties (the density slightly decreases);
• Attention to the car. Any driver must distinguish between a dead battery and a charged one. If the car has a dim light or the starter does not work well, then most likely the battery is weakly charged. Timely diagnose the machine at the service station in order to exclude the possibility of a short circuit and failure of any device.