A car battery is one of the most important parts of a vehicle, providing electricity for the engine and other components. Corrosion, temperature and normal use are among the factors that determine the life of a battery.
Basics
Batteries run by using a pair of lead electrodes--a cathode and an anode--linked by an acidic electrolyte to produce an electrochemical reaction. That process causes wear on the components, which eventually leads to a dead battery.
Wear and Tear
The lead electrodes break down as a result of normal use--the lead transforms into lead sulfate. Eventually, they fall apart, preventing the electrochemical reaction from taking place.
Temperature
Normally, a battery takes years before it becomes unusable. Extreme temperatures, however, increase the rate at which the electrodes wear down, decreasing the battery's life span.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the battery's terminals adds resistance to the electrochemical process, making it harder to build a charge. Too much corrosion can thus shorten a battery's life span considerably.
Life Span
Assuming that batteries receive routine maintenance and aren't drained by heat or cold, an owner can expect them to last anywhere from three to five years
Tags: battery life, battery life span, electrochemical reaction, life span
