* Sulfation: This is the buildup of lead sulfate crystals on the battery plates. Sulfation can occur when a battery is not fully charged or when it is left in a discharged state for an extended period.
* Grid corrosion: This is the corrosion of the lead grids that hold the active materials in place on the battery plates. Grid corrosion can occur when a battery is overcharged or when it is exposed to high temperatures.
* Plate shedding: This is the loss of active materials from the battery plates. Plate shedding can occur when a battery is subjected to excessive vibration or when it is overcharged.
* Internal short circuits: These can occur when the separators between the battery plates become damaged. Internal short circuits can cause a battery to lose power and can also lead to a fire.
* End-of-life: All batteries eventually reach the end of their service life. When this happens, they will gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge and their CCA will decrease.
Here are some tips to help prevent your battery from losing its CCA:
* Keep your battery fully charged. This is the best way to prevent sulfation and grid corrosion.
* Avoid leaving your battery in a discharged state for an extended period. If you know you will not be using your vehicle for a while, disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to keep it topped off.
* Do not overcharge your battery. This can damage the plates and lead to plate shedding.
* Avoid exposing your battery to high temperatures. This can cause grid corrosion and plate shedding.
* Have your battery tested regularly. This will help you to identify any problems early on, before they can cause serious damage.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your battery and keep it performing at its best.
