1 Oct, 2024

Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries are a popular choice for powering golf carts, RVs, boats, and other systems that require steady, long-term power. However, like all batteries, they’re not immune to issues that can affect their performance or even render them unusable. If you own a deep-cycle lead-acid battery, it’s important to know the common ways they can fail so you can take the right precautions and avoid potential problems. LiquidRegen is able to assist with some of the most commonly found problems, but there are some things that it simply can’t fix. 

Here are four common circumstances where deep-cycle lead-acid batteries can break or stop working properly.

1. Extreme Cold Weather

Cold weather is one of the biggest enemies of lead-acid batteries. If a battery is left uncharged in extremely cold temperatures, it can freeze solid. When this happens, the internal structure of the battery can be severely damaged, often warping or cracking the lead plates. Unfortunately, once a lead-acid battery has frozen, it’s typically not salvageable—you’ll need to replace it. To avoid this, it’s crucial to keep your battery charged, especially during winter, and store it in a location where it won’t be exposed to freezing temperatures.

2. Internal Shorting

Internal shorting is a particularly frustrating issue, and it’s one of the most common reasons people find their battery isn’t working properly. This happens when the internal lead plates become damaged and touch each other, causing the battery to discharge rapidly—even when nothing is connected. If your battery seems to lose its charge almost immediately after charging, it’s likely suffering from an internal short. This kind of damage can occur from physical impacts, aging, or debris inside the battery. Unfortunately, once internal shorting has occurred, there isn’t a fix, and the only option is to replace the battery.

3. Severe Sulfation

Sulfation is a common problem that occurs when a lead-acid battery is left in a discharged state for too long. Lead sulfate crystals begin to accumulate on the battery plates, reducing its capacity and effectiveness. If caught early, mild sulfation can sometimes be reversed, but in extreme cases, the damage can become irreversible. You might even notice the battery bulging at the bottom—this is a clear sign that the lead plates inside are heavily damaged. If the sulfation is too severe, there’s not much that can be done, and the battery will need to be replaced.

4. Physical Damage

Physical damage to the battery casing is another major reason for battery failure. Cracks, punctures, or other visible damage can lead to leaks, causing the electrolyte fluid inside to escape. Without the proper amount of electrolyte, the battery won’t function properly and will eventually fail. It’s also important to note that deep-cycle lead-acid batteries require a specific balance of acid and water to operate effectively—if this balance is disrupted due to a leak, the battery will likely become unusable. In cases of physical damage, the best option is to replace the battery entirely rather than trying to repair it.

Preventing Battery Failure: Key Takeaways

To keep your deep-cycle lead-acid battery in good working order, here are a few essential tips:

• Avoid Extreme Cold: Store your battery in a place where it won’t be exposed to freezing temperatures, and keep it charged to prevent freezing.
• Prevent Sulfation: Regularly charge your battery to avoid sulfate buildup, and don’t leave it sitting in a discharged state for too long.
• Protect from Physical Damage: Handle your battery carefully to avoid internal shorting and physical damage to the casing.
• Check the Electrolyte Level: Ensure your battery has the correct electrolyte level—don’t let it dry out or use LiquidRegen to top off a new battery.

Understanding which problems can lead to deep-cycle lead-acid batteries failing can help you take better care of your batteries and extend their lifespan. If you’ve run into any of these issues and aren’t sure what to do, feel free to reach out to our support specialists for advice on how to proceed. LiquidRegen can assist with refurbishing most batteries, but there are some problems that even LiquidRegen can’t fix. Our support team will be able to hear out specific cases and offer advice as to what steps you can take moving forward.