*'''Stratification of the electrolyte''': In a wet electrolyte battery, if the electrolyte is not agitated, the sulfuric acid will flow down the trays./plates. Thus, the density of the electrolyte will slowly increase at the bottom of the batteries, while it will decrease at the top of the batteries. This stratification of the acid will result in non-homogeneous electrode discharge with accelerated corrosion at the bottom of the battery.
How to avoid it ?
*Use batteries regularly -- The electrolysis of water creates bubbles of oxygen which agitate the electrolyte.
*Periodically carry out an equalization charge -- This consists of charging the batteries with a low current, but with higher voltage than that generally applied to create greater bubbling.
• Use gel or AGM batteries.
*'''Corrosion of the positive electrodes''': The positive electrodes are sensitive to corrosion which occurs when not in use, but especially during charging, when the lead in the grid is transformed into lead oxide, which is not very conductive. If there is too much corrosion, the active materials gradually sink to the bottom of the accumulators, and electrodes disintegrate. The capacity of the battery decreases and the internal resistance increases until the battery becomes unusable.
How to limit it?
*Avoid overloads: check the data sheets so that the load currents and duration are not too high.
*Avoid high temperatures: ventilate or insulate the battery room, leave a space between each battery.
*'''Loss of active material''': During charge and discharge cycles, the positive and negative plates undergo strong mechanical stresses (high currents, induced magnetic fields). The plates gradually disintegrate and the active material accumulates at the bottom of the battery. This "mud" can cause short circuits between two plates.
How to avoid it ?
*Avoid deep discharges.
*Avoid rapid discharges: If the battery is discharged very quickly, the mechanical stresses do not have time to accommodate themselves and disintegration is faster.
*Choose batteries with thick or tubular electrodes.
*'''Drying of the electrolyte:''' Naturally, the water contained in the electrolyte evaporates a little. Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries promote its recondensation, which reduces the need for additional distilled water (unlike open batteries). But, once the battery is charged, a supply of current initiates the electrolysis of the water with the formation of oxygen and hydrogen gas. In a VRLA battery, beyond a certain pressure, safety valves let the water escape permanently. This is problematic because topping up with distilled water is not possible.
How to avoid it ?
*Avoid overloads: check the data sheets to ensure that the load currents and durations are not too high.
*Avoid high temperatures: ventilate or insulate the battery room, leave space between each battery.
*'''Sulfation''': During discharge, crystals of lead sulfate (PbSO4) form on the positive and negative electrodes. If the battery remains discharged for a long time, these lead sulphate crystals grow and harden irreversibly. This reduces the conductivity of the electrodes, causes the battery to lose capacity and can cause short circuits.
How to limit it?
*Avoid prolonged undercharging: never store a discharged battery.
*Avoid incomplete charges: charge your batteries to 100% at least once a week.
'''Freezing of Electrolyte''': When a battery is discharged, the electrolyte is mostly water. At low temperatures, it can freeze and irreparably damage the battery.
How to avoid it?
*Avoid too short daily journeys by car in winter.
*In cold climates, increase the specific gravity of the electrolyte if the battery is open (acid/water = 1.29-1.3 g/cm3).
*Switch to AGM or Gel batteries.
''' Corrosion of the battery terminals''' : Following acid splashes, acid vapours, or simply galvanic corrosion (two metals brought into contact), lead oxide deposits may form on the battery terminals. This can cause electrical conductivity problems.
How to avoid it?
*Lubricate the connectors with petroleum jelly or an anti-corrosion grease suitable for batteries
*Brush and clean the terminals if traces of corrosion appear.
*'''Fusion of the battery terminals''': If the connector is loose on the terminal, the electrical contact resistance will increase. When a high current passes, the terminals can melt by the Joule effect (the conversion of electric energy into heat energy by resistance in a circuit). This can lead to fires.
How to avoid it ?
*Comply with the tightening torques in N.m given by the battery manufacturers.
*Regularly check the correct tightening, especially if the batteries are subject to vibrations (for example, golf cars, trailers, etc.).