Re: Battery lifespan

John McKenzie wrote:
>
>The ones I get (lead acid) last 10 years on average, sometimes more. I
>dunno what the hell is different about them (but I must indicate they
>aren't made in chinese love factories, they are made by a local bloke -
>Moon Batteries - bloody competitive pricing (well not compared to the
>**** ones, but compared to anything of similar quality) too.

I'm also guessing that you own a lot more woollie jumpers and
longjohns than I do (or are much hairier).  :)

Temperature is probably the biggest single factor that determines
battery life, all other conditions being equal.  I've never had 10
years out of one, even in 24 volt systems which typically last around
30% longer than 12 volt (due to the reduced maximum load current
draw).

Back in the days of my impoverished youth, we used to perodically
drain our motorcycle batteries and hose 'em out to get rid of the crud
that collects in the bottom (and eventually shorts the cells).
Because I worked in a laboratory at the time mine got refilled with AR
grade sulphuric (analytical reagent).

Can't say I can recall ever buying a new one, but none of my bikes had
electric start either.

I do have a mate who once dealt in batteries (and tyres) on a large
scale (he had his own battery brandname at the time).  His advice on
choosing the best lead acid battery was to take your scales when you
went shopping and buy the heaviest one for the money.  I've never
tested his advice, but I'd suspect it's reasonably sound.  :)

-- 
John H