Can a car battery still be used after being completely discharged three times?
4 Answers
Automotive batteries generally have a lifespan of 2-3 years. If the battery is completely discharged within its lifespan, it is best to remove it and charge it for 30-60 minutes, after which it can still be used. It is advisable to avoid deep discharging, as such rapid discharge can significantly impact the battery's lifespan. Below is an introduction to automotive batteries: The battery is an essential part of a car and can be categorized into traditional lead-acid batteries and maintenance-free batteries. Since these batteries use lead-calcium alloy grids, they produce less water decomposition during charging and have lower water evaporation. Additionally, their sealed structure minimizes the release of sulfuric acid gas. Compared to traditional batteries, they offer advantages such as no need for liquid refills, easy connection to terminals, and longer charge retention.
My car battery has been deeply discharged three times recently. It can still start, but the endurance has noticeably decreased, especially with difficulty starting in cold weather. Deep discharging damages the internal lead plates, leading to reduced capacity and increased internal resistance. After three deep discharges, the voltage might hold temporarily after charging, but in the long run, it's prone to stalling midway. I've tried measuring the static voltage with a multimeter—normally it should be above 12.6 volts. Otherwise, go to a repair shop to check the starting performance with a tester. If it's below 80%, it's recommended to replace it. To save money, you can continue using it, but always keep jumper cables handy and avoid long-distance night trips to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
A car battery may not necessarily be scrapped after being depleted three times; the key is to see how fully it can be recharged. From my experience: try recharging it after depletion. If it can maintain a full charge for several days and starts the car smoothly, it indicates it can still be used. However, the battery's lifespan will be significantly shortened, for example, from 5 years to 2 years. Usually, pay attention to turning off lights and electrical devices when parking, and check whether the alternator outputs a stable voltage of around 14 volts. If there is severe leakage, have the circuit inspected. From a cost-saving perspective, it's feasible to test the voltage or capacity and continue using it for a few more months. But if you frequently travel for business or drive on mountain roads, it's better to replace it early to ensure safety and avoid spending more on rescue fees.
Deep discharging the battery three times can accelerate aging, as the accumulation of lead sulfate on the lead plates during chemical reactions becomes irreversible, leading to reduced capacity and increased internal resistance. After recharging, the starting performance might still be acceptable, but it becomes difficult to restore the optimal condition over time, especially in low temperatures when it's more prone to failure. I recommend first checking with an onboard voltmeter to see if the voltage remains stable above 12.5 volts, or seek professional testing for confirmation. If it passes the test, it can still be used temporarily, but monitor performance changes closely to avoid another discharge.
