Can a Car Battery Still Be Used After Being Drained Three Times?
4 Answers
Car battery can still be used after being drained three times. The following is an introduction to the functions and maintenance methods of car batteries: Functions of car battery: Provide power to the starting system, ignition system, and electronic fuel injection system when starting the engine. Supply power to the car's electrical equipment when the engine stops running or is at low idle. Participate in power supply when the power demand exceeds the generator's supply capacity. Stabilize voltage and protect the electronic equipment on the car. Car battery maintenance methods: The battery should not be over-discharged, and the over-discharged battery needs to be charged in time. If the vehicle is not used for a long time, disconnect the battery power. When the battery is not in use, it should be fully charged and its status should be checked frequently. When the voltage is low, it should be recharged in time. Do not cause a short circuit in the battery. Frequently check whether the connection parts are firm and whether the terminal surface is clean to ensure good contact.
My car battery has been drained three times before, and on the fourth day, it couldn't start at all. I had to get a jump start to revive it. To be honest, a battery drained this many times is basically a goner. Lead-acid batteries are most afraid of deep discharge—after three times, the internal lead plates are already sulfated, and the capacity is halved. Even if you manage to charge it in an emergency, the capacity will shrink drastically. Once in winter, my battery was drained twice, and after the third jump start, the voltage seemed normal, but the next day at -5°C, it just died. Now, if I see the battery voltage drop below 12V, I replace it immediately—I can't afford the hassle of breaking down on the road.
A friend just went through this - after the third complete discharge, the battery was completely dead. Typically, after three deep discharges, the internal structure of a battery is severely damaged. Even if you manage to recharge it this time, you'll notice the engine cranks with much more difficulty during startup, and the dashboard lights flicker. Pay special attention to older batteries over three years old - they can't withstand repeated abuse. Last month I tested a coworker's battery that had been deeply discharged three times, and its cold cranking amps (CCA) had dropped by more than half. I recommend keeping a jump starter handy as you might not be able to start the car at any moment. Short urban trips are particularly harsh on battery health.
Repeated power depletion is like slow suicide for the car battery. Each deep discharge damages the internal active materials, especially after the third depletion, when the sulfation of the plates becomes severe. Although it might still start the car with difficulty, the capacity is reduced by at least 40%. I've seen batteries depleted four times—their surface voltage appears normal, but the voltage plummets under load. Modern cars with start-stop systems are even more delicate; AGM batteries typically need replacement after just three depletion cycles. Usage tips: avoid running the AC or stereo after turning off the engine, be cautious when installing additional electronics, and remember to disconnect the negative terminal if the car will be parked for an extended period.
