What is the lifespan of the Wuling Hongguang battery?
2 Answers
The designed lifespan of the Wuling Hongguang battery is 27 months. For general family use, which is relatively gentle, many new car batteries can last 3-4 years. However, after the first replacement, it is essential to replace the battery every 2 years or so. Methods to test the condition of the battery: Inspect the battery's exterior: Check if the battery casing is bulging, leaking, has broken separators, or corroded terminals. If any of these signs are present, the battery is likely dead and needs replacement. Test the battery voltage: After charging for two hours, measure the voltage of each cell every 20 minutes. If the voltage is below 13, the battery has issues. During discharge, test every 10 minutes in three intervals. If the discharge time is faster than other batteries and the voltage drops below 10V, the battery is problematic. Check for "dehydration" and blackening: After charging the battery for 36 hours, if the charger's red light remains on, it indicates severe "dehydration." Open the battery's top cover to see six round holes. If the electrolyte inside these holes appears black, it means the lead powder from the plates has fallen off, indicating a dead battery. Maintenance methods: Charge the battery promptly. If the battery frequently runs "low," the plates can be easily damaged, so timely full charging is crucial. Before starting, pedal like riding a bicycle for a while before turning on the electric power. This reduces the high current's impact on the battery plates. After some use, active materials in the battery may settle. If not activated in time, it can affect the battery's capacity. Avoid purchasing fast chargers, as they can damage the battery plates.
I've been driving my Wuling Hongguang for almost five years, and the battery is quite crucial, typically lasting around three to four years. It largely depends on personal driving habits—for example, if you frequently take short trips, driving only ten minutes each time, the battery may not charge sufficiently and could wear out prematurely. Weather also plays a big role; in cold northern winters, starting the engine consumes more power, accelerating battery degradation. I've replaced my battery twice, both times noticing difficulty starting after just over three years. To extend its lifespan, I regularly check for corrosion on the battery terminals, clean them, and avoid plugging in too many power-consuming devices like dashcams during summer. Overall, don’t wait until you’re stranded on the road to replace it—make it a habit to check the voltage with a multimeter every six months, ensuring it stays within the normal range above 12 volts.
