Compact Travels, Large Consequences: How To Ride for Bread and Ruin the Battery

In the XXI century, when the density of the urban environment and the flexibility of remote work became part of reality, short-term movements were becoming more and more in demand. This is due to the necessity of quick movement at small distances — be it a trip to the supermarket, school, or office center. According to statistics from transport agencies, such movements account for over 60% of all trips within cities. For those who often make short trips, services on site car battery replacement service can become a salvation in case of sudden battery problems.

Why Everyday Outings on Short Distances Became Indispensable

Short trips are often measured as movements, the length of which does not exceed 15-20 minutes. In conditions of a metropolis, these movements would be absolutely inevitable:

• close location of social and household objects;
• transition to remote employment;
• congested traffic;
• desire to save time, using the comfort of a car.

As a result, about 75% of motorists offer preference to cars even at distances that can be walked.

Hidden Threat: How a Couple of Minutes Behind the Wheel Shortens Battery Life

1. Undercharging of Power Unit: Generator charges the accumulator during driving. Prolonged engine operation is the main condition of its full charge. Short movements do not give the engine the opportunity to fully restore battery charge, which leads to its chronic undercharge. This is a problem affecting 50% of all car owners.
2. Frequency of Starts and Discharges: Each engine start requires a large amount of energy. Frequent small trips increase the number of cycles of “charge-discharge,” which in turn accelerates battery wear. The average battery loses about 10% of its capacity on every 50th such cycle.
3. Extreme Demands in Cold Period: In conditions of winter climate, the capacity of power elements decreases, which is due to low temperatures. In winter, the number of battery failures due to short trips increases by 30%.

Interesting Statistics: Look At Results of Research

Extensive research shows that frequent short trips can reduce battery life by 20-30%. According to data European automobile club, in winter, 70% of all breakdowns related to batteries were caused by frequent short trips.

Varieties of Car Batteries and Their Reaction to Stress

Types of car batteries and their reaction to short trips:

1. Lead-acid batteries: One of the most common types, these accumulators suffer from a chronic inability to cope with short trips, which can cause their premature sulfation.
2. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries: They differ by a higher level of resistance to cyclic discharges but are largely susceptible to wear in case of frequent undercharge. Their cost is higher, but they compensate for this by their durability.
3. Lithium-ion batteries: Used in cars with electric and hybrid engines. Possesses better parameters of resistance to cyclic wear; however, it requires more complex management and control.

Simple Solutions for Optimal Battery Maintenance

• Periodic Charge Control: Constant control of voltage and charge level of battery with the help of voltmeter or special devices will help avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Use of Charging Devices: Charging devices used at night time or during long stops will help maintain the battery in optimal condition. This is especially useful in winter months.
• Regular and Long Driving: Extended trips, conducted once a week, will allow the charging battery to an optimal level and extend its lifespan by 20-30%.
• Effective Maintenance: Constant attention to battery terminals, as well as electrolyte levels in lead-acid batteries, will help extend their life by 15% and more.

Technological Innovations for Future Car

Automotive innovation does not stand still. Modern developments provide many solutions for improving battery conditions. Modern charge management systems control battery state and its charge function. It is expected that in future more powerful batteries with high resistance to charge-discharge cycles will appear. Smart vehicle management systems offer methods of optimizing functioning of all systems to reduce load on battery.

Short trips — this is an integral aspect of life in modern world, but with right methods of maintenance and use of batteries, it is possible to significantly reduce their harmful impact. Constant attention to current state of battery and use of innovative technologies act as a pledge of its many years of reliable service in any conditions and in any weather.

Thomas Harmon

Skateboarder, tattoo addict, fender owner, Swiss design-head and RGD member. Acting at the intersection of minimalism and sustainability to craft experiences that go beyond design. Let’s design a world that’s thoughtful, considered and aesthetically pleasing.

In the XXI century, when the density of the urban environment and the flexibility of remote work became part of reality, short-term movements were becoming more and more in demand. This is due to the necessity of quick movement at small distances — be it a trip to the supermarket, school, or office center. According…