A replacement is quite essential for your bikes and scooters when the battery gets exhausted. Everyone knows that the life cycle of a two-wheeler battery is limited. But it is indispensable that you should know when your battery is going to die, and thus you would need a replacement. What’s worse than being left behind on the highway with a dead battery?
Hence, I have taken the liberty of compiling some of the most important red flags and signs so that you will know that it is high time to replace that battery of yours. If you keep an eye out for these warnings, you won’t have to be caught off guard by an unexpected dead battery. After all, changing batteries comes under the fundamental motorcycle maintenance task that everyone must take care of!
Distorted Battery
There should be moments when you wish to observe the outline of your battery in order to understand its status. Some deformations may include color variations, leaks, bulges, or lumps; these are relatively easy to identify.
Once you detect any of such symptoms, you should not ignore it. If you keep on using the bumpy or swollen battery, it might become harmful. It happens because of the building up of lead-acid batteries.
The batteries permit the absorption of gases emitted during the battery’s chemical processes. If the problem is not solved in its early stage, it causes total physical damage.
Sulfation Consolidation
Sulfation usually happens when you don’t provide your battery with enough power. Lead sulfate accumulated on the plates due to the active elements on the plates corroding with the electrolyte’s sulfate during battery discharge. All you need to do is to completely charge the battery. Then, the electrolyte receives the sulfate back, which clears the sulfation buildup from your battery. In case you fail to address the sulfation issue, it can result in long-term battery failure.
Changing Multiple-Meter Readings
If you read your battery, you should be concerned about your inconsistent voltmeter readings. When you use your voltmeter correctly, it will allow you to see the precise measurements. However, it might be concerning if you get inconsistent reading every time you read it. The worst-case situation will be when your battery does not record any readings when you try to read it, even after it is charged. In such a case, your battery needs to be replaced right away. However, sometimes, when the voltmeter shows nothing, the battery may be completely dead and needs recharging.
Old Age
Do you remember the last time you changed the battery of your motorcycle? Is it true that you can’t even recall it? Well, then, yes, you need a new battery before it fails. A top-quality motorbike should not show any sign of wearing in four years of use. This is only true if the battery is not affected by any external sources. Lasting for four or more years can mean that it has already fulfilled its purpose.
Leaks
A battery leak can be caused by severe oxidation. The acid can flow out through cracks or terminals. The accumulation of chemical gasses inside the battery leads to the development of these cracks. This kind of battery is about to die, and even more, it’s dangerous to drive on.
Cold temperatures can also lead to motorbike battery leaks. Under such circumstances, the battery’s body may expand due to the freezing up of the battery acid. It is similar to the bursting of water pipes in cold weather!
If your motorcycle sits unused for an extended time, you can keep it in a warmer place or remove its batteries and put it at some other location rather than in a chilly garage. Overcharge and old batteries can also cause leakage. Take attention to the age of the battery and for how long you charge it to avoid any mishap!
You can’t start your motorcycle
It will not start when the battery of your motorbike is dead. If you cannot start your bike, then the first thing you definitely have to attend to is a dead battery.
The motor of your bike cannot start if the battery is weak or dead. In case, there is a battery issue, changing the battery is the only practical issue.
Unable to Hold Charge
A dead battery cannot hold a charge. The battery gets charged easily and suddenly loses all of the battery. You should never rely on this sort of battery to power your motorcycle’s ignition. Although, the battery is the primary reason for your battery’s inability to keep it charged, there might be other issues as well.
Batteries with corroded and broken terminals
One of the most significant signs that’ll help you know that the battery is about to die is the battery terminals. Corrosion on your battery’s terminals can make your battery less effective. However, there might be times when cleaning the terminals can allow the battery to function.
Corrosion does not always show that the terminals are broken. However, if they malfunction, you must get a new motorbike battery. In addition, there are many ways you can avoid rusting. You should regularly clean and wipe the terminals to lessen the impacts of sulfation.
Dimming headlight and fading horn
This mostly affects the battery’s power if your motorbike’s power components are about to die. That is why you should ensure that you check the state of your batteries in case you come to realize that your headlights are getting dim and the volume of the horn has reduced. These are some of the normal signs that your battery has to be recharged.
Longevity of Your Motorcycle Battery: How to maintain?
The primary cause of the motorbike batteries never reaching their full age is the negligence of the owner. Taking good care of the batteries can give it a long life! However, sometimes, even with extreme precautions, things happen that are simply unavoidable. Some issues do happen inevitably. But to be on the safer side you should constantly look out for these signs and when necessary get a new battery for replacement.
