7 Car Battery Myths ΓÇö What Mechanics Often Get Asked

Car batteries are often overlooked unless thereΓÇÖs an emergency. 

There are also numerous car battery myths. This often leads to adverse consequences, ultimately resulting in shorter battery life.

It has been recorded by Battery Council International that around 30% of all car breakdowns are due to battery failure.

Car battery failure is not limited to one significant reason.

However, common myths contribute to a large extent to battery failure.

As a result, in this blog, weΓÇÖll debunk 7 common myths about car batteries. 

The 7 car battery myths that we will discuss are: 

• Lithium batteries are not safe and can catch fire easily 
• Driving your car recharges the battery completely 
• Maintenance-free batteries do not require maintenance
• Batteries last longer in hot weather
• Heavier batteries have better quality
• Your Battery Can Last a Lifetime if You Care for It Well
• ThereΓÇÖs no difference between car batteries

So fasten your seatbelt as we take you on a journey to separate  the fact from fiction 

LetΓÇÖs dive in! 

Myth 1: Lithium batteries are not safe and can catch fire easily 

Lithium-ion batteries are safe overall if stored, charged, and discarded properly.  

They can be unsafe if theyΓÇÖre overheated or damaged.  

So if you treat Lithium-ion batteries with caution, theyΓÇÖre 100% safe. 

The only risk is from overheating or damage. 

Myth 2: Driving your car recharges the battery completely 

When you start your car, a huge strain is inflicted on the battery. 

So if you drive for a minute or 10, the battery wonΓÇÖt charge fully. 

To restore a batteryΓÇÖs charge, the solution is the use of a proper multi-stage charger. 

Myth 3: Maintenance-free batteries do not require maintenance

Maintenance-free or calcium batteries do not require water refilling like lead-acid batteries. 

However, there are popular battery brands that lose water at times and hence need maintenance. 

Calcium batteries are called maintenance-free, but checking their terminals for corrosion is essential; corrosion lowers performance. 

Myth 4: Batteries last longer in hot weather 

It is harder for a battery to start your car in cold weather because it struggles to deliver enough power. 

Against common belief, hot weather is what shortens a batteryΓÇÖs lifespan. 

This is due to the fast evaporation of the liquid inside ( electrolyte) in hot weather. 

As a result, the battery weakens and wears out. 

In short, cold weather affects starting power while heat affects lifespan. 

Myth 5: Heavier batteries have better quality 

Though the majority of heavy batteries often have a decent amount of quality, a few are heavy and have low quality. This is due to containing concrete. 

Myth 6: Your Battery Can Last a Lifetime if You Care for It Well

Batteries wear with use and age. 

Typically around 3-4 years. 

Myth 7: ThereΓÇÖs no difference between car batteries

Even though AGM, GEL, and flooded batteries use lead-acid inside, theyΓÇÖre built differently. 

Flooded batteries: Old-fashioned batteries that need water refills ( Most new ones are sealed) 

Gel Batteries:  More fierce than flooded batteries, but canΓÇÖt endure fast or high-power charging optimally. 

AGM Batteries: Best overall, they donΓÇÖt need water refills. These are calcium/maintenance-free batteries. 

To assist in your identification of these myths, we created this side-by-side table to make it easier for you to know the fact and ditch the fiction. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the facts, you know how different car batteries function. 

And the proper ways to maintain a car batteryΓÇÖs health.  

That they do not last a lifetime, and not all are created equal. 

WeΓÇÖve discussed 7 popular myths and the truth behind these myths. 

If you want to know more about car batteries, you can read these blogs about signs to look for if your car batteryΓÇÖs failing, and signs that it's time to change yours. 

Where to shop for car batteries in the UAE? 

Want to shop or replace your car battery? 

Tyresonline.ae got your back. 

All you have to do is shop for your battery via the site. 

And if youΓÇÖre looking for someone to replace your car battery in Dubai look no further than tyresonline.ae. 

Still not sure if you need a replacement or your batteryΓÇÖs feeling Contact our experts and theyΓÇÖll be delighted to help you! 

Written and Edited by : Rageh