7. CAN I INCREASE THE LIFE OF MY BATTERY?

The typical overall life of a deep cycle battery is:

Starting (Used as a Deep Cycle)	0 to 12 months
Marine/RV	to 6 years
Golf Cart	to 6 years
Gelled Deep Cycle	to 8 years
AGM	to 10 years
Ni-Cad	to 10 years
Telecommunications (Float)	to 10 years
Fork Lift	to 10 years
Industrial (Traction)	to 20 years
Industrial (Stationary)	to 20 years
Ni-Fe	to 20 years

7.1. Recharge a deep cycle battery as soon as possible after each use and maintain the State-of-Charge at 100% to prevent sulfation. When in storage, recharge when the State-of-Charge drops to 80% to prevent lead sulfation or Continuous float charging which is better because it will prevent sulfation.

7.2. Lower the average DoD (Depth-of-Discharge), significantly increases the battery life. For example, a battery with an average of 50% DoD will last twice as long or more as an 80% DoD; a 20% DoD battery will last five times longer than a 50% DoD. For example, golf cart batteries will average 225 cycles at 80% DoD and increase to 750 cycles at 50% DoD. Try to avoid DoD that are less than 10% or greater than 80%. Industrial traction, golf cart, and stationary deep cycle batteries are designed for 80% DoD and most Marine/RV deep cycle batteries are designed for 50% DoD.

Depth-of-Discharge (DoD)

[Source: Concorde]

7.3. In hot climates and during the summer, "watering" is required more often. Check the electrolyte levels and add only distilled water, if required. Never add electrolyte (battery acid) to a battery that is not fully charged and do not over fill. The plates must be covered at all times.

7.4. Avoid high ambient temperatures (above 80° F or 26.7° C) will shorten battery life because it increases positive grid corrosion and growth.

7.5. Recharging slowly with the manufacturer's recommended voltages and keeping your battery well maintained.

7.6. Maintaining the State-of-Charge over 80%, electrolyte levels, tightening loose hold-down clamps and terminals, and removing corrosion is normally the only preventive maintenance required for a deep cycle battery.

7.7. Never discharge below 10.5 volts. Low voltage disconnects can limit the average Depth-of-Charge and protect electrical appliances.

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