How does a battery work?

Most Ford vehicles use a lead acid battery to power the electrical system of the vehicle. Inside this type of battery are lead plates surrounded by an electrolyte liquid. This combination creates a chemical reaction resulting in a charge at the battery terminals. A battery's ability to generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction will diminish as the chemicals within the electrolyte are used up. Temperature plays a significant role in how long your battery lasts.

High temperatures surrounding the battery will speed up the chemical reactions, making it easier for the battery to produce electricity, but it also increases the internal corrosion that occurs within the cells, thereby reducing the expected life of the battery. Similarly, cold weather slows down the chemical reactions, making it harder for the battery to produce electricity, and therefore harder to start your vehicle in very cold conditions.

Automotive batteries are rated in Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA). This is the amount of current a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at -18 C without dropping to a specified cutoff voltage. A fully charged lead-acid battery can survive up to –50 C, but a battery with a low state of charge can freeze at –1 C. When the de-ionized water in a battery freezes, it expands and can cause irreparable damage to the cells.

A general guide is that most vehicle batteries will last about 3 years, so it is our recommendation that you monitor the starting performance of your vehicle about 6 months before this, and have your local dealer test your battery at your closest service. Pay particular attention to how your vehicle starts, and if you notice it feels sluggish or laboured, then ask your Ford Dealer to assess it. It may not need replacing as loose terminals, low levels of de-ionized water or dirty battery terminals can all affect how well the electrical system performs.