5 Signs you need to replace your lead acid leisure battery

Imagine this - it's a sun-soaked weekend and the open road beckons you and your motorhome or the sea is calling your boat's name. But hold on! Your leisure battery seems to be dragging its feet, almost as if it's pleading for retirement.

Wondering how to decipher if it's time to bid adieu to your old lead acid battery and welcome a robust Lithium upgrade? Here are 5 tell-tale signs that can't be ignored... 


1. Fading Power 

First on our list is the most obvious sign - fading power. If your leisure battery isn't holding its charge as long as it used to, or if you're frequently finding yourself without power in the middle of your outdoor escapades, this is a big red flag. 

If your battery is old or has been used heavily, fading power may mean it's simply reaching the end of its lifespan. Most lead-acid batteries have a lifespan of around 3-5 years, while our Fogstar Drift lithium batteries can last up to 10 years or more.


2. Overheating 

Excessive heat during charging or usage is a clear indication that your battery is on the fritz. This isn't just a sign that you need a new battery, it's also a potential safety hazard - so please don't ignore it.

When a lead acid battery overheats, it can cause the electrolyte solution inside the battery to evaporate, which can lead to a loss of battery capacity and a shorter lifespan. Additionally, an overheating battery can release toxic gases and fumes, which can be harmful to people and the environment.

If it's time to ditch your potential fire hazard, you might want to consider upgrading to Lithium, it's a much safer chemistry and less prone to issues such as overheating!


3. Swollen Battery 

Does your lead acid battery look like it's just eaten a significant Sunday Lunch? If your battery is swelling, this means it's struggling to hold the charge and is potentially on the brink of failure.

Swelling of a lead acid battery can be caused by a number of factors, including overcharging, overheating, or physical damage to the battery itself; and this isn't just a harmless oddity. It's like a ticking time bomb, threatening to spew acid or even ignite a fire if punctured or ruptured. It's a disaster movie waiting to happen, right in your motorhome or boat and signals that you need to remove and replace your battery pronto.


4. Frequent Recharges 

If you're spending more time charging your battery than actually using it, it's a glaring sign your leisure battery is past its prime. Imagine journeying into the wild, or open seas, only to be held hostage by a power outage. 

If you find yourself constantly charging your lead acid batteries, this can cause a condition called sulfation. This occurs when the battery is not fully charged, and the lead sulphate crystals that form during discharge do not fully dissolve during charging. Over time, these crystals can build up and reduce the battery's capacity and performance. Constantly recharging your battery is not just a pain, it's potentially dangerous!

Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium batteries can be left on charge without the risk of overcharging or sulfation - sounds great right?

5. Age 

Last but not least, consider the age of your leisure battery. If it's older than the cassette tape, it might be time for a change. Even if your battery isn't showing any other signs, age can lead to inefficiency and unexpected failures. 

Lead acid batteries have a very limited lifespan, and age is one of the most significant factors that affect their performance. The rate at which a lead acid battery ages depends on several factors, including the number of charge and discharge cycles it has gone through, the temperature it has been exposed to, and the level of maintenance it has received. In general, a well-maintained battery that is used regularly and kept at a moderate temperature can last up to five years.

So there we have it! Keep a keen eye out for these battery warning signs; it's your first line of defence against unexpected power hiccups that could disrupt your outdoor pursuits. But remember, switching to a Lithium leisure battery isn't just about keeping the lights on - it's a golden opportunity to turbocharge your adventures.