The battery is not designed to last indefinitely; however, with proper care, it will provide many years of service.

If the battery tests good, but fails to perform satisfactorily in service for no apparent reason, the following are some of the more important factors that may point to the cause of trouble.

1. The vehicle accessories are left on overnight.
2. The battery may not have sufficient time to recharge due to low average driving speeds.
3. The vehicle's electrical load is more than the generator output, particularly with the addition of aftermarket equipment.
4. Conditions in the charging system such as poor ground circuits, electrical shorts, slipping drive belt, or a faulty generator.
5. The battery has been abused, including failure to keep the battery cable terminals clean and tight or operating with a loose battery hold-down.
6. Improper mechanical conditions exist in the electrical system, such as shorted or pinched wires.

The outside of the battery should be checked periodically for damage, such as a cracked cover or case.

A common cause of battery failure is electrolyte freezing. The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific gravity. Since freezing may ruin a battery, it should be protected by keeping it in a charged condition. If the green dot in the built in hydrometer is visible the freezing point of the electrolyte should be somewhere below -32°C (-25°F).

Battery failure can be caused by a corroded carrier and hold-down clamp. The battery carrier and hold-down clamp should be clean and free from corrosion before installing the battery.

The carrier should be in a sound condition so that it will hold the battery securely and keep it level. Make certain there are no parts in the carrier before installing the battery.