THE end-of-life of a battery is when it can no longer hold a proper charge or when the available battery capacity is 80 percent or less than what the battery was rated for. Some of the factors that affect it battery life are:
Product Quality and Construction
If the raw materials, components and battery construction are not of the highest standard, then it will not be possible to consistently manufacture a good quality battery. 
It is easy to make mistakes, to accept second best, or the cheapest source of machinery, components and materials but if this is done then poor quality, indifferent life and a bad reputation is the likely end result.
Unfortunately, it is also a fact that, even with the best materials and parts, the same situation can apply if sufficient control of quality is not exercised in the manufacturing and processing systems.
Chloride Zimbabwe, which manufactures the Exide brand, is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified hence it conforms to quality and environmental requirements.
Cold Weather
Drivers normally experience a dead battery in the middle of the winter, which is caused by battery freezing.
You can prevent this by parking your car in a warmer location, e.g. a closed garage.
Improper Battery Maintenance
Batteries need routine maintenance to function properly. Always check battery cable connections for tightness. If you have a serviceable battery, check the fluid level and refill as necessary.
Product Application
A battery is designed for a particular application i.e. vehicle. This takes account of the vehicle electrical characteristics.
Using the wrong (smaller lower capacity) battery will almost certainly result in a reduction in battery life.
Efficiency and Maintenance of
the Vehicle Electrical System
There are differing views as to the effects on life of the various electrical systems specifically the alternator. 
If for some reason, however, the charging system is incorrectly set then battery life can be seriously affected. 
In some cases, e.g. under-charging, the battery may fail to start the vehicle and be pronounced dead when, in fact, it may only require system adjustment and a recharge to bring it back to life. It is probably true that alternators have improved battery life. 
Battery location
Some vehicles have the reputation of prolonged battery life.  In these cars, the batteries are located at the back (boot) of the vehicle, away from engine heat from the radiator or exhaust manifold.
The commuter omnibus high capacity diesel models, with the battery located in a confined space in the passenger compartment, fall into this category, hence the tendency of a short life on the 650 line.
The leading manufacturer Chloride Zimbabwe’s research and development team will soon launch a new battery specifically for the commuter omnibus on our Zimbabwean roads, i.e. “tailor-made for the Hiace” commuter omnibus.
Driving habits
Batteries in cars that are not started for long periods of time may die due to not being charged
Old Age
Batteries, like humans, do not live forever. Only 30 percent of car batteries make it to the age of four before meeting their demise.
Your driving and car maintenance habits along with the type of battery will greatly impact the lifespan of your battery.
The healthier the “living conditions” of the batteries, the longer they will serve you.
Only buy recently manufactured batteries, so learn to interpret the date code stamped on every battery. The longer the battery has sat in a store, the less time it will serve you!
In closing, the design life of a battery depends in part on its construction, its type, its charging profiles, etc.
All these factors come together to determine just how long your battery may ultimately serve you.
l For further information please contact us on 780031/6 or email us on batterysales@batteryexpress.co.zw