While overcharging is dangerous, undercharging is equally harmful. When a gel battery remains in a partially discharged state, sulfation occurs—lead sulfate crystals harden on the plates, reducing capacity.
Symptoms of Sulfation:
- Reduced runtime despite full charging.
- Increased internal resistance, causing voltage drops under load.
- The battery feels “full” but discharges rapidly.
Solutions:
- Recharge batteries immediately after use—never store them below 12.4V.
- Use a desulfation charger or an equalization charge (if supported by the manufacturer).
- For long-term storage, maintain a float charge (13.2V–13.8V).
Key Takeaway: Regular, full recharging prevents sulfation and extends battery life.
