With proper care, the battery 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 important factors that may point to the cause of trouble:

1. A vehicle accessory was left on overnight.
2. The driving speeds have been slow with frequent stops ("stop-and-go" driving).
3. The electrical load has exceeded the generator output (particularly with the addition of aftermarket equipment).
4. Existing conditions in the charging system, including the following possibilities:

•	An electrical short

•	A slipping belt

•	A bad generator

•	A bad generator voltage regulator

5. The battery has not been properly maintained, including the following situations:

•	A failure to keep the terminals tight

•	A failure to keep the terminals clean

•	A loose battery hold down

6. There are mechanical conditions in the electrical system, such as a shorted or a pinched wire or a cracked battery case resulting from a collision.

Check the outside of the battery for damage, such as a cracked cover or case.