5 Common Problems with Laptop Batteries

The laptop battery is an integral part of a notebook computer, as it provides the portable power needed to use your laptop on the go. Unfortunately, laptop batteries can experience a number of issues, and even in the best case, a laptop battery only has a limited life before it will need to be replaced. Let’s take a look at the 5 most common laptop battery problems.

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  1. Age or loss of capacity

Laptop batteries have a capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours or mAh. Over time, the batteries capacity will shrink, as it loses the ability to fully charge all of its cells. Laptop Batteries that have lost a significant amount of capacity will need to be replaced.

  1. Heat or swelling of the battery

If a notebook battery becomes too hot, it can begin to swell and expand. This can be caused by poor ventilation or an overheating computer. It is important to replace a swollen laptop battery, as it can be very dangerous, and can cause damage to the laptop or injury to the user.

  1. Discharge

If a notebook battery sits unused for a long period of time, it can be difficult to recharge it. This affects older batteries more than modern batteries. If the laptop battery cannot be recharged, it will need to be replaced.

  1. Memory Effect

Older laptop batteries sometimes experienced what is known as “memory effect”. Notebook Batteries that were not discharged often would sometimes become unable to use some of the cells, reducing capacity significantly. If you have an older battery, especially a Ni-Cad laptop battery, be sure to discharge it completely at least once a month, to avoid the memory effect.

  1. Manufacturing defects

Many manufacturers have had to recall laptop batteries in recent years due to manufacturing defects that caused them to malfunction. Sony, Toshiba, Dell, and Apple were all affected. If you believe your notebook battery has malfunctioned, or is prematurely losing capacity, contact the manufacturer to see if a recall has been issued for your model.