AA Batteries Comparison
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I recently got a set of warning lights for car adventures. Like a chemical flare light but these LEDs run on batteries.
It was probably a stupid idea. Deleted paragraphs here about the risk/reward balance of attempting field repairs by the side of the road.
However, it did get me thinking about the longevity and safety of AA and AAA batteries in a device that needs to be kept in the car.
We get freezing winters, and direct sunlight in the summer will strike you down. (American Southwest mountain state.)
What's the best battery for a digital tire gauge that I keep in the glove compartment?
Should I keep it in the trunk instead? The worst of the summer heat is made worse by the greenhouse effect of the car's interior.
Yes, I should use an analog pressure gauge that works without batteries. I also carry one of these. The digital one is easier to use and generally gets the same readings as some more expensive, less portable test equipment.
The 1950 mah ones allegedly have a lower self-discharge when idle than the higher capacity ones but idk if it makes much of a difference in practice.
It's the only one I buy, the white Panasonic eneloop.
Mostly because of 10000 charge cycles instead 500 of NiMH.
Capacity is about %70, when we compare the bestest batteries. --- Correccion: LiFePo4 is better, but good batteries are very expensive. Also flat voltage curve extends usable capacity.
Only problem is that when LiFePo4 is totally emptied it easily dies and so protected version may be worth the price.
Rechargeables provide a very flat discharge curve, providing mostly the same voltage, so the steep drop off clearly signals the battery life end.