Flashlight Batteries...

[BruiseLeee]

I keep a maglite in the car and the alkyline batteries in it are several years old. How often should I replace them? They still seem ok but will they degrade over time and fail when I need them?

 

[frank k]

I think that alkalines have a shelf life of about 5 years – there should be a “use by” date on the package.


If your light uses AA’s you can get lithiums that last 10 years. Lithiums also work much better in the cold (down to -40F) and will run a lot longer than alkalines.





- Frank

 

[BruiseLeee]

I think the batteries I have were produced before Duracell started putting in the "Best Before" date on them.

 

[longbow50]

Batteries do degrade over time and if you have any second thoughts about them failing you when you really need them, I'd suggest that you get a pack of new batteries and keep them with the light. That way there's no questions as to whether it'll be there when you need it.

 

[DaveH]

Before the batteries go dead they will get a film of corrosion on the metal surfaces. I'd say replace them every year and wipe them off every few months.

 

[berettaman12000]

For survival type flashlights I always use Lithium batteries, they can last up to ten years.