Battery Facts
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LOOSE BATTERY TERMINAL ENDS CAN DESTROY A BATTERY
Loose or corroded battery cable lugs can cause all sorts of problems. When the starter
is engaged the loose or corroded connection can cause a heavy arc which will melt the
post right out of the battery. If the battery is gassing, the arc can cause the battery to
explode. Never use the temporary type battery ends. These are only good for emergency
use and will become corroded in a short period of time. Always use a crimped and
sealed battery cable end or replace the battery cable.
BATTERIES WILL SELF DISCHARGE WHEN STORED
As a battery becomes discharged the percentage of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte becomes less. The
sulfuric acid combines with the lead plates producing lead sulfate. As this happens the electrolyte
solution becomes pure water. A discharged battery will freeze in cold climates, which will destroy
the insulators and plates inside it.
ELECTROLYTE BECOMES WATER IN A DISCHARGED BATTERY
Many small batteries are supplied with the electrolyte in a separate container. If you have to
fill a new battery with electrolyte, YOU MUST PLACE THE BATTERY ON A QUICK CHARGER.
The charging system will never bring the battery to a fully charged state. THE BATTERY
CAPACITY WILL NEVER BE ABOVE 80%. Pulling the battery out later and trying to charge
it will not work. THE BATTERY’S CAPACITY HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY CUT BY 20% AND
THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.
Batteries will self discharge when stored for long periods of time. This is a normal process with
all lead acid batteries. Always charge the battery to full charge before storing. Also disconnect
the negative battery cable. This will keep the small system drains from accelerating the discharge
process. The best way to avoid shortened battery life is use a SMART CHARGER (not a trickle
charger) on the battery when it’s not being used. A smart charger is a charging device that will
maintain the battery at a full state of charge by only charging the battery when the voltage drops
to a specified level without overcharging.
IMPORTANT BATTERY FACTS
DRY CHARGED BATTERIES MUST BE CHARGED BEFORE USING
Make sure there is a gap between the ends of the terminal when tight.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
The battery is the heart of the electrical system
Always start troubleshooting at the battery
Never store a battery in a discharged state
Never add anything except distilled water to a battery
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A good battery can provide four or five years of
worry-free service with the right kind of care.
Bigger is better! The battery you are
replacing does not have to be the same size
as the original. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO
HAVE EXTRA BATTERY CAPACITY.
TECH TIPS