Battery Maintenance

Increase your battery's longevity by:
- Ensure the battery is tightly secured to prevent vibration-induced damage to the plates, which can result in a shorter battery lifespan.
- To avoid corrosion and oxidation, make sure to clean the battery thoroughly using a brush on both the terminals.
– Regularly inspecting and ensuring the proper functioning of your electrical charging system.
- Inspecting the electrical wiring and load is crucial as an electrical leakage or short circuit can cause your battery to discharge.
- Using the right battery for the intended application.
- Ensuring that sparks and flames are kept at a safe distance from the battery during the charging process.
– In case the battery remains idle, provide it with a recharge periodically, once every few months. 

ELECTROLYTE LEVEL - When the level of electrolyte is low, it leaves the active material exposed, and any sulphate present becomes hardened and immune to chemical reactions. A cracked case, inadequate maintenance (failure to add water as necessary), or excessive overcharging leading to intense internal heat and excessive gas production can result in electrolyte loss. Having an excessive amount of electrolyte is equally detrimental. If you fill the battery with too much electrolyte, it will become diluted and can potentially cause the battery terminals to corrode when it spills. 

CORROSION -  Corrosion may occur on terminals, connectors, and metal hold-downs/carriers due to spilled electrolyte and the presence of condensation resulting from gassing. The electrical resistance is elevated due to this type of corrosion, resulting in a decrease in the voltage available and also reducing the effectiveness of charging. It might additionally generate a pathway for current leakage, enabling self-discharge to occur. 

CYCLING -  Repeatedly going from completely charged to completely discharged and vice versa can potentially result in the deterioration of the active material in the positive plates. This causes a decrease in battery capacity and shortens its lifespan. 

OVERCHARGING -  When the vehicle's charging system or a separate battery charger charges a battery beyond what is recommended, excessive gassing and high internal heat result. In addition to causing excessive water consumption, excessive gassing can cause the plates to lose their active materials. The positive plate material may oxidize due to overheating, deforming the plates.  

UNDERCHARGING -  If the charging system is defective, it won't keep the battery fully charged. The plates on the battery become hard and cannot be easily removed through regular charging when there is a significant lack of charging. A weak electrolyte is more prone to freezing. The battery that has not been charged enough might not be able to start the engine. 

VIBRATION - It is necessary to ensure that the battery is securely installed. The vibrations can result in the loosening of connections, the cracking of the case, and the impairment of internal components.