Taking good care of your battery will help to extend its service life. For tips on how to keep your battery in top condition, please follow the links below.
Regular testing and inspection will help to maximise battery life. A routine inspection at least once a month is recommended to maintain optimum performance.
Use the following as a guide when examining your battery:
If you are unsure about the condition or state of charge of the battery, take it to your local BATTERY MASTER battery reseller. They can inspect and test your battery and provide you with professional advice and assistance.
Battery testing should form part of a regular maintenance routine. Pre-emptive battery replacement can help eliminate many of the costs and problems associated with a flat battery.
Voltage (V) and Specific Gravity (SG) are measurements used to determine a battery’s state of charge. Voltage is a quick and easy way of measuring charge levels and is measured by connecting either a multi-meter or voltmeter and obtaining a DC reading. Always connect the multi-meter parallel to the circuit being tested, observing polarity; otherwise the result will be negative.
Hydrometers measure the Specific Gravity of the electrolyte and indicate the density of electrolyte compared to water. As this requires access to acid reservoirs, it is only suitable for use with maintainable batteries.
This is performed using either device, when there is no current draw on the battery. A specific gravity reading of 1.275 to 1.290 shows a full charge whereas a reading below 1.240 indicates that the battery should be recharged. If the stabilised open circuit voltage is below 12.55V, this also indicates recharging is required.
This is conducted using a multi-meter or volt meter whilst running an accessory, such as the headlights, and taking a voltage reading. The battery in a 12V system should have at least 11.5V DC with the lights on. If the voltage drops below this level, the battery needs charging.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to charge a battery and ensure you have a good quality Australian-approved battery charger. The battery type and its internal components will determine which type of charger is required.
Avoid quick charging as this only charges the surface of the battery plates and can increase the chance of overheating, leading to permanent battery damage.
Be aware of all safety precautions that should be observed during the charging operation before attempting to charge a battery.
Specific charging rates or times are difficult to detail due to a number of other features, such as:
As batteries age they gradually lose their capacity as their function is performed. The constant charge and discharge eventually leads to failure. Components corrode over time, electrical shorts occur and vibration causes damage; all eventually causing failure. Overcharging and undercharging of a battery will also have a bearing on battery life.
Check electrolyte level – fluid below the tops of the separators indicates overcharging or poor maintenance. Overcharge condition may be due to incorrect voltage setting, low voltage caused by heat or internal defects, or old age deterioration.
Is there electrolyte on the top of the battery? This can indicate overcharging or overfilling.
Is the battery loose in the carrier? This can cause failure from vibration.
Does the battery have signs of damage or mistreatment? This can also cause failure.
A flat battery should be checked with a hydrometer. A low Specific Gravity reading of 1.220 or less in all cells indicates a discharged battery and it must be charged before further examination and testing can occur. The discharged condition may be due to a problem in the electrical system (slipping alternator belt, faulty regulator or alternator, high resistance due to corrosion). Internal shorts may also be due to manufacturing defects or shorts through the ageing process or vibration damage.
Batteries often fail when least expected. The usual warning is a slower than normal battery ability to crank the engine. Other less noticeable factors, such as changed driving patterns and colder/hotter weather will all have an effect on the life of a battery. Encourage your customers to ask for a ‘FREE Battery Test’. It’s good public relations and if the battery is near failure, it may avoid the inconvenience of a roadside breakdown.
Batteries have a finite life, determined by the application and the operating conditions. Battery failure can be attributed to various factors, however the causes of failure fall under two distinct categories: manufacturing and non-manufacturing faults.
Typically occur within the first 3 months.
Where one cell will show a dramatically lower Specific Gravity (SG) reading than the other cells.
Usually resulting from physical damage to a battery during transportation.
Stringent quality assurance and inspection processes demanded by leading vehicle manufacturers ensure genuine manufacturing faults in Batteries are negligible.
These fall outside of BATTERY MASTER’s strict quality control systems and are more likely to occur the longer the battery is in service. They are often attributed to a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system, its operation or the battery application.
As a battery ages, grid metal corrodes and active material is lost from the plate. Over time this leads to a point where the battery will no longer be able to start a vehicle. High temperature will accelerate the degradation rates.
Incorrect fitment, handling and storage often leads to external damage and subsequent battery failure.
Fitting a smaller, less powerful battery or a battery designed for another application can lead to early failure.
Failure to maintain fluid levels exposes internal components and accelerates battery failure.
Occurs when the battery is allowed to stand in a discharged state for an extended period of time.
Often caused if the alternator is incorrectly set or the alternator voltage control fails.
Short journeys, stop start driving or faulty alternators will not fully recharge a battery.
Lights or other accessories left on for extended periods.