| Battery Care |
| Batteries do have a limited life, you can avoid breakdown's by getting your battery regularly tested. |
| Maintaining your batteries electrolyte levels ensures the electrolyte is neither too high or too low. Use distilled or deionised water and never over fill. Maintenance free batteries will usually not require topping up. Low maintenance batteries require the addition of water only once or twice a year depending on usage and conditions. |
| Make sure battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight. The application of a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help reduce corrosion. |
| Overcharging batteries can cause deterioration and corrosion which shortens battery life. A battery needing to be topped up continually with water is a sure sign that the car's electrical system requires careful checking. This may also affect a maintenance free battery. |
| Dirt on the batteries surface can lead to discharge and corrosion. Avoid spilling oil or grease onto the top of the battery. To remove dirt or moisture, wash with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water then rinse with clean water. Ensure vent plugs are firmly in place . |
To avoid shorting, metallic objects should not be placed on top of the battery. Batteries contain hydrogen gas and air in a volatile mixture which is easily ignited. Keep flames or sparks away from the battery at all times.
Batteries contain sulphuric acid. Never add acid to cells and keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing or any other material which may become damaged. If contamination occurs, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away. When lifting batteries ensure correct lifting procedures are used. |
| An undercharged battery or underutilised battery will slowly discharge (go flat) over time and reduce it's life. This is common in vehicles, motorbikes or boats left unused for long periods of time. Always keep a battery disconnected when not in use and fully charged to ensure maximum life. |
