Extending the life and performance of your battery
Here at Bridge Batteries we know the cost of a new battery is sometimes an unexpected cost however on that is relevantly minor when it comes to being an essential operation to your vehicle. And when you have to incur such a cost, we want our customers to get the maximum life out of their new battery so there are a number of things you can do to maximise its performance and life :
1. Check your batteries state of charge regularly. Most sealed maintenance free vehicle batteries will have a visual indicator on top of the battery, however a voltmeter (if it’s a maintainable type) or a battery monitor will give you a much more accurate indication. The stabilised voltage of a fully charged battery should read higher than 12.5 volts. A proper voltage will ensure your alternator is doing its job and prevent shortened life from undercharging or overcharging. A running voltage of 13.8 – 14.5 is normal depending on your vehicle but anything well outside this range could be damaging your battery and can indicate your alternator is not functioning correctly. We can do these tests for you so if in doubt, drop in and see the team for a free battery health check.
2. Inspect the terminals and cable for signs of corrosion, damage, looseness or breakages. These should be neat, clean and tight.
3. Ensure the top of the battery is clean of any dirt or grime. This build up can cause surface discharge.
4. Apply a heavy duty anti-moisture, anti-corrosion lubricant to the terminals and cable connections.
5. If you have a maintainable lead acid battery, regularly check the electrolyte levels. If low, top up with distilled water to just above the lead plates or the indicator level shown inside each cell. Do not overfill as the electrolyte will expand during the charging process and may spill out. We sell distilled water if you need it.
6. Check for any signs of physical damage to the battery such as bulging or warping. This is normally due to overheating or overcharging and will significantly lower the life of your battery. Unfortunately if you find this condition exists, then its best to replace your battery immediately to prevent a breakdown when you least expect it. Come in and see us if you want to verify the battery condition.
7. If you plan on storing your battery long term or use its used seldomly (marine crafts, motorbikes, caravans), ensure to check the voltage regularly and charge when the voltage drops below 12.5 volts or keep the battery charged using an appropriate trickle charger. Ensure to check over the battery first before placing on charge. We stock and sell chargers for your needs.
8. If you do happen to flatten your battery, for example by leaving the lights on, place the battery on charge as soon as possible. The longer the battery sits in a discharged state, the more damage that will occur to the battery due to sulphation, a natural science that occurs inside the battery when discharged.
9. Preventative maintenance is key. The battery is the heart of your electrical system, whether it be in your vehicle or running your electrical components in your caravan. Keep it healthy and change it when necessary. We recommend changing out your battery periodically, about every 3-4 years to prevent getting stuck on the side of the road or a warm fridge.
If you have any more questions on how to look after your battery. Call us at Bridge Batteries in Murray Bridge or drop in for a free battery test.
