Battery care and maintenance

BE CAREFUL

WARNING: Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away from batteries at all times. Protect your eyes at all times. Never lean over battery when jump starting or performing other maintenance.

SELECT THE PROPER SIZE BATTERY

Always select a battery that has enough cranking power and reserve capacity to get the job done. Consider the vehicle manufacturer's recommended capacity to be a minimum capacity guideline.

Along with electrical accessories, temperature also has a dramatic effect on battery performance. Vehicles that are operated in extremely hot or cold climates will need a battery that's rated well above the minimum O.E recommendation. Remember, you can't select a battery with too much power!

Temperature has a dramatic effect on a battery's ability to crank an engine. Not only does cold rob batteries of power, it also stiffens motor oil, making engines harder to start. And heat can damage batteries by causing internal components to wear out quickly while also making engines difficult to start. So do yourself a favour, select the higher capacity, more powerful batteries you'll need to tackle demanding climates.

IN VEHICLE SERVICE TIPS

(Remember see your local battery specialist if you need help or would like them to do this)

Remember... always wear safety glasses when working around batteries!

The first step to routinely servicing a battery is to make a visual inspection. Look for defective cables loose connectors corrosion, cracked cases or covers, loose hold-downs and deformed or loose terminal posts.

Remove and replace a battery at once if there are cracks in cover or case. Place the leaking battery in a plastic bag and take it to a Battery Town for proper recycling.

To remove corrosion and dirt from terminal posts, hold-downs, tray or hold-down parts, scrape or brush it off. Use a corrosion removing spray or immerse the part in a alkaline solution such as baking soda in the proportions of 1/2kg : 4ltrs. The corrosion is neutralized when the solutions stops bubbling. Wash the part with water, dry, replace and apply a prepared corrosion protection spray.

CHARGING TIPS

• Always refer to the Battery Charger instructions.
• Precautions when using the Battery Charger
• Batteries contain harmful acid and can emit explosive gases when charging. It is recommended when charging or working with batteries that your use safety glasses and safety clothing to protect from potential explosion or contact with acid.
• Ensure mains power to the charger is switched off at the wall before connecting or disconnecting the charger with a battery.
• Remove all loads from a battery before charging.
• Ensure the charger and battery is used in a well ventilated area and well away from inflammable substance.
• Do not use the charger in areas where it may be exposed to rain or moisture to prevent electrical shock.
• Do not use the charger if there is any physical damage to the charger’s enclosure or its electrical cabling.
• Follow the battery manufacturers recommendations at all times in relation to charging and maintaining the battery.
• Connecting the Battery Charger to a Battery:
• Ensure all “Precautions when using the Battery Charger” have been adhered to
• Ensure mains power is switched off to the charger before connecting or disconnecting the charger to a battery.
• Remove all loads from a battery before charging.
• Attach the colour coded output leads Red for positive (+) and Black for negative (-) to the correctly matching terminal of the battery.
• Ensure the connection clips are biting securely and firmly onto the battery terminals.
• Switch on the mains power at the wall and ensure the LED operation lights are illuminated correctly. (See Battery Charger operation)
• Switch off the mains power prior to disconnecting the chaarger, when the battery is charged.

JUMP STARTING YOUR BATTERY SAFELY

Shield eyes and face from batteries at all times! Be sure vent caps are tight and level. Place damp cloth over vent caps on both batteries. Be sure vehicles do not touch. Use a good quality booster cable set. Comproof leads are recommended.