SOME MYTHS ABOUT BATTERIES
A. Storing a battery on a concrete floor will discharge
them.
Modern
lead acid battery cases are better sealed, so external
leakage causing
discharge is no longer a problem. [Temperature stratification
within
large batteries can accelerate the internal "leakage"
or self discharge
if the battery is sitting on an extremely cold floor in
a warm room
or installed in a submarine.]
B.
Driving a car will fully recharge a battery.
There
are a number of factors affecting alternator's ability
to charge a
battery.The greatest factors are how much current from
the alternator is
diverted to the battery to charge it, how long the current
is available and
temperature.Generally, running the engine at idle or short
"stop-and
go trips" during bad weather at night will not recharge
the battery.
C.
A battery will not explode.
While
spark retarding vent caps help, recharging a battery produces
hydrogen
and oxygen gasses.Battery explosions can also occur when
the lectrolyte
level is below the top of the plates. If a spark
or flame occurs,
an explosion will occur.
D. A battery will not lose it's charge sitting
in storage.
A
battery has self discharge or internal electrochemical
"leakage" that will
cause it to become fully discharged and sulfated over
time.Prior to storing
a battery, it should be fully charged, placed in
a cool location above
freezing, and recharged when it reaches the 80% state-of-charge
level
or once every six months, whichever occurs first.If left
in a vehicle,
disconnect the negative cable.
E. Maintenance free batteries never require electrolyte.
In
hot climates, the electrolyte could be "boiled off"
due to the highunderhood
temperatures.Electrolyte could also be lost due to excessive
charging
voltage or charging currents.
F. Test the alternator by disconnecting the battery
with the engine
running.
A
battery is like a voltage stabilizer or filter to the
pulsating DC produced
by the alternator. Disconnecting a battery while the engine
is running
can destroy the electronic components, e.g., computers,
radio, stereo,
alarm system, etc., or the charging system. Just say NO!
if anyone
suggests this.
FAQ's on Battery's
For some handy
tips on Battery maintenance
Do
It Your Self
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