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EnerSys Experts Share Their Car Battery “Dos and Don’ts” for Maximum Performance

October is Fall Car Care Month and the opportune time to check in on the condition of your vehicle by conducting maintenance to your onboard components as needed. This includes everything from the cabin air filter, tires, brakes, automatic locks and windshield wiper fluid to the battery – which is responsible for not only starting the engine but keeping the in-cabin electronics and accessories in operation.

As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and direct any questions to your battery professional.

DON’T Overcharge and/or Undercharge the Battery

Overcharging a battery can cause excessive gassing and for conventional flooded lead acid batteries, the buildup of gases could prompt the battery to leak. Avoid using a flooded battery charger or a flooded battery mode, or any charger that will charge with sustained voltages exceeding 14.8 volts on any AGM battery.

An undercharged battery means that it is not receiving enough charge to return it to a full State of Charge (SOC). This can cause several problems to the battery’s performance including reduced capacity, sulfation, corrosion build-up on the terminals and over-discharging.

DO Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks

Conducting regular maintenance checks on the battery can help contribute to its longevity and productivity. This includes things like checking the battery’s SOC, inspecting the case, terminals, cables and clamps for damage, wear and dirt as well as examining the battery for signs of corrosion.

If the battery needs replacement, be sure to disconnect all cables from the battery before removing it from the vehicle.

DON’T Overheat or Freeze the Battery

The environment in which the battery inhabits – whether sitting dormant or installed in a vehicle that endures harsh weather conditions – will have an impact on its overall performance.

For instance, if you store a battery in a location that can reach freezing temperatures, such as a garage during the winter, you run the risk of a frozen battery, if it is not at a full SOC. One visual sign of a frozen battery is that the sides will begin to bow out. When this occurs, the battery cannot be repaired and should be replaced immediately.

On the other hand, an overheated battery can also accelerate the onset of premature failure. Excessive heat can shorten battery life due to loss of water; so, if you’re using a conventional flooded lead acid battery, make sure it is refilled as directed and that the battery itself is properly ventilated. Keeping a fully charged vehicle battery on a continuous charging cycle can also overheat the battery and minimize its standard lifespan.

DO Ask Questions

You are the customer and should be given the highest level of service from your battery manufacturer so don’t be afraid to ask questions. The last thing you’d want is learning you purchased the wrong model or battery chemistry because you were too hesitant to speak up about any uncertainties.

DON’T Install the Battery Wrong

It’s important that when you are installing a new battery into your vehicle, that it is firmly secured to its mounting bracket. An unsecured battery can become completely loose while driving, causing damage to the battery as well as the risk of short circuits that could lead to an accident if out on the road.

DO Top Off the Battery if Needed

If the fluid level is low in your traditional flooded lead acid battery, it’s considered best practice to add distilled water based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.

DON’T Charge a Battery with Your Car’s Alternator

You should not expect your vehicles alternator to charge back a failed battery. It’s considered best practice to use an external charger for the best results.

Also, for cars that are stored for long periods of time, do not expect to start occasionally for the purpose of charging back the battery using the alternator. Again, try using an external charger for battery maintenance while in long term storage.

DO Consider ODYSSEY® Batteries for Your Next Investment

ODYSSEY® batteries are engineered with Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology that can be made thinner than the plates featured in conventional flooded lead acid batteries, so more fit into the same size footprint to provide greater surface area. This enables more electrochemical reactions with the electrolyte to produce more power than conventional batteries of comparable size. In addition to greater starting power, ODYSSEY® batteries provide ample deep cycling reserve power, with engine cranking pulses up to 3,125 amps for five seconds, which is double that of equally sized conventional lead acid batteries. They also feature sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) construction, which packs the plates tightly in absorbent fiberglass separators that hold the electrolyte and make the batteries maintenance-free. The rugged, AGM construction and non-spillable design of ODYSSEY® batteries also protect against high-impact shock and mechanical vibration, helping to provide longer service life.

Backed by an industry-leading warranty, ODYSSEY® batteries feature a two-year storage life at 77°F (25°C) and are available in a wide variety of sizes with Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) as high as 2,250.

Check out our websites at www.odysseybattery.com and www.eu.odysseybattery.com for the latest ODYSSEY® battery global news and updates.

You can also connect with us on social media using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY by following us on the below platforms based on region:
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About EnerSys

EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.

Sustainability

Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.