EnerSys conducted a study evaluating the self-discharge and environmental exposure of ODYSSEY® Connect-enabled batteries stored in uncontrolled temperature conditions. The analysis focused on voltage behavior, time spent in specific voltage ranges and the impact of extreme temperature deltas on storage performance. The batteries were stored in an unconditioned outdoor storage container located in Climate Zone 4 of the Southeastern region of the United States. The...

Historically, European Union (EU) truck Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) engineered their fleets so that the battery was installed directly behind the main cabin. However, due to recent efforts to treat gas emissions, the original location near the exhaust stacks is now used for a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) reaction chamber, and the only remaining space for the battery is at the end of the frame...

Q. Why won’t my vehicle start on winter mornings? A. Heavy-duty vehicle engines need twice as much energy to operate when the temperature falls below freezing, and if you have a weak or damaged battery that can’t produce sufficient power, it could explain why your vehicle fails to start on icy mornings. Q. Should I use more than one battery to power my heavy-duty vehicle and its...

When handling batteries, always use protective gloves and eyewear, as well as insulated tools. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper battery maintenance and care and direct any questions to your battery professional. Check the battery’s State of Charge (SOC) If the battery is a conventional flooded lead acid battery, check the electrolyte and replenish as needed Inspect the case, terminals, cables and...

As seasons change, many powersports vehicles are decommissioned and put into storage. To help ensure a healthy battery when it’s time to power your vehicle back up to operate on land, sea or snow, consider the following storage guidelines: Inspect the battery to make sure the cables and their housings are in good condition and the connectors are secured tightly to the battery. For conventional flooded...

Engine cranks slowly when being started. A slow cranking engine could mean that your battery is beginning to fail. It’s best to first check all battery connections as well as the starter and fuel system to determine the root cause. Lights dim or problems with electronic/electrical devices, such as electric windows or locks. As with slow starting, lights that dim or electric windows and locks that are slow...

Tip One – Use the Correct Charger Make sure that your charger is designed for your type of marine battery. Conventional flooded lead acid batteries frequently require different charger systems and algorithms than AGM or lithium-ion batteries. Tip Two – Practice Proper Storage During the off-season, keep marine batteries stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place to help prevent corrosion and failure. Tip Three – Conduct Routine Servicing...

There are many different battery chemistries on the market today for your powersports vehicle and each one has its own unique characteristics. Let’s explore the different chemistries available to energize your powersports application to see which battery is right for you. Flooded Lead Acid Batteries Conventional flooded lead acid batteries are usually the least expensive option available but have many downfalls for this type of vehicle application....

When the time comes to invest in a new powersports battery for your All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or motorcycle, the type of chemistry you choose – whether it be a traditional flooded lead acid or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery – will play a pivotal part in the applications productivity. It’s important to understand the benefits and features of the different battery designs available on...

Batteries play a critical role in vehicle operation, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions that help to ensure maximum performance. MISCONCEPTION: You should never store a battery directly on concrete to avoid damaging it. At one time that may have been good advice, but today’s state-of-the-art battery cases are made of tough plastics such as polycarbonate or polypropylene for great impact...

Aftermarket experts are beginning to find that short-lived batteries in fleets may be due to the wrong choice in the vehicle alternator. Over the years, the alternator’s job has become more complex. Before, the typical heavy-duty vehicle could operate effectively with 40 amps of electrical current, which was enough to power the ignition, fuel and light systems. Fast forward to today and that threshold is rapidly...

Knowing the right battery solution to use to power your Recreational Vehicle (RV) can be a challenging task, especially given the different chemistries that are available on the market today. When this topic arises, we find that some customers have many more questions than answers. Below, please find a few of the commonly asked questions we receive and our team’s advice to help achieve optimal...