Recommissioning the boat for open waters requires numerous tasks involving all parts and systems of the boat, including the battery. Successful recommissioning without purchasing new batteries will depend a lot on the batteries you choose, as well as how they were decommissioned. Boat owners have found that an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery recovers well from deep discharge. This makes it more tolerant of storage abuses...

Vehicle idling, which is running the engine while the vehicle in not in motion, wastes fuel and contributes to air pollution. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more emissions than stopping and restarting the engine. The combined waste created when light- and heavy-duty vehicles run idle is estimated to be 6 billion gallons...

In an article that appears on FleetMaintenance.com, ODYSSEY® Battery lists the seven most common signs that it’s time to replace the battery: the engine cranks slowly when being started, lights dim or problems arise with electronic/electrical devices, the engine won’t start after sitting overnight or after it was just turned off, accessory runtime is decreasing, additional loads are added to the vehicle, the vehicle is operated in...

When decommissioning a boat for the winter, preparing the marine battery properly for storage will ensure that the engine will start when the boat is re-commissioned in the spring. Following the appropriate maintenance and storage practices are necessary for the battery to perform reliably throughout its intended service life. Battery Technologies Some battery technologies are better suited for long-term storage than others. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are...

Just about everyone has had the experience of turning the key in their car and nothing happens. There are only a handful of reasons why your car won’t start, including the starter, a starter solenoid or the battery. But in the majority of cases, this is usually a good indicator it needs a new battery. When it comes time to pick a new battery, in order...

Choosing the right battery and charger system can help save money in the long run Batteries are the lifeline of modern boats. Besides performing their primary function of starting the motor, they are responsible for running everything from fish finders, navigation lights, stereos and aerator pumps, among other on-board electronic accessories. However, buying new boat batteries can be a daunting task because each boat is unique...

How do newer types of batteries, such as Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), differ from conventional lead acid batteries? AGM batteries, like wet cell “flooded” and gel cell batteries, are types of lead acid batteries. But the unique design and enhanced features set AGM batteries apart from the others in terms of power, shelf life and durability. And, ODYSSEY® AGM batteries, with Thin Plate Pure Lead...

The driving season is coming to an end and you’re getting ready to put your classic vehicle to bed for the winter season. However, storing a car battery for an extended time isn’t the same as putting your cordless drill back in the toolbox, expecting it to perform without any problems the next time you need it. Most car collectors find themselves with either a conventional...

Frigid temperatures and harsh conditions can wreak havoc on your vehicle, including the battery. To ensure you don’t have any issues with your vehicle’s battery this season, learn how to properly care for the battery, and what benefits the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology used in ODYSSEY® batteries, can provide. What effect do extremely cold temperatures have on AGM batteries? Cold affects batteries in a similar way...