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Battery Care
Battery Care

WELCOME TO BATTERY MAINTENANCE

WELCOME TO
BATTERY MAINTENANCE

The battery, or more accurately, the “STORAGE BATTERY” is an electrochemical device. It stores chemical energy which is released as electrical energy when connected to an external load such as the vehicle’s starter motor or lighting system.

In order to keep the battery in good working order it has to be kept fully charged by the vehicle’s alternator or generator. Batteries used in other applications such as caravans or burglar alarms are charged by means of an independent charger which supplies direct current to the battery through rectification. It is also necessary, from time to time, to charge motor vehicle batteries which have become discharged due to faulty alternators or charging systems by this means.

Other than this a battery requires a minimal amount of care in order to extent its life appreciably. The battery will give extended and trouble free service if the following hints are adhered to.

Battery Care
Battery Care

The battery, or more accurately, the “STORAGE BATTERY” is an electrochemical device. It stores chemical energy which is released as electrical energy when connected to an external load such as the vehicle’s starter motor or lighting system.

In order to keep the battery in good working order it has to be kept fully charged by the vehicle’s alternator or generator. Batteries used in other applications such as caravans or burglar alarms are charged by means of an independent charger which supplies direct current to the battery through rectification. It is also necessary, from time to time, to charge motor vehicle batteries which have become discharged due to faulty alternators or charging systems by this means.

Other than this a battery requires a minimal amount of care in order to extent its life appreciably. The battery will give extended and trouble free service if the following hints are adhered to.

Cleaning:

The battery, at all times, be kept clean and dry. The electrolyte which is used in a battery is Sulphuric Acid which is both conductive and corrosive. If acid is evident, it will cause an electrical discharge path which slowly discharges the battery. It also damages the paint work and metal parts of the vehicle. Evidence of acid is generally due to the overfilling of the battery or possibly a damaged casing and should be investigated and remedied immediately.

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Battery Posts, Terminals & Cables:

Battery terminals tend to corrode due to electrolysis and the acid fumes which are evident. These should be cleaned by soaking them in bicarbonate solution for a while.

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Topping Up:

The electrolyte levels of the battery should be checked regularly. These should be corrected to the level indicated or 10-15 mm above the plates, which are visible through the vents.

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Charging System:

The condition and tension of the alternator/fan belt should be checked on a routine basis. A high pitched squeal when accelerating is an indication of a loose or worn belt and will adversely affect the charging of the battery.

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Testing:

Battery testing is usually carried out by means of a Hydrometer, which is used to determine the specific gravity (S.G.) of the electrolyte. The S.G’s indicate the state of charge of the individual cells of the battery.  As a battery  discharges the S.G. decreases.

More

Load Testing:

Hydrometer testing can be accompanied by load testing. This is performed by means of a test instrument fitted with volt and ampere meters, which indicate the battery voltage and current draw of the battery under load.

More

Battery Charging:

The charging of batteries out of the vehicle is recommended to fully restore batteries that have become discharged due to faulty electrical systems and to correctly charge them for testing. Batteries used for caravans or as portable power supplies do not always have built in charging facilities and also require regular independent charging.

More

Cleaning:

The battery, at all times, be kept clean and dry. The electrolyte which is used in a battery is Sulphuric Acid which is both conductive and corrosive. If acid is evident, it will cause an electrical discharge path which slowly discharges the battery. It also damages the paint work and metal parts of the vehicle. Evidence of acid is generally due to the overfilling of the battery or possibly a damaged casing and should be investigated and remedied immediately.

More

Battery Posts, Terminals & Cables:

Battery terminals tend to corrode due to electrolysis and the acid fumes which are evident. These should be cleaned by soaking them in bicarbonate solution for a while.

More

Topping Up:

The electrolyte levels of the battery should be checked regularly. These should be corrected to the level indicated or 10-15 mm above the plates, which are visible through the vents.

More

Charging System:

The condition and tension of the alternator/fan belt should be checked on a routine basis. A high pitched squeal when accelerating is an indication of a loose or worn belt and will adversely affect the charging of the battery.

More

Testing:

Battery testing is usually carried out by means of a Hydrometer, which is used to determine the specific gravity (S.G.) of the electrolyte. The S.G’s indicate the state of charge of the individual cells of the battery.  As a battery  discharges the S.G. decreases.

More

Load Testing:

Hydrometer testing can be accompanied by load testing. This is performed by means of a test instrument fitted with volt and ampere meters, which indicate the battery voltage and current draw of the battery under load.

More

Battery Charging:

The charging of batteries out of the vehicle is recommended to fully restore batteries that have become discharged due to faulty electrical systems and to correctly charge them for testing. Batteries used for caravans or as portable power supplies do not always have built in charging facilities and also require regular independent charging.

More

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Your opinions are important to us. Whether it is a simple
question or a valuable suggestion, we are here to help.
You can call us by phone or email us directly.

Your opinions are important to us. Whether it is a simple question or a valuable suggestion, we are here to help. You can call us by phone or email us directly.

Info

+267 397 4836
info@taurus.co.bw

Address

Taurus Batteries Head Office
Plot 6380/81, Legolo Road
Broadhurst Industrial
Gaborone

Taurus Batteries (Pty) Ltd

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