Battery care and maintenance

For a battery to remain in good working order, it should be maintained in a fully charged state by the vehicle’s charging system. Where a battery is used as a means of alternative power, it is generally charged by means of an independent charger or rectifier which supplies controlled direct current (DC).
An independent charger is also used to charge motor vehicle batteries that have become discharged due to faulty alternators, charging systems or if left unused for prolonged periods.
If the following hints are adhered to, a battery will provide extended and trouble free service.

Do’s
• Store batteries in a clean and dry area (in order to prevent deterioration).
• Store batteries in a fully charged state. (12V Battery above 12.4V).
• Ensure a correct polarity connection when recharging and fitting.
• Follow proper recharging schedules to prevent overcharging. Ensure charging is conducted in a well ventilated area.
• Ensure that the battery is always clean and dry, with the terminals coated with petroleum jelly  (vaseline) or proprietary terminal protectors. Do not use greases which may contain metal additives.
• Always wear protective clothing when working with batteries.

Dont's
• Do not store batteries in a discharged state.
• Do not test batteries by shorting across terminal posts with wire, spanners, etc.
• Do not allow open flames or sparks near a battery as it could explode (batteries give off flammable gasses).
• Do not use a single spanner to loosen or tighten the terminal clamp as this could damage the post lid seal. Use a spanner to the nut and a second spanner to the bolt.
• Do not use the starter motor to propel the vehicle or leave the vehicle parked with accessories switched on for extended periods.
• Do not lean over a battery when charging or testing.
• Do not put any metal objects on top of a battery.

Battery removal and installation

The following procedures can be used for the removal and fitment of an automotive battery:

Battery Removal

1. Before removing the old battery take note which terminal Pos+ or Neg – is connected to the ground cable. The grounded cable is usually connected to the engine or chassis.
2. Disconnect ground or negative (-) cable first. This will prevent sparks caused by accidental short circuiting.
3. Disconnect the positive cable form the terminal post and then remove the battery hold-downs.
4. Finally remove the battery from the vehicle.
Battery Service and Maintenance:
1. Inspect the battery tray, hold–downs and clamps. Replace any items damaged by excessive corrosion.
2. Use a wire brush to clean corrosion from battery tray and clamps. Clean all corrosion from tray, hold-downs and cables. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Severely corroded components should be washed and neutralised by using a solution of Bicarbonate of Soda mixed with warm water (10grams, or1 tablespoon to 1 litre of water).
3. Using a post and clamp cleaner, clean both battery terminals and the inside of both cable clamps until they have a bright metallic shine. The cleaning ensures good electrical contact.
Battery Fitment:
1. VERY IMPORTANT STEP
Carefully place the new battery in the tray making certain the (+) and (-) are in the same position in relation to the grounded cable(as noted in step 1). This procedure ensures correct polarity. Replace the battery hold-downs but do not over tighten at this point.
2. Follow the reverse of the procedure in the removing the battery. Connect the positive cable first, and then connect the grounded cable. Make sure both cable connections to the terminals are tight. Coat the terminals and the cable clamps with petroleum jelly or a propriaty terminal protector. Do not use grease which may contain metal additives.
3. The hold-down nuts can now be tightened securely. Do not over tighten.
4. Installation is complete. To ensure battery is installed correctly, turn ignition on. If battery is properly installed, the ammeter (or charge indicator in some vehicles) will show discharged. Crank the engine. Once the engine is running, the ammeter or charge indicator light should function correctly.
5. It is advisable to always have the vehicle’s charging system checked after fitment of a new battery.

How to Charge a Battery

The battery should be charged in a well-ventilated area. Remove caps of the battery if the battery is not a maintenance free battery. For a maintenance free battery use the correct charger ensuring life span of the battery remains intact.
Follow the charger manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure that the charger is switched off before connecting to the battery. Connect the charger leads to the battery terminals with the red positive (+) lead to the positive terminal and the black or blue negative (-) lead to the negative terminal. The battery should not be charged whilst still connected to the vehicle as the voltages reached during charge can damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
Never touch the charger leads while the charger is switched on. This could break the circuit creating a spark which could result in an explosion.