Battery Maintenance

Batteries have come a long way since the 60’s.  Back then, most – if not all – wet cell batteries were dry to start with.  In the storeroom of the gas station at which I worked, there was a large box with a plastic bag filled with electrolyte – sulfuric acid.  I found out it was acid the hard way; in filling a battery, I once managed to splash the electrolyte all over my pants.  I didn’t realize the power of the stuff until my work pants got washed.  They looked as if I had been shot by a machine gun – the one leg was nothing but holes!  Now there is an incredible variety of batteries that are available for every imaginable use: marine starting & trolling, auto, agricultural, industrial).  They all have at least one thing in common: they need to be maintained to some degree – even the “maintenance free” types.  They will lose their electrolyte during normal use and need to be checked; all need to be recharged.  Most of us still use the wet cell types for marine applications, although there are essentially three distinct types of lead acid batteries manufactured for marine applications, and any one type can be designed and built for either starting or deep cycle applications. These types are flooded acid, gelled acid, and Advanced AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat).  The gelled acid and AGM types are essentially maintenance free since they are sealed.  But because of this, be very careful when recharging them. They are also more expensive but do have their advantages.  The most important thing for the flooded acid variety is to keep them full.  Top them off with distilled water whenever possible; minerals in tap water can contaminate the electrolyte.  Keep the terminal clamps clean and free of corrosion; coat them with anti-corrosion spray or even petroleum jelly.  Check connections and keep them tight; watch for frayed wires and replace them.  And for a few bucks spent at your local auto parts store, a Battery Hydrometer – used to check the specific gravity (concentration of acid) is a good investment.  It is a great way to determine if one of the cells is bad.  If the difference in specific gravity is 30 points or more… it’s time to replace your battery!