FAQs – First Battery Centre Parys

Q: What is the difference between a car battery and a leisure battery?

A car battery is designed to provide a very large amount of current for a short period of time – known as micro-cycling (except for start/stop vehicles). This surge of current is needed to turn the engine over during starting. Once the engine starts, the alternator provides all the power the car needs. Used in this way a car battery can last a number of years. To provide a large amount of starting, a car battery uses thin plates to increase the plate surface area. A leisure battery is designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. It can provide a surge when needed but less than a car battery can. Leisure batteries are also designed to be discharged over and over again (something that would ruin a car battery very quickly). To accomplish this, leisure batteries sometimes use thicker plates and added glass mat separators to increase the life of the positive plates. The purpose of a leisure battery is to provide power for trolling motors, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) and other accessories for marine, recreational vehicle (RV), commercial and stationary applications.

Q: Why does my battery only start my car sometimes?

This is probably not a battery problem. If the problem occurs only after the vehicle is not used overnight or for a day or more before starting, then the problem is often a low state of charge. If the battery starts the vehicle once the vehicle has been started recently, test your battery to determine its state of charge. Also make sure that the alternator is adequately charging and that all the connections are good. If the problem continues, see your local Battery Centre. Find a Battery Centre near you.

Q: How long can I leave my battery unused?

Lack of use is one of the biggest causes of battery failure – especially in automotive batteries that are designed to be charged regularly by an alternator. Any unused battery, regardless of the type, will self-discharge over time and if allowed to remain discharged, could suffer failure. The rate of self-discharge depends on the type of battery and the storage temperature.

Q: Can a battery really explode?

Yes. When working with or near a battery, or jump-starting a vehicle, take these important precautions. Wear glasses or safety goggles Shield your eyes and face from the battery Keep as much distance as possible from the battery Read warning labels on your battery Do not cause any flames or sparks near a battery Read your vehicle instruction manual before jump-starting If you get acid on your skin or in your eyes, flush with water immediately and seek medical attention.

Q: How do I know when to replace my battery?

You may need to consider replacing your battery if, Your starter motor is experiencing slow or interrupted turnover. Your instrument panel battery light indicates battery discharge for extended periods after the engine is running. Your battery seems to lose power quickly in cold or extended starts. Your headlights dim at idle. Any of these warning signals may also indicate a problem with the electrical system in your vehicle and not necessarily a battery failure. A battery that is about to fail will often give little or no warning. If you suspect that your battery is failing, have it tested or replaced as soon as possible at your local Battery Centre. Find a Battery Centre near you.

Q: How can I avoid battery problems?

Ensure that the vehicle charging system is in good working condition. Ensure battery terminals are free of corrosion and are tightly fitted. Visit your nearest Battery Centre for a free battery test. Find a branch near you. Ensure the battery is held in place in the vehicle and that it is not loose. Visit your nearest Battery Centre and have our fitment specialists check your battery for free. Find a branch near you. Ensure your battery is the right capacity for your vehicle. Make sure there are no short circuits or continuous drains of current (such as an alarm or immobiliser) over long periods without the battery being charged. Avoid using jumper cables, as this is likely to damage the battery terminals. Periodically ensure the battery is fully charged by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Perform regular battery checks at your local Battery Centre. Find a branch near you.

Q: What are the dangers of handling a battery?

When being charged, or even when not in use, batteries may contain hydrogen gas and air in an explosive mixture. This gas can be ignited by naked flames from matches, cigarette lighters, sparks from short circuits caused by spanners or incorrectly connected jumper leads. Always disconnect the earth lead first and replace it last when removing or replacing batteries. This will minimise the risk of a short circuit between tools and vehicle frame. Battery electrolyte contains sulphuric acid that can cause damage to the vehicle as well as eyes, skin or clothes if spilt or splashed. Wash or hose off acid splashes with a water and baking soda mixture to neutralise electrolyte in inaccessible spaces on a vehicle. If the eyes are splashed, flush with running water and seek medical help urgently.