Battery Handling and Maintenance Safety Guide
Car batteries come in many forms and sizes, but the way they all work is similar.
Modern day car batteries are based on a lead-acid storage design. Essentially, it's an electrochemical device that transforms chemical energy into electrical energy. When a battery is placed under a load, meaning when a car is switched on or started, the car battery converts stored chemicals into electricity, and the power flows through the wires to its target.
There are many different parts to any car battery and any of these can malfunction causing the battery to stop working at its optimum capacity (flat battery) or shut down completely (failed battery). In order to keep a car battery running smoothly, battery maintenance should be carried out on a regular basis.
Before you even think of carrying out any battery maintenance, some safety precautions should be followed as car batteries can be dangerous items to handle due to the fact that they contain acids, flammable vapours and other corrosive chemicals. You should always have your battery handled by a qualified technician. Eagle batteries at no times recommends or advises that you attempt this your self, however if you are intending on handling your battery please read carefully.
The following safety precautions should be practiced at all times when handling a battery:
- Disconnect the battery before carrying out any battery maintenance
- Wear goggles and a protective face guard
- Always pour acid into water (slowly) and NOT WATER INTO ACID
- Whilst performing battery maintenance disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last
- Remove jewellery/watches before handling the battery
- Don't perform any battery maintenance where there are open flames or the possibility of sparks
- Always work in a well-ventilated area
- Ensure the battery is securely fastened at the end of any maintenance
Battery Maintenance Checklist
- Check the water level. The optimum level is when the water is just touching the bottom of the refill hole. If the battery needs water use only distilled water, tap water can easily damage a battery
- Don't overfill the battery as this could cause more damage and corrosion
- To ensure a good connection, clean the battery terminals with a wire brush. After cleaning make sure all the connections are secure; many battery related problems arise from dirty or loose connections. If the connections are very dirty, you could use some baking soda to aid in the cleaning process
- Try and keep your car in a garage. This will extend the battery's life and prevent the formation of rust or corrosion
- Ensure the battery is properly secured in its bay. A loose battery may topple over, spill battery acid or cause other damage to your vehicle or the battery itself
- Give the battery a visible inspection. If there are any cracks in the battery body, it should be replaced, regardless of how it is performing.
Car batteries are often the most neglected part of our vehicles and their failure is difficult to predict. We pay attention to them only after we start notice issues with them or the car won't start. Regular car battery maintenance and cleaning will help keep your battery and vehicle running smoothly, prolong the life of your battery and could save you $$$'s , time and the inconvenience of breakdown.
Even if your battery is not on its way out the team at Eagle Batteries can tell you if it is properly charged and in good working order. We perform a simple and quick test on your battery and vehicle charging system. And we provide you with a report on the health of both.
If you do need a battery Eagle Batteries team will install a high quality battery for you on the spot. We can also safely dispose of your old battery in environmentally friendly approved by EPA (Environment Protection Authority) and the local council.
Battery care tips
Your car battery is the heart of your engine's electrical system and maintaining its health is crucial to keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
How to avoid a flat or dead battery
Don't leave lights or accessories on
Drive your vehicle regularly to prevent it from losing its state of charge
Try to take a steady 1 hour drive each week
Have the charge rate of your battery checked at every service
Keep your battery case clean
Inspect the battery terminals regularly to ensure they haven't loosened during driving vibration
Have your engine serviced regularly as poor engine condition can overload the battery
Car battery safety tips
Metallic objects should not be placed on top of the battery
Keep flames or sparks away from the battery at all times
Never add acid to cells and keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing or any other material which may become damaged. If contamination occurs, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away
Batteries should always be installed by a qualified professional.
Removing corrosion and calcium build-up
Corrosion and build-up of calcium deposits on the battery terminals can keep your car from starting. Below is a simple method to removing this build up.
Precautions
Your vehicle's battery creates gases that are potentially explosive. Never smoke near your battery or use a match or other open flame near it
Keep metal objects, including watches and jewellery, away from your battery terminals – contact could create a s spark and ignite the gases
Battery acid is caustic - use safety goggles and rubber gloves, and avoid contact with your skin, eyes, nose or mouth
Always make sure your engine is turned off before you check your battery
Never remove or damage the vent caps
Make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated
Cleaning battery corrosion
1. Remove the ground connection first by removing the negative (-) terminal from the post. Remove the ground connection first by removing the negative (-) terminal from the post
2. Remove the positive (+) terminal from the post
3. Scrub any corrosion off the terminals, cables and posts using a stiff brush
4. For tough build up, use a solution of baking soda and water, taking special care that none gets inside the battery
5. Reconnect the terminals in the reverse order from which you removed them, positive (+) first, then negative (-)
6. Double-check to make sure the connections are tight and secure
Winter is when your battery is prone to failure
When you turn the ignition key to start your car, everything depends on the battery hidden somewhere in your car's engine compartment. Batteries don't have to work too hard in the summer, but when the temperature drops and the winter chill sets in, stay alert because it's that time of the year that your precious battery is prone to failure.
So what can you do to avoid a dead battery?
We recommend that car owners start paying close attention to their batteries after three years of installation. If your battery is starting to go, the first thing you'll probably notice is that the car sounds sluggish when trying to start. This is a major warning sign that shouldn't be ignored.
But if you hear sluggish sounds when you start up your car, do not immediately assume that the battery needs replacing. Check that the battery connections are tight and that the wires are not broken or disconnected. Also ensure that your terminals are clean – refer to battery care tips (hyperlink to the section please)
If your battery has caps, remove them and check that the fluid inside is about 5mm above the plates, or between the levels as indicated on the battery case. If low, top up with distilled water and avoid overfilling. Mop up any spillage. Some batteries are permanently sealed so you won't be able to check the fluid if this is the case.
If none of this reveals the source of the problem call Eagle Batteries. We will come to you anytime, and test your car's charging system thoroughly before installing a new battery.
Battery testing, as well as delivery and installation by a qualified technician, is all part of the service we provide at Eagle Batteries.