Battery Care

[sunedog]

I work for an industrial company and I just returned from a two hour lunch and learn sponsored by the world's largest maker of industrial batteries. The seminar was conducted by an engineer with 30 years of design experience. I asked two questions that apply to the batteries I use in my car and boats. The answers dispel any old wives tales, urban legends, or misinformation.

1) Q: Is there anything wrong with adding tap water to a battery?

A: Yes! Tap water may contain impurities that basically alter the battery chemistry and can ruin the battery. He mentioned iron and copper as two elements found in low concentrations in tap water. There is not enough to hurt humans, but it can ruin a battery. Well water is to be avoided because it commonly has high iron content. Use only distilled or de-ionized water in batteries.

2) Q: Is there anything wrong with storing or charging a battery that rests on concrete?

A: No. Modern batteries with plastic cases will not experience current draw into concrete. However, batteries are very heavy and we have a tendency to slide them around on the floor instead of picking them up. Even smooth concrete is very abrasive and can damage the plastic case through friction.

Side notes: Interstate Batteries does not manufacture any of their own batteries. His company makes Interstate's high end models under a private label contract. A cheap battery does not last as long as a more expensive model because the plates are thinner and the acid solution is weaker. Hopefully, you get what you pay for.

[JLester273]

Good info.

[ROLAND]

thanks for the info... good stuff to know... I have only used a starting battery in my boat since the day I bought it... it came with a Continental battery in it.. in 7 years I've used 2 of them and never had any trouble from them, which is great since I didn't use a tender on them during the off season.. just let them sit in the boat.. This year I installed a different battery that I read a lot of good reviews about. I bought a deka marine master and so far so good.. only time will tell.

[rancherlee]

Another tip, if you think you need more CCA please consider upsizing the battery instead if you have the room. Higher CCA rating in an equal size case means the battery has thinner and more tightly packed plates which makes its easier for the battery to fail. Back in my auto mechanic days I changed out quite a few high CCA batteries that failed in 2-3 years, while regular CCA batteries had no problem going 5-6 years on average. High CCA batteries are common up here since they turn over engines quicker at -20.