General Information regarding batteries, we hope you find this section of our site informative and helpful.
What Are They Made Of:
Most car batteries are lead-acid batteries. The
lead acid battery is made up of plates, lead, and lead oxide
(various other elements are used to change density, hardness,
porosity, etc.) with a 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water solution.
This solution is called electrolyte which causes a chemical
reaction that produce electrons. When you test a battery with
a hydrometer you are measuring the amount of sulfuric acid in
the electrolyte. If your reading is low, that means the chemistry
that makes electrons is lacking. So where did the sulfur go?
It is stuck to the battery plates and when you recharge the
battery the sulfur returns to the electrolyte.
Basically
there are two types of batteries; starting (cranking), and
deep cycle( marine/golf cart). The starting battery is designed
to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines)
and have a greater plate count. The plates will also be thinner
and have somewhat different material composition. The deep
cycle battery has less instant energy but greater long-term
energy delivery. Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates
and can survive a number of discharge cycles. Starting batteries
should not be used for deep cycle applications. The so-called
Dual Purpose Battery is only a compromise between the 2 types
of batteries.
 Top
How Do They Work:
When you place the key in your car's ignition and turn the
ignition switch to "ON," a signal is sent to the
car's battery. Upon receiving this signal, the car battery
takes energy that it has been storing in chemical form and
releases it as electricity. This electrical power is used
to crank the engine. The battery also releases energy to power
the car's lights and other accessories.
Top
Storage
Tips:
Auto batteries
have a couple of ways they may become discharged when stored
for a long period of time. If they are in a car, most cars
computers and radios will draw a small amount of current to
keep the memory active. Normally, this isn't a lot, but can
be enough to discharge a battery over a long period of time.
Batteries also have a certain amount of self discharge, they
will slowly discharge without any load connected.
There
is a condition that affects the capacity of the battery called
sulfation. It is a layer that is built up on the plates from
long periods of discharge caused by a reaction between the
lead plates and the sulfuric acid. A quick charge will not
remove it, however a long trickle charge can partially restore
it. A former auto company engineer gave the example of a battery
he had in a seldom used car under this condition, the "green
eye" in this car battery would not stay green (indicating
a charged battery) even after a quick charge. He put the battery
on a trickle charger for a week, and it returned to normal
operation. This effect is why it is good to try and determine
the date code of any battery you buy in the store, if it has
been on the shelf for over a year, it is better to try to
find one somewhere else.
Tip: If
you are going to have a battery in storage for months at a
time in a car, disconnect it from the car, it will reduce
the discharge. Or, periodically charge the battery, maybe
once every 2 to 4 weeks. If you have it in storage disconnected
from the car, a charge every month or two will help keep the
self discharge from draining the battery. You may also look
for regulated trickle chargers that are designed for this
type of application.
Top
Recycling:
Battery acid is recycled by neutralizing it into water or
converting it to sodium sulfate for laundry detergent, glass
and textile manufacturing.
Plastic is recycled by cleaning the battery case, melting
the plastic and reforming it into uniform pellets.
Lead, which makes up 50% of every battery, is melted, poured
into slabs and purified.
Top
Safety and Handling Guidelines:
Whenever you’re handling or working with a lead-acid
battery, consult your vehicle and battery owners’ manual
for instructions and safety precautions.
Lead-acid batteries contain hydrogen-oxygen gases than can
be explosive and sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns.
To help avoid risk of danger and injury, observe these precautions
when handling or working with a lead-acid battery:
 |
Wear
approved safety glasses or goggles and a face shield |
|
Wear
proper clothing to protect your face, hands and body. |
|
Make
sure work area is well-ventilated. |
|
Never
lean over battery while boosting, testing or charging. |
|
Cigarettes,
flames or sparks could cause a battery to explode. |
|
Always
shield eyes and face from battery. |
|
Do
not charge or use booster cables or adjust post connections
without proper instructions and training. |
|
Keep
vent caps tight and level. |
|
In event of accident, flush with water and call a physician
immediately. |
|
Keep
out of reach of children. |
Top |
