FAQs

How does a battery work?

Your battery does what it does best when it’s sitting idle under your hood. It stores chemical energy when it has nothing else to do, and waits to release it as electricity when you need it. When you put your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position, your battery receives a signal to go into action. It releases that stored chemical energy as electricity. This is what allows the engine to crank.

What is sulfation and how do I prevent it

The term sulfation describes the accumulation and growth of lead sulfate crystals inside the plates when a battery is in a discharged state for an extended period of time.

How do you perform a load test?

To pass a load test, the battery must maintain 9.6 volts at 15 seconds when tested at one-half the CCA rating and 70°F (or above). This test must be done with a true load (carbon pile) and not one of the handheld testers that work off a conductance algorithm. The test must be run with the battery in a high state of charge. Be sure to read and follow all safety and handling instructions on the battery, this website and your battery tested.

How should I store my batteries?

If storing your vehicle or battery for an extended period of time, aim to keep the battery charged at full capacity throughout the storage period. You can do this by using a battery maintainer – a device that will monitor your battery and keep it at full capacity during storage. If it is not possible to use a maintenance charger, you should fully charge the battery prior to storage and then disconnect it from the vehicle to prevent small electrical drains (such as in-car clocks, security systems and so on) from draining it.

Should I add water to my battery?

Under normal conditions the battery should not require adding water during its life. Certain circumstances, however, such as a charging system failure or extreme high temperatures for an extended length of time, can cause the electrolyte level to drop. Should these occur, take the battery to a mechanic or an auto service professional to determine if it needs water.