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Frequently asked questions​

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does a battery work?

Your battery does what it does best when it’s sitting idly 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.

Why won’t my car start?

One of the reasons is a weak or dead battery. If you have a battery tester that can measure cranking amps, use it to see if the battery is weak. If you can’t test the battery, try jump-starting . If the car starts right away, your problem is most likely a dead battery. Charge the battery and clean the terminals and cable connectors to ensure good contact. If your car does not start by jump-starting, you may have a problem with your starter, alternator or another component of the electrical system. Be sure to read and follow all safety and handling instructions on the battery and this website.

How do I charge a lead-acid battery?
To charge an automotive battery, refer to your owner’s manual and your battery charger manual for instructions. Read and follow all safety and handling instructions that came with your charger and battery. Battery chargers will charge a battery based on its condition and at a rate appropriate for its state of charge. Charging voltages run from 13.8 volts to a maximum of 15.5 volts for most applications. Finally, remember that batteries contain sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns, and hydrogen-oxygen gases that can be explosive. Charge in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to follow all safety and handling.
How do I jump-start my vehicle?
See the step-by-step instructions on our Jump-starting page. You’ll need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a charged battery. You can find cables at gas stations, auto parts stores or just about anywhere you buy car parts. Be sure to read and follow the safety and handling information on the battery, this website, and on the jumper cables.
Do I need to charge my battery after I jump-start my vehicle?
We recommend fully charging your battery at the first opportunity after its being jump-started.
 
When fully charged, what should the voltage of my battery be?
A 12-volt battery is considered fully charged at 12.6 volts.
Will letting my vehicle idle charge my battery?
Idling or frequently making short stop-and-go trips will not recharge the battery effectively.
Should I remove the vent caps before charging my battery?

Charging should never occur without vent caps. In general, vent caps should always remain tightly in place and in a level position.

What should I consider when buying a battery?

There are several key factors you should consider. If you are unsure of the requirements in any of these areas, check your vehicle owner’s manual or ask your mechanic about the original equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for:

  • Technology Type
  • Battery group size
  • Cold cranking amps (CCA)
  • Reserve capacity (RC)

Find the right battery for your vehicle with our Battery Selector. Consult a replacement guide to ensure that the replacement battery fit properly (with the correct clearance) under the hood or trunk lid.

What is the difference between deep-cycle and starting batteries?

Starting, Lighting, Ignition (SLI) – These batteries deliver a large burst of power for a short time as needed for normal engine starting. The battery is then recharged by the alternator. Unlike a deep-cycle battery, starting batteries are not designed to withstand multiple discharge/recharge cycles, and draining it can significantly shorten its life.

Deep-Cycle – These batteries are designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. Deep-cycle batteries can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without causing damage or shortening their life. They are well-suited to power numerous electronics and plug-in accessories, or other applications that place high demands on them.

Some deep-cycle batteries can be used for engine starting as well (these are sometimes referred to as dual-purpose), but be sure to check the CCA rating to ensure the battery has sufficient starting power.

What kind of preventive maintenance can I do for my battery?

Check your battery every now and then to make sure the battery terminal connections are clean, snug and protected from the elements. Signs of corrosion or leaks could mean that the battery is no longer operating optimally.

Secure the hold-down bar. This ensures that your battery is snugly seated and will help minimize vibration which can be detrimental to certain types of batteries.

Routinely test your battery to make sure it is correctly charged. This allows you to recharge your battery, if needed, to maintain its peak performance. It’s important for your battery’s health to get it tested at least once a year to keep it at its optimal performance level.

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. Check the battery voltage periodically and recharge it if it falls below 12.6 volts.

What are the main causes of battery failure?

Common Causes:

  • High temperatures: Heat is the No. 1 cause of battery failure. Heat accelerates grid corrosion and grid growth in the positive plate. As heat corrodes the positive grid, the battery loses capacity and starting power, which weakens its ability to start an engine – particularly in colder weather.
  • High vibration: Vibration can damage and separate internal components, which ultimately lead to reduced starting performance or even battery failure.
  • Deep drains/failure to recharge after drops in voltage: When a battery is discharged, the active materials produce lead sulfate crystals inside the plate that are called discharged material. If these crystals are not recharged, they eventually combine to form larger crystals. These bigger crystals are harder to dissolve and recharge, and eventually they lead to battery failure by disrupting the plate structure.
  • A faulty alternator: A faulty alternator will lead to an undercharged or completely discharged battery. An undercharged battery has reduced capacity and starting power. If the battery is continuously undercharged because of a weak alternator, the battery will become deeply discharged and sulfation will occur.

Other Possible Causes of Failure:

  • Battery application and installation
    • The battery is not being used in the application for which it was designed. A common mistake, for example, is using an SLI (starting-lighting-ignition) battery in a vehicle that requires a deep-cycle battery.
    • The battery is not sized properly for the application.
    • The vehicle has too many electrical accessories.
    • The battery is not properly installed.
  • Service and maintenance
    • The battery cables have not been cleaned and properly adjusted to fit the battery terminals.
    • The vehicle’s electrical system has been repaired or altered.
    • The vehicle has been in long-term storage.
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.

Note: There is no free electrolyte in a VRLA(Valve Regulated Lead-Acid) battery. No effort should be made to test or adjust its electrolyte level.

What is sulfation and how do I prevent it?
  1. 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. Sulfation begins as soon as voltage level gets too low which, in the case of a 12-volt battery, is below 12.6 volts.  If the crystals are not recharged, they eventually combine to form larger crystals.  These bigger crystals are harder to dissolve and recharge, and eventually they lead to battery failure by disrupting the plate structure. Sulfation decreases battery performance by blocking the chemical reaction that allows the battery to hold its charge.

Sulfation can be reversed by using a charger that has a de-sulfating mode, which will slowly dissolve the lead sulfate crystals and recharge them back to active material.

How to install a Battery
  1. Read and follow the Safety and Handling information on this website.
  2. Clean the tray where the battery rests. Use steel wool or a wire brush to rub the metal clamps and remove any corrosion.
  3. Place your new battery in the battery tray (make sure your battery is fully charged). Make sure it faces the proper direction so that the positive and negative terminals line up with their corresponding cables. Secure the hold-down strap in its original position over the new battery, ensuring it is properly secure to prevent movement or vibration wear. Do not tighten the hold-down bracket too hard, since this can damage the plastic case and cover.
    • Attach both cables. Attach the positive (red) cable first, following with the negative (black) cable.
      • Hand-tighten the nuts. Do not over tighten the terminal bolts; the following values are recommended:
        • SAE (tapered) automotive terminal: 50 to 70 inch-lb.
        • Side terminal (3/89 nut): 70 to 90 inch-lb.
        • Threaded stud terminal: 120 to 180 inch-lb.
  4.  
Other Battery Installation Tips
    • Check mounting surface for objects or protrusions that could cause damage or wear to the case or cover. The battery must be level in the tray. Make sure there are no foreign objects in the tray that could damage the battery.
    • Replace cables and connectors that show signs of corrosion, rust or other damage.
    • Do not lift or handle the battery by its terminals.
    • If using a dual-terminal battery (it has both top and side terminals), use top terminals for accessory hookups and vehicle starting. Only use battery side terminals for vehicle starting.
    • Check for proper battery polarity with respect to vehicle specifications. “Ground” polarity is typically indicated. “Reversed” polarity can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
    • The hold-down should be tightened so that it is snug.
      • Top bar or top frame hold-down: 30 to 50 inch-lb.
      • Bottom recess hold-down: 60 to 80 inch-lb.
      • Bottom ledge-type hold-down: 70 to 90 inch-lb.

    Caution: Some vehicles equipped with advanced electrical systems may require special handling procedures. Please refer to your owner’s manual for details.

Recycling
    • When your old battery has reached the end of its life, don’t hang onto it. Ensure proper disposal by returning it to the store or workshop where you purchased the replacement battery, or to any other spent battery drop-off location. Visit the Recycling page on this site for more information.
What Types Of Batteries Does Battery World Offer?

Battery World provides a wide range of batteries including automotive, VRLA, Marine, Deep-cycle, Industrial, Household, and Specialty batteries tailored to various applications..

How Do I Choose The Right Battery For My Vehicle Or Equipment?

Factors such as battery type, size, capacity, and maintenance requirements are crucial. Our experts can assist you in selecting the optimal battery based on your specific needs.

What Is The Difference Between A Regular AGM, Deep Cycle, And Gel Deep Cycle Lead-Sealed Maintenance-Free Battery?

Regular AGM batteries are versatile and suitable for starting and deep cycle applications, whereas deep cycle AGM batteries are specifically designed to withstand repeated deep discharges, making them ideal for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Gel deep cycle batteries use a gelified electrolyte that provides enhanced cycle life and resilience to vibrations, making them suitable for rough terrain and deep discharge applications

What Solar Energy Solutions Does Battery World Offer?

Battery World offers comprehensive solar solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, including solar panels, inverters, and installation services.

What types of lawn mowers does Battery World offer?

Battery World offers a variety of lawn mowers including push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and robotic mowers for residential and commercial use.

Do you provide maintenance services for golf carts?

Yes, Battery World offers maintenance and repair services to ensure optimal performance and longevity of golf carts.

Can I customize a golf cart with specific features or accessories?

Yes, Battery World provides customization options including seating, storage, lighting, and more to personalize your golf cart according to individual preferences.

What types of tools does Battery World carry?

Battery World carries a comprehensive range of tools including power tools, hand tools, air tools, and accessories suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

What is the difference between an AGM and a regular maintenance-free flooded battery?

AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries and regular maintenance-free flooded batteries differ in their internal construction and electrolyte handling. AGM batteries use a glass mat separator to absorb and hold the electrolyte solution, which makes them spill-proof, maintenance-free, and capable of handling deep discharges better than flooded batteries. Regular maintenance-free flooded batteries, while also maintenance-free, use liquid electrolyte that requires occasional checking and topping off.

Should I Buy A Flooded Car Battery Or A Maintenance-Free Battery?

The choice depends on your vehicle's requirements and maintenance preferences. Flooded batteries generally require periodic maintenance to check and refill electrolyte levels, while maintenance-free batteries (like AGM or gel batteries) offer convenience as they do not require maintenance but may come at a higher initial cost.

Can I Replace Half Batteries In A UPS System?

It's recommended to replace all batteries in a UPS system with the same brand, type, and capacity to ensure balanced performance and longevity. Mixing old and new batteries or different brands can lead to uneven charging/discharging, affecting overall UPS performance

Is it okay to mix different battery brands in an inverter or UPS system?

It's generally not advisable to mix different battery brands in an inverter or UPS system. Each brand and model of battery may have slightly different performance characteristics, which can lead to uneven charging and discharging, potentially shortening the lifespan of the batteries and affecting system reliability.

What Does SOC Mean On A Battery Tester?

SOC stands for State of Charge, which indicates the current level of charge in a battery relative to its maximum capacity. Battery testers measure SOC to determine if a battery needs charging or replacement based on its charge level.

What Is The Difference Between Gas And Electric Golf Carts?

Gas golf carts are powered by gasoline engines, offering longer range and faster speeds, making them ideal for larger golf courses and varied terrain. Electric golf carts run on battery-powered electric motors, providing quieter operation, zero emissions, and lower maintenance costs, suitable for shorter distances and indoor use.

What Is The Difference Between 4-Ply And 6-Ply Golf Cart Tires?

The ply rating of golf cart tires indicates their strength and durability. 4-ply tires are lighter and provide a smoother ride on flat surfaces, ideal for recreational use. 6-ply tires are heavier and more robust, designed to withstand rough terrain and heavy loads, making them suitable for commercial and off-road applications.

Should I Use Monocrystalline Or Polycrystalline Solar Panels?

Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient and space-efficient, making them ideal for areas with limited roof space or where maximizing energy production is crucial. Polycrystalline panels are cost-effective and perform well in high-temperature conditions. The choice depends on your budget, space availability, and energy efficiency goals.

What Are The Different Types Of Solar Water Heaters That We Have?

There are primarily two types of solar water heaters: active (or forced-circulation) systems and passive (or thermosiphon) systems. Active systems use pumps to circulate water or heat-transfer fluid through the solar collectors and into the storage tank. Passive systems rely on natural convection to circulate water between the collectors and tank. Each type has variations in design and efficiency, catering to different climates and hot water demands.

How Do You Determine The Best Golf Cart To Purchase?

Choosing the best golf cart depends on several factors such as intended use (recreational, commercial, or industrial), terrain conditions, passenger capacity, and budget. Consider factors like range, speed, maintenance requirements, and available customization options to match your specific needs.

Should I buy a UPS or an Inverter?

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems and inverters serve different purposes. A UPS provides instant backup power during outages and protects sensitive equipment from power fluctuations. An inverter converts DC (direct current) from batteries or solar panels into AC (alternating current) for use in household appliances when grid power is unavailable. The choice depends on whether you need continuous backup power (UPS) or occasional off-grid power (inverter).

Can you install solar panels and use them without batteries during the day?

Yes, solar panels can be installed and used without batteries during the day. This setup, known as a grid-tied solar PV system, allows you to generate electricity from solar panels and feed excess power back into the grid. You can then use this power directly from the grid or earn credits through net metering arrangements, depending on local regulations and utility policies.

Are You Licensed Solar Contractors?

Yes, we are licensed and certified solar importers and installers with both ERC V1 & V2 licenses issued by EPRA (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority) in Kenya."

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