BATTERY MAINTENANCE


 

Proper battery care is important to the performance and overall life expectancy of your battery. Knowing how to properly maintain, charge and store your battery will keep your battery ready to perform when you need it to.

BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID. AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES. IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT FLUSH WITH WATER AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

 

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Create a battery maintenance routine and stay consistent in checking the following to help extend the life of your battery.

 

CONVENTIONAL/NON-SEALED BATTERIES

  • Keep the top of the battery free of grime and dirt
  • Check cables for loose connections, be sure not to over tighten
  • Make sure battery hold down is tight and that the battery is secure
  • Inspect battery case for obvious damage
  • Clean terminals and cable ends as necessary to insure proper contact
  • Make sure exhaust tube is free of kinks or clogs to allow proper venting
  • Remove caps and visually inspect acid levels. Fill with water if necessary being sure to stay between upper and lower lines on the front of the battery. When removing and replacing caps please USE CAUTION.
  • When replacing caps HAND TIGHTEN ONLY
  • Using a voltmeter, check voltage to make sure it has a minimum of 12.6 volts (12V batteries) or 6.3 volts (6 volt batteries). If not refer to our charging section.

AGM/SEALED BATTERIES

  • Keep the top of the battery free of grime and dirt
  • Check cables for loose connections, be sure not to over tighten
  • Make sure battery hold down is tight and that the battery is secure
  • Inspect battery case for obvious damage
  • Clean terminals and cable ends as necessary to insure proper contact
  • DO NOT remove the caps of an AGM/sealed battery.
  • Using a voltmeter, check voltage to make sure it has a minimum of 12.7 volts (12V batteries) or 6.3 volts (6 volt batteries). If not refer to our charging section.

CHARGING BATTERIES

All batteries have a natural tendency to discharge, including power sport batteries. There are a number of reasons why discharge takes place. Some common examples are high temperatures, parasitic draw, non use and trips that are not long enough to recharge the battery.

A fully automatic, low amp, charger is highly recommended for many reasons such as price, ease of operation and results. ThrottleX suggests the Battery Tender Junior manufactured by Deltran. This unit charges at .75 amps is fully automatic and is designed specifically for power sports applications. It is capable of charging conventional, gel and AGM batteries over a 4 step charging program that includes initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and finally float mode.

Before beginning the charging operation, read the instructions that come with the charger. Never attempt to charge a battery without first reviewing the instructions for the charger being used. In addition to the charger manufacturer’s instructions, the following general precautions should be followed.

  • Always charge batteries in a well ventilated area and wear proper eye protection
  • Make sure the charger is turned off and/or unplugged before connecting the leads to your battery to avoid dangerous sparks
  • Never try to charge a visibly damaged or frozen battery
  • Make sure the charger leads are securely attached to battery terminals
  • Keep all sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from charging area

BATTERY STORAGE

Many power sport enthusiasts are forced to store their ride during part of the year due to inclement weather or less than desirable riding conditions. What ever your storage situation, proper battery storage can be the difference between a quick start next season or replacing your battery.

The ultimate goal when storing your battery, weather you leave it in your ride or you remove it, is to keep the battery fully charged. When your battery becomes discharged it could fall victim to one of two things, sulfation or freezing. Either will likely result in battery replacement.

 

SULFATION

  • All power sport batteries experience some level of sulfation
  • Starts when batteries begin to discharge
  • Occurs when sulfur in the electrolyte forms crystals that attach to the lead plates and then act as “insulation” keeping the battery from accepting a charge

FREEZING

  • The more your battery becomes discharged, the more the battery’s electrolyte becomes water – The acid absorbs into the lead plates
  • Discharged batteries will begin freezing at temperatures of 32°F
  • Can result in a cracked case or buckled plates
  • If sides of the battery are bulging the battery froze and permanent damage has occurred

If possible, remove the battery, keep it stored above 32°F and connect a low amp automatic charger such as a Battery Tender Junior. Recent battery charger technology allows you to connect and forget.