Essential Tips for Handling and Maintaining Automotive Batteries

As a leading automotive battery manufacturer in India, Sarex is committed to not only producing high-quality batteries but also promoting safety and proper maintenance practices. 

In this blog, we will explore essential tips to ensure the safe handling and maintenance of automotive batteries. We’ll be focusing on four major points  that you need to take care while handling an automotive battery.

1.Safety Precautions:

When dealing with automotive batteries, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential safety precautions to follow:

-Protective Gear: 

Wear protective gloves, safety glasses and clothing that covers your skin to prevent acid burns or electric shock.

-Ventilation: 

While working with an automotive battery make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful gases released by the battery.

-Disconnecting the Battery:

Before performing any maintenance or repairs, ensure that the vehicle’s ignition is off and the battery cables are disconnected.

-Proper Lifting Technique: 

Automotive batteries are too heavy and improper lifting can cause you strain or injury so make sure that you lift a battery with care, using proper lifting techniques and equipment.

2.Regular Inspection:

Regular inspection of your automotive battery is crucial to detect any potential issues early on. While inspecting or maintaining an automotive battery you should follow these guidelines:

-Check Battery Terminals: 

Ensure the terminals are clean, tight and free from corrosion. Clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water if necessary.

-Monitor Fluid Levels: 

For batteries with removable caps, check the fluid levels regularly and add distilled water if needed and also make sure that you overfill the battery.

-Inspect Casing: 

Look for any cracks, bulges or leaks in the battery casing. If you notice any damage, replace the battery immediately.

-Check Cables and Connections: 

Inspect the battery cables and connections for any signs of wear or corrosion. Replace or clean as necessary.

3.Charging and Jump-Starting:

Improper charging or jump-starting can pose risks to both the battery and the person handling it. So, ensure your and batteries’ safety, follow these guidelines:

-Use the Right Charger: 

Always use a charger specifically designed for automotive batteries and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

-Avoid Overcharging: 

Overcharging a battery can damage the battery so make sure that you do not leave the battery on continuous charge and disconnect it once it is fully charged.

-Correct Jump-Starting Procedure: 

When jump-starting a vehicle, connect the positive (+) and negative (-) cables in the correct order to prevent sparks and potential damage to the battery.

-Seek Professional Help: 

If you are unsure about jump-starting or charging procedures, it is best to consult a professional automotive technician.

4.Proper Storage:

Proper storage of automotive batteries is essential, especially when they are not in use for an extended period. Follow these storage tips:

-Clean and Disconnect: 

Clean the battery terminals, disconnect the cables and store the battery in a cool and dry place.

-Charge Periodically: 

If you are storing a battery for an extended period make sure that you charge it periodically to prevent it from getting damaged by self-discharge.

-Avoid Extreme Temperatures:

Store batteries away from extreme heat or cold, as it can impact their performance and shorten their lifespan.

-Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: 

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific storage recommendations.

Conclusion:

Sarex, a leading automotive battery manufacturer in India, provides tips for safe handling and maintenance. The blog covers important points: priorities safety precautions, conduct regular inspections, follow proper charging and jump-starting procedures and store batteries correctly. Tips include wearing protective gear, checking terminals and fluid levels, using the right charger and following manufacturer guidelines.

Essential Car Battery Maintenance Tips by Sarex!

As a car owner, you rely on your car to travel safely and reliably. At Sarex, a trusted car battery manufacturer in India, we understand the importance of a high-quality and well-maintained battery. In this blog, we will provide you with essential car battery maintenance tips to help you maximize performance, extend its lifespan and ensure peace of mind on the road.

1.Regular Inspections for Optimal Performance:

To ensure your car battery operates at its best, regular inspections are crucial. Sarex recommends inspecting your car battery periodically to check for signs of corrosion, loose connections or any visible damage. 

Clean the battery terminals using a mixture of baking soda and water; and tighten any loose connections. This simple step can prevent electrical issues and promote optimal performance.

2.Keep It Clean and Tidy:

A clean battery is a healthy battery. Regularly clean the battery’s surface using a damp cloth to remove dirt, debris or any corrosive buildup. By doing so, you minimize the risk of conductive materials causing a drain on the battery’s power. 

Sarex, as a leading battery manufacturer in India, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean battery for prolonged lifespan and reliable performance.

3.Protect Against Extreme Temperatures:

Extreme temperatures can significantly affect your car battery’s performance. During hot summers or cold winters, take preventive measures to safeguard your battery. Park your vehicle in shaded areas to reduce exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat.

In colder months, use insulation or a battery blanket to keep the battery warm. These practices recommended by Sarex will surely help you to maintain optimal battery efficiency regardless of the weather.

4.Ensure Proper Ventilation:

To promote a safe and efficient battery operation, adequate ventilation is essential. Ensure that the battery’s ventilation openings are clear and unobstructed, allowing for the proper dispersion of hydrogen gas. Maintaining good ventilation not only prevents the battery from overheating but also extends its overall lifespan.

5.Optimize Battery Charge:

To maximize your car battery’s performance and longevity, it is essential to keep it charged optimally. Avoid letting the battery drain completely, as this can shorten its lifespan. Invest in a high-quality battery charger and use it periodically to maintain the battery’s charge levels. By doing so, you ensure that your battery remains ready for any journey, big or small.

To conclude, Sarex understands the significance of a reliable car battery for a smooth and worry-free driving experience. By following these essential car battery maintenance tips, you can maximize your battery’s performance, extend its lifespan and minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns. 
As a leading car battery manufacturer in India, Sarex is committed to providing high-quality batteries and promoting proper maintenance practices for the benefit of every car owner.

Lead Acid Batteries: Structure And Types

Lead acid batteries are one of the most commonly used batteries for vehicles and inverter use.

Besides this they are also used in solar applications, ups and other areas.

They have a very low energy to weight ratio but they have a longer life and less cost as compared to many of their counterparts. Many of the lead acid battery manufacturers keep innovating to get the best design for optimum performance.

What are lead acid batteries

Lead acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery and they were invented by physicist Gaston Plantae and are one of the first rechargeable batteries ever created. 

Despite being low energy density they can still deliver high surges of current which are typically needed by the starter batteries.

 When compared to the latter technologies they come up as a convenient and inexpensive choice to meet power needs.

Structure of lead acid batteries

The lead acid batteries consist of two electrodes which are in the form of plates. The negative electrode is made up of porous lead and the positive electrode of lead oxide. These both electrodes are submerged in electrolyte which is a solution of sulfuric acid and water. Separators keep the electrode plates from sticking on each other and prevent short circuiting.

Electrical energy is stored inside the lead acid battery because of the reversible reaction that is happening inside it.

The reaction uses sulfate from the sulfuric acid for the formation of sulfate crystals and this leads to gradual concentrating of the electrolyte and this is the reason that water needs to be added to it.

1.Plate:

As mentioned earlier the plates of negative and positive electrodes are dipped in the electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid. The negative and positive electrodes have the active material pasted on grids. A number of alternate negative and positive plates are arranged inside the battery case. A plate has a grid on which the material is pasted.

The grid:

The grid is usually made of lead with a bit of additives to strengthen it and improve electricity flow. Addition of antimony helps them to carry more amount of pasted material which helps the plates to be thicker thereby increasing the battery life. Using grids of alloys rather than pure lead helps to garner more mechanical strength and low self discharge.

Using lead-calcium alloys helps to have a lower self discharge and less frequent  watering of the battery. Some make the grids using lead-selenium also. Different battery manufacturers innovate and come with the best and optimum design to make the batteries.

Active material:

The material which is actively involved in the chemical reaction to produce electrical energy is known as the active material. Here the porous lead in the negative electrode, lead oxide in the positive electrode and the electrolyte are the active materias. 

The active material is pasted on to the surface of the grid in the respective positive and negative electrodes. The chemical composition is unique with regards to each battery manufacturer.

Due to multiple charging and discharging cycles the paste on the grid degrades and it gets shed into the bottom of the battery.

2.Electrolyte

The electrolyte used is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. During the charging process the sulfuric acid undergoes reaction with the lead in both the electrodes to produce lead sulfate. When the battery is discharging, the reverse happens.

3.Case

The plates once made and dried are inserted and placed inside the container made of plastic. The material used to form the outer casing or container should be non-reactive and should carry the contents inside properly. They are designed with ribs at the bottom on which the positive and negative electrodes rest. The containers should be sturdy enough to handle transportation and frequent handling.

4.Separators

The separators as the name suggests keep the negative and positive plate separated and thus prevents short circuiting and shedding of the material. The separators should be porous, permeable and have ionic conductivity. These days separators made of PVC and polythene are used commonly.

Types of lead acid batteries

1.Depending on the type of usage:

(a)Starter batteries:

Starter batteries are used mostly in the vehicles for starting, lighting and igniting them, hence they are also called SLI batteries. 

They have thinner plates to increase the surface area for reaction and produce a great amount of current for a short span of time to get the engine started.

(b)Deep cycle batteries:

Deep cycle batteries are meant to get discharged of most of their capacity and they provide long hours of power consistently. 

2.Depending on type of design:

(a)Flooded:

Based on the design,these are the most commonly used batteries in the battery industry. Going by their name, they are called flooded because of the sulfuric acid inside them which is free flowing and hence the batteries have to be taken care so as not to spill or leak it.

They are less expensive as compared to the valve regulated ones.

(b)Sealed type :

The Sealed type lead acid battery is also called the VRLA or Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery. Here the electrolyte is not free flowing rather it is present either as in a gel form or absorbed on to a glass mat.

The main two types of sealed lead acid battery are:

(1)Absorbent glass mat

(2)Gel Battery

The sealed type battery prevents the leakage and spilling  of the electrolyte.

Summary:

Lead acid batteries are a convenient and inexpensive way to store energy and have been used since a long time. 

If you want to buy lead acid batteries, then go for Sarex, which offers inverter and E-rickshaw batteries and is a trusted lead acid battery manufacturer. Visit their website at www.sarexindia.com and explore their wide range.