How Batteries get Damaged

Before installing a battery, choose the right model suitable for the application, read the safety recommendations in the warranty card and wear the safety equipment.

From time to time, check the mechanical integrity of the battery tray and, ensure that the hold down clamp, hold down ramp and cable connections are secure.

Look for any corrosion presence on cables, clamps and terminals and clean it up separately, using a wire brush. Rinse with plenty clean water and dry preferably with an air compressed gun. Clamps and cables damaged by excessive corrosion should be replaced.

Never hammer cable terminals on to the battery posts. This can damage permanently the battery.

Some of these occurrences can result in battery damage:

Overcharge – Charging beyond the fully charged stage at voltages greater than 14,5 V.
	Can cause explosion, loss of electrolyte.Action Required: Check the voltage regulator/switch off external charger.
Undercharge – Charging below 13,5 volts.
	Battery becomes “flat”.Action Required: Check for faulty contacts, voltage regulator or alternator failure. Check for loose fan belt/alternator belt and electrical system
Battery not tight fitted in the tray
	Battery is submitted to shaking and consequently subjected to external and internal irreversible damages.Causes acid leakage, long term loss of capacity.
Cables and Connections – Dirty or worn out or broken.
	Cause loss of energy to and from the battery.Poorly tightened cable connections cause terminals heating and sparks that can explode the battery.Corroded clamps cause high resistance and power loss.
Excessive discharge
	If frequent short trips are made in urban traffic with electrical accessories running: (air-conditioning system, an, seat heaters, heated rear window, windscreen wipers, lights, etc.), the starter battery can become flat, even with the engine running. This can lead to starting problems, particularly in the winter.
Current draw
	Even when the car is parked, electronic control and storage chips need to be supplied continuously with energy. (Electronic modules, alarm system etc.) They draw this energy from the battery and can consequently discharge it over time.
Short – Circuit – An “external short circuit” can occur if the external terminals of a battery are bridged by any kind of conducting material.
	Depending on the battery system, a short circuit may have serious consequences. For example, electrolyte ejection from the battery. This can cause injuries. An explosion may even occur.