Last Updated on March 12, 2003
Written and compiled By Bill Darden (freely reproducible public domain)
Re-produced here by www.optimabattery.co.uk for your information, and it will be updated regularly.
1.1. Always wear glasses while working around batteries!
1.2. At the first sign of slow starting, dim headlights at low RPM, ammeter indicating discharge at high RPM, or if your battery seems to be loosing performance, recharge, remove the surface charge, and load test it. Weak or bad batteries can also cause stress or premature failures of charging systems and starters. (Please see Section 4.)
1.3. Perform regular preventive maintenance, especially during hot weather and before cold weather. (Please see Section 3.)
1.4. In hot climates, using sealed wet Maintenance Free batteries is not encouraged. (Please see Section 7.)
1.5. Keep the battery charged at 100% to prevent sulfation, but avoid under and over charging. (Please see Section 9.)
1.6. Replace with the freshest battery with the largest Reserve Capacity (RC) that will physically fit in your vehicle, compatible with your charging system, and the Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating for your climate or that meets or exceeds the vehicle's Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) CCA requirement. (Please see Section 7.)
1.7. After deep discharges or jump-starts, recharge your battery, remove the surface charge, and load test battery and charging system for latent damage. (Please see Section 4.)
1.8. Temperature matters! Heat kills car batteries and cold reduces the available capacity.