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.
Protecting your battery from high under hood temperatures and keeping your battery full charged at all times and well maintained are the best ways to extend the life of your battery. Here are some more ways to increase battery life:
11.1. In cold climates, keeping the battery fully charged and the engine warm.
11.2. In hot climates and during the summer, the electrolyte levels need to be checked more frequently and distilled water added, if required. This is due to high under hood temperatures. In a study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the under hood temperature has increased 30% since 1985.
11.3. Chrysler studies have shown that relocating the battery outside the engine compartment has increased the average battery life by eight months. Relocating the starting battery to the trunk or passenger compartment, as Mazda did in their Miata a number of years ago, is becoming more popular by the car manufacturers. This battery placement is being used by a number of car manufacturers to protect the batteries from the high under hood temperatures. However, sealed gel cell or AGM type batteries must be used because they produce little or no gas.
11.4. Some battery manufacturers build "hot climate" or "South" versions by special plate and connecting strap formulations or increasing the amount of electrolyte in the battery to provide more "cooling".
11.5. In the warmer climates and during the summer, "watering" is required more often. Check the electrolyte levels and add distilled water, if required. Never add electrolyte to battery that is not fully charged, just add distilled water and do not over fill. The plates must be covered at all times and keep the top of the battery clean.
11.6. Turning off unnecessary accessories and lights before starting your car will decrease the load on the battery while cranking, especially when it is cold.
11.7. Leaving your lights or other accessories on and fully discharging the battery can ruin it, especially if it is a sealed, maintenance free type. If this should occur, you should load test the battery and charging system after the battery has been fully recharged and with the surface charge removed to determine if there is any latent or permanent damage.
11.8. Reducing the parasitic (key-off) load to below 120 milliamps.
11.9. In cold climates, increasing the diameter (smaller numbered wire gauge) of the battery cables will increase the power available to the starter motor.
11.10. If required, equalize the battery. (Please see Section 9.)