12V Battery Maintenance

Overall

• Make sure batteries are properly charged
• If your 12V requires water maintenance make sure water levels and gravity are good 
• Make sure cables are correctly sized for application needs. Too small will cause cables to run hot which is a loss of power
• Ensure Cables are fastened tightly to terminals
• Keep terminals and tops of batteries clean of any debris and dirt

1. Regular Inspection

• Check Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the voltage. A fully charged 12V battery should read around 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If it's significantly lower, the battery may need charging or replacement. If a battery is below 10.5 volts there is a draw somewhere in the equipment.
• Visual Inspection: Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, swelling, or corrosion on the terminals.

2. Charging

• Use the Correct Charger: Ensure you're using a charger compatible with your battery type (e.g., lead-acid, AGM, gel). Charging on the wrong setting can damage your batteries by under or over charging.
• Use a Charger Not a Maintainer: Chargers charge batteries, not tenders or maintainers. A battery needs 10-15 amps to charge anything less will not charge a battery fully and only maintain it. When batteries are low and put on a maintainer the low amp cannot charge the battery and will actually damage the cells instead.
• Charge Fully: Aim to keep the battery at full charge. Avoid deep discharges as they can shorten the battery’s lifespan. Try to avoid short charge sessions that do not fully recover the battery. Partial charges can actually lower the life cycle of your battery.
• Avoid Overcharging: Overcharging can damage the battery. Many modern chargers have automatic shut-off features to prevent this.

3. Cleaning

• Clean Terminals: Keep the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean any corrosion, and then rinse with water. Ensure the terminals are dry before reconnecting.
• Check Connections: Make sure battery connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can lead to poor performance and reduced lifespan.

4. Water Levels (for Lead-Acid Batteries)

• Check Electrolyte Levels: For conventional lead-acid batteries, check the water levels in each cell. If the electrolyte is low, top it up with distilled water. Do not use tap water as it can contain impurities.
• Avoid Overfilling: Only add water to the recommended level. Overfilling can cause electrolyte spillage when the battery is charging.
• AGM Batteries Do Not Require Watering! They are sealed batteries and do not need to be opened. Don't open them and ruin your battery!

5. Temperature Management

• Keep Cool: Batteries perform better and last longer at cooler temperatures. Avoid exposing the battery to excessive heat.
• Insulate in Cold Weather: In very cold environments, use a battery blanket or heater to prevent the battery from freezing, especially if it’s not in use for a long period.

6. Storage

• Store Fully Charged: If you’re storing a battery for an extended period, make sure it’s fully charged before storing. Batteries discharge anywhere from 3-6% by themselves. It is not recommended to let a battery sit longer than 6 months without charging.
• Periodic Charging: If possible, charge the battery periodically during storage to keep it in good condition.
• Avoid Extreme Conditions: Store the battery in a dry, cool place away from extreme temperatures.

7. Load Testing

• Test Capacity: Perform load tests periodically to ensure the battery can handle the power demands. This is especially important for batteries in critical applications. A load test can show if you battery still has the necessary CCAs to turn over your equipment. If the voltage drops significantly than the battery may need to be replaced

 

8. Safety Precautions

• Wear Protection: When handling batteries, especially when cleaning or adding water, wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from acid spills or electrical hazards.
• Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation when charging batteries, especially lead-acid ones, as they can emit hydrogen gas which is explosive.

State of Charge relative to Specific Gravity and Battery Voltage

 

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the life and performance of your 12V batteries. Regular maintenance and attention to detail are key!