Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a lead-acid battery?
- What is sulfation?
- What causes a battery to fail?
- When should I recondition my battery?
- What batteries can be reconditioned?
- Who do we talk to about reconditioned batteries?
- How do I maintain reconditioned batteries?
- When should I replace a battery?
- How do I check my car battery?
- How do I check my charging system?
- If I have more questions about battery reconditioning who should I contact?
What is a lead-acid battery?
Lead-acid is the oldest battery in existence. Invented by a French physician Gaston Plate in 1859, lead-acid was the first rechargeable battery for commercial use. Lead-acid battery has one of the lowest densities, making it unsuitable for portable devices. A lead-acid battery is a storage battery in which the electrodes are grids of lead containing lead oxides that change in composition during charging and discharging, and the electrolyte is dilute sulfuric acid.
What is sulfation?
When (lead sulfate) is left in the battery for a period of time, it crystallizes and becomes a hard sulfate that coats the surface of the electrode plates. This phenomenon is called sulfation. Because hard lead sulfate is a non-conductive material, when it coats the electrode plates, it causes a reduction in the area needed for the electro-chemical reactions. It also reduces the batteries’ active materials needed to maintain a high capacity. A battery is like a bucket with a tiny hole. Electricity leaks little by little through what is called “natural discharge”. It may take three to six months to drain a battery completely, and sulfation created in this process is quite possibly the worst kind.
What causes a battery to fail?
Batteries are like humans, some live longer than others, others die early. Exposure to heat is likely the biggest enemy. Heat kills batteries. The warmer the cells, the shorter the life is. The cells inside the pack are always a few degrees warmer than the temperature of the housing. When a car is not in use and the battery is naturally discharged, the battery sulfates. Not maintaining the proper water level in the battery can also make a battery fail. Battery Medics Inc. has a battery maintenance program.
When should I recondition my battery?
Sulfation starts from time of manufacturing to the time it gets to the end user, which could be 4 to 6 months. Batteries that are not treated have a shorter life span. Batteries that are treated with the Battery Medics Inc System extend the life and have no shelf life. Our additive also coats the plates of the battery so that sulfation does not reoccur.
What batteries can be reconditioned?
All lead-acid batteries can be reconditioned including deep-cycle, back-up batteries, car, trucks, forklifts, boats, golf carts. You’ll get the best performance from a battery that is reconditioned within 1 to 3 years old.
Who do we talk to about reconditioned batteries?
Contact your local Battery Medics Inc. representative.
How do I maintain reconditioned batteries?
You should check that the water levels are properly maintained. Also make sure that the battery is not charged for short periods of time. Batteries should always be slow charged on a 2 to 5 amps charger with an automatic shut off every six months to a year depending on your climate.
When should I replace a battery?
The amount of charge a battery can hold gradually decreases due to usage and aging. Specified to deliver 100% capacity when new, the battery should be replaced when the capacity drops to below 80% of the nominal rating. Some organizations may use different end-capacities as a minimal acceptable performance threshold. Most car batteries will last 2-4 years depending on the quality and where you live.
How do I check my car battery?
Wear protective eye wear and clothing and remove all jewelry when checking your battery and charging system. Jewelry is a good conductor of electricity and is not recommended. To check a battery surface voltage, remove the positive terminal protective cover. Connect the +positive side meter lead (red) to the positive side battery terminal. Connect the - negative (black) side meter lead to the negative battery terminal. With the vehicle not running and the car sitting over night the battery voltage should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts.
Most batteries wear out every 2 to 4 years and need to be replaced. Always replace your battery with an equal replacement battery to assure proper operation. Check with your Battery Medics Inc representative for an equal battery replacement.
How do I check my charging system?
Check the ground wires to make sure they are in place and making good contact, especially the battery cable ground connection to the motor. If this checks out okay, you probably have a faulty alternator.
If I have more questions about battery reconditioning who should I contact?
Please go to the contact us page and send us an email with your question and one of our representatives will contact you shortly. Remember, all batteries have acid and it is recommended you wear the proper safety equipment when inspecting or replacing batteries.
