Triple the Life of Your Batteries
With regular cleanings, water top-off and equalizations, you can triple the
life of your batteries. Here’s how:
Lesson 1: Equalize every time the batteries drop below 50%
state of charge, sometimes two to four times a month.
Lesson 2: Every chance you get, fully recharge your
batteries. “Mostly” charging most of the time doesn’t cut it.
Lesson 3: Check your batteries often. Look for crud on top —
it can build up and actually short between the posts, causing a constant
discharge. And be sure to give your batteries a good cleaning every two to three
months. Get on your grubby clothes, eye protection and gloves, and ensure you
have plenty of baking soda next to your batteries. Then mix up a mild soap and
water solution and start cleaning. (Use an old paintbrush and rinse all
connections with clean water while checking for tightness and corrosion.) Treat
any posts and connections as required. Equalize the battery bank, top off the
water, and check each cell’s voltage and log it.
Lesson 4: Don’t overcharge a gel cell battery. There’s no
way to replace the expelled electrolyte, and you’ll shorten the battery’s
lifespan.
