Phone: 714-751-0488
Fax: 714-957-1621
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.newmarpower.com
P.O. Box 1306
Newport Beach,
California 92663
21
VII) BATTERY CARE TIPS
Regular maintenance and proper care will assure you reliable service from the most
depended upon and sometimes most neglected items, your batteries and battery
charger. NEWMAR battery chargers are designed to keep your batteries fully charged
but your batteries also need proper regular maintenance to provide a maximum life of
service.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE BATTERY MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
Battery Installation
Batteries must be securely mounted to prevent them from falling over when the ve-
hicle or boat is in motion. A loose battery can do serious damage. Batteries should be
mounted in a battery box to contain any acid spill. Batteries give off a certain amount
of hydrogen gas when they are charging. When concentrated, this gas is highly explo-
sive. Therefore make sure they are in an accessible place with adequate ventilation for
any hydrogen gas discharge.
Cleaning Batteries
Dirt and electrolyte salts can build up on the top of your batteries. This accumulation
conducts electricity stored in the battery and can cause the battery to discharge by
itself. Therefore, at least twice a year, it is a good idea to disconnect the battery cables
and scrub the battery with a baking soda solution. Rinse with fresh water and dry
with a clean cloth.
You may wish to purchase a set of terminal post corrosion prevention rings. These are
alkali-saturated felt rings that slip over the battery post to reduce corrosion. Do not
apply grease to any part of the battery terminals, but you may use an occasional light
spray of silicone lubricant.
Routine Checks and Maintenance
Batteries should periodically be “exercised” (slowly discharged and then recharged) to
keep them in top condition. New batteries may need to be exercised before they will be
capable of their full rating.
If your batteries are not the sealed type, distilled water should be added to them
whenever needed. The electrolyte should cover the plates by about 1/2", allowing a
small air space at the top. Do not fill the cells up to the filler cap as this could cause
the battery to sputter out electrolyte when it is being charged. Only distilled water
should be used never plain tap water. Tap water contains chemicals and elements
that can alter the properties of the electrolyte, including specific gravity. Some chemi-
cals may also create an insulating coating on the battery plates which will retard
current flow.