Most popular myths about car batteries

Sept. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- After leaving the car's lights on and flattening the battery, going for a drive will recharge it

FALSE

You won’t fully recharge your battery by going for a drive, idling the engine, or going for a short stop-start trip. In fact, ‘surface’ charging or continuous undercharging will lower the capacity of the battery over time and shorten its life. You could also void the battery warranty by not recharging it correctly.

The only way to reliably restore a flat battery’s charge is to use an appropriate multi-stage battery charger. The charger voltage needs to be high enough to mix the battery acid evenly in the electrolyte to prevent ‘stratification’.

‘Calcium' batteries are not suitable for older cars because their alternators have a lower charge rate.

FALSE

All major battery manufacturers produce calcium batteries. They contain calcium in both the positive and negative plates, with the benefit of a longer battery and shelf life, greater overcharge acceptance and an increase in available power

To further improve recharging, Baterii24.ro batteries have a high tin silver content. This, along with world leading stamped and expanded grid technology, makes Baterii24.ro batteries perfectly suited to older and modern vehicles.

If a car is not going to be driven for a several weeks, the battery terminals should be disconnected.

FALSE

Most cars have on-board computers that run the electrics, steering, transmission and security systems. These systems require a continuous amount of power to operate. If you disconnect the battery, you might find that these systems don’t work even when you reconnect the battery.

The best way to maintain a battery on extended holidays is to use a maintenance charger. It can be left connected for an indefinite period, ensuring your car battery remains fully charged while you are away.

Tap water can be used to top up the water level in a battery if the plates are exposed

FALSE

To replace lost water in batteries use distilled, deionised or demineralised water. In an emergency, use rain water from a clean container – this has fewer impurities than tap water. Tap water can produce mineral build up that blocks the pores and coats the plates of the battery.

If the cell plates have been exposed, they can dry out and fail. So, if you’re having to top up water, it’s a good idea to recharge and test the battery at the same time.

Note: batteries that have run out of water are not covered under the battery warranty on baterii24.ro.

Batteries last longer in hot climates

FALSE

Hot climates kill car batteries faster due to water loss, heat distortion and an increase in corrosion. If you have a low maintenance battery, it is important to ensure it is topped up with electrolyte, heat shields are replaced and batteries are kept in full state of charge.