Batteries care and feeding

[frank-id]

Batteries need constant attention and charging. The state of charge must be monitored all the time as the charge can be lost. The worst case of neglect is starting an engine with a low voltage battery. When voltage goes down, amperage goes up, way up. When amps go up, a great amount of heat is created. With heat, more amps are needed. It is a bad cycle. It is recommended before starting an engine, the battery charge should be known. Checking voltage is quick and easy. A fully charged battery will show 12.6 volts using a digital voltmeter. A battery that is 75% discharged will show 12.0 volts. The most common electrical failure is a bad ground connection. The next failure is just a bad connection somewhere. An on and off and some times bad connection is difficult to find and repair. Connecting a lite, horn or voltmeter between the ground battery post and the battery cable is great for finding poor connections. If the lite, or horn make noise or lite there is a connection to ground. If there is not a ground all will be silent or no lite. Over charging is as bad as low charge. Batteries are tough and absorb lots of bad treatment. Batteries treaded well will often last 8-10 years in service. Frank