Maintain Water Level. If your battery has removable vent caps, you should regularly check the water
level and add water when it is low.
Keep Terminals Clean. Visually inspect the terminals and cables at least once a year, especially in hot
temperatures, for signs of corrosion. If dirty or corroded, clean the connections with a scraper and wire
brush. This will ensure a good connection and proper starting.
Keep Case Clean. Keep the top of the battery clean of heavy dirt and oil with a cloth dampened by
ammonia or a 50/50 solution of baking soda and water. Then rinse with clear water and allow to
thoroughly dry.
Keep Battery Charged. If your vehicle is not driven weekly, it may be necessary to charge your battery
before use. Lack of use is hard on a battery, especially an automotive battery which is designed to be
charged regularly by an alternator. Any unused battery, regardless of its chemistry, will self-discharge
over time and, if allowed to remain discharged, will undergo severe positive grid corrosion and battery
failure. The rate of discharge depends on the type of battery and the storage temperature. So, it's
important to keep your battery charged.
level and add water when it is low.
Keep Terminals Clean. Visually inspect the terminals and cables at least once a year, especially in hot
temperatures, for signs of corrosion. If dirty or corroded, clean the connections with a scraper and wire
brush. This will ensure a good connection and proper starting.
Keep Case Clean. Keep the top of the battery clean of heavy dirt and oil with a cloth dampened by
ammonia or a 50/50 solution of baking soda and water. Then rinse with clear water and allow to
thoroughly dry.
Keep Battery Charged. If your vehicle is not driven weekly, it may be necessary to charge your battery
before use. Lack of use is hard on a battery, especially an automotive battery which is designed to be
charged regularly by an alternator. Any unused battery, regardless of its chemistry, will self-discharge
over time and, if allowed to remain discharged, will undergo severe positive grid corrosion and battery
failure. The rate of discharge depends on the type of battery and the storage temperature. So, it's
important to keep your battery charged.
Normally, deep cycle batteries do not require special charging procedures.
However, it is recommended that you use a charger designed specifically for
deep cycle batteries. It is best to slow charge all batteries, especially deep
cycle. The 20% rule should be used when charging a deep cycle battery. That
means to choose a charger where the maximum current (in amps) is less than
20% of the Ah rating. For example, an Interstate SRM-27 is rated at
approximately 100 Ah, so a 20-amp charger should be the maximum. Also, it is
best to use a charger that is adequate to recharge the battery within 10-12
hours
However, it is recommended that you use a charger designed specifically for
deep cycle batteries. It is best to slow charge all batteries, especially deep
cycle. The 20% rule should be used when charging a deep cycle battery. That
means to choose a charger where the maximum current (in amps) is less than
20% of the Ah rating. For example, an Interstate SRM-27 is rated at
approximately 100 Ah, so a 20-amp charger should be the maximum. Also, it is
best to use a charger that is adequate to recharge the battery within 10-12
hours
What is the proper way to store my battery?
Before storing your battery, you should:
1. Clean the battery case and terminals with baking soda and water.
2. Check the water level and add water if needed.
3. Test your battery with a hydrometer and/or a voltmeter to ensure the battery is fully charged.
4. If needed, charge your battery. Batteries stored in a discharged state are susceptible to freezing, sulfation
and an increased rate of discharge. A fully charged battery will not freeze unless the temperature reaches
approximately 80°F below zero. But if discharged, it can freeze at 32°F.
Store your battery in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area—the cooler the better without going below 32°F—and
out of the reach of children and pets. Check the water level and state of charge every 45-60 days. If needed,
add distilled water and charge.
Before storing your battery, you should:
1. Clean the battery case and terminals with baking soda and water.
2. Check the water level and add water if needed.
3. Test your battery with a hydrometer and/or a voltmeter to ensure the battery is fully charged.
4. If needed, charge your battery. Batteries stored in a discharged state are susceptible to freezing, sulfation
and an increased rate of discharge. A fully charged battery will not freeze unless the temperature reaches
approximately 80°F below zero. But if discharged, it can freeze at 32°F.
Store your battery in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area—the cooler the better without going below 32°F—and
out of the reach of children and pets. Check the water level and state of charge every 45-60 days. If needed,
add distilled water and charge.
Battery Maintenance
