TRACK Battery Support
Battery Essentials
How does a battery Work?
The Basic function of any battery is to store electricity for future usage. Voltage is usually created when the positive and negative plates of a battery are immersed in an electrolyte, a solution of sulphuric acid and water. The number of plates in battery can vary depending on the electric requirements of the vehicle. Typical lead batteries come with anywhere between 7 to 28 plates per cell with a total of 6 cells each generating 2 volts for a total of 12 volts per battery.
At the turn of your key or a push of your start button, the already active battery begins to discharge as current flows to power the engine. This discharge is then reversed as current flows back into the battery via the alternator, restoring the battery’s current for future use. This discharge and recharge cycle usually happens within seconds of your engine being turned on. This is what's known as the cycling ability in a battery.
What kind of battery do I need?
There are varying types of battery to suit every application. At TRACK we have conveniently categorized our batteries by their applications:
1. Automotive - For most light duty and passenger vehicles.
2. Heavy Duty - For heavy duty vehicles and equipment and marine applications.
3. Gel Energy - For renewable energy storage and applications requiring long-lasting, continuous, low power output between charges.
4. Industrial - For electric vehicles including forklifts, pallet lifts, etc.
Key factors to consider when purchasing your Battery
Three major factors to consider when purchasing your next battery include:
-
Battery Size Group - Battery sizes are usually standard across brands but carry different titles; for example, TRACK Batteries come as NS, N, DIN and 55D which reflect the shape, height and width of each unit. Each vehicle has a specific battery size that can fit in the designated location. For more information on what battery your vehicle would typically use, please click here.
-
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) –Cranking Amps as its popularly known or Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is critical for good cranking ability. It's the number of amps a battery can support for 30 seconds at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius until the battery voltage drops to unusable levels. In more tropical climates the significance of CCA is less important than colder climates.
-
Reserve Capacity (RC) – RC measures the amount of time in minutes that your battery can supply power before becoming unusable. This is important in the event your electrical system fails such as defective alternator being unable to recharge the battery.
Safety Precautions
Firstly, before handling batteries you must read and understand the following:
-
Batteries are EXPLOSIVE. During the charging cycle, the chemical reaction between the plates and electroylte in a lead-acid battery can produce explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen.
-
Keep children away from any leaking battery acid and or batteries being charged.
-
Ensure you have the approriate safety gear such as saftey glasses and a clean pair of gloves.
-
Ensure that they are no open flames, naked lights or smoking taking place in and around your work area.
-
Ensure your work space is properly ventilated.
-
Avoid placing batteries in direct sunlight for long periods or in extreme cold conditions.
-
Do not tilt or attempt to puncture as battery acid can leak out.
-
In the event of battery acid making contact with your eyes, rinse off immediately for serveral minutes with clean water and consult a physician immediately.
-
In the even acid is consumed, consult a doctor immediately.
-
Neutralize any acid splash with acid neutralizer (baking soda) or sopa suds.
-
Ensure old batteries are properly disposed off at designated collection points and remain upright during transportation. Never dispose of old batteries as domestic waste.
TRACK Battery Support
Battery Care
How to know when you battery is about to give out?
-
Slow engine crank - When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.
-
Check engine light - The check engine light sometimes appears when your battery power is weak.
-
The swelling, bloating battery case - If your battery casing looks like this you can blame excessive heat for causing your battery case to swell, decreasing your battery life.
-
Battery leak - Leaking also causes the corrosion around the posts: (where the + and – cable connections are located.)
-
Battery Indicators – Some battery brands such as TRACK include electrolyte indicators to inform the vehicle’s owner on the condition of the battery.
How should I check my Battery to ensure that it is working?
Battery service centers or professional mechanics usually carry out battery checks. It is important to visit your battery supplier every 2-3 months to have your vehicle’s battery checked to ensure that it is functioning properly.
How to Jump Start my vehicle?
-
Inspect jumper cable clamps and wires for any damages. If any wires are exposed or clamps are defective, refrain from using and attempt to find a suitable set of cables before proceed.
-
Place both vehicles in Park or Neutral and shut off the ignition in both cars. Engage both parking brakes as well.
-
Attach one of the red clamps to the positive terminal of the battery that requires charging. It has “POS” or “+” on it, or it’s bigger than the negative terminal.
-
Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the other car.
-
Attach one of the black clamps to the negative terminal on the battery that requires charging.
-
Attach the last black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery. Use one of the metal struts that hold the hood open.
-
Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes.
-
Try to start your vehicle. If it won’t start, make sure that the cables are properly connected and let the engine of the next vehicle run for five minutes. Then try to start your car again.
-
If it still won’t start, your battery may be beyond help.
If the jump works and your car starts, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won’t start the next time you use it, the battery isn’t holding a charge and needs to be replaced