Battery Care
Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 11:19 am
I work for an industrial company and I just returned from a two hour lunch and learn sponsored by the world's largest maker of industrial batteries. The seminar was conducted by an engineer with 30 years of design experience. I asked two questions that apply to the batteries I use in my car and boats. The answers dispel any old wives tales, urban legends, or misinformation.
1) Q: Is there anything wrong with adding tap water to a battery?
A: Yes! Tap water may contain impurities that basically alter the battery chemistry and can ruin the battery. He mentioned iron and copper as two elements found in low concentrations in tap water. There is not enough to hurt humans, but it can ruin a battery. Well water is to be avoided because it commonly has high iron content. Use only distilled or de-ionized water in batteries.
2) Q: Is there anything wrong with storing or charging a battery that rests on concrete?
A: No. Modern batteries with plastic cases will not experience current draw into concrete. However, batteries are very heavy and we have a tendency to slide them around on the floor instead of picking them up. Even smooth concrete is very abrasive and can damage the plastic case through friction.
Side notes: Interstate Batteries does not manufacture any of their own batteries. His company makes Interstate's high end models under a private label contract. A cheap battery does not last as long as a more expensive model because the plates are thinner and the acid solution is weaker. Hopefully, you get what you pay for.
1) Q: Is there anything wrong with adding tap water to a battery?
A: Yes! Tap water may contain impurities that basically alter the battery chemistry and can ruin the battery. He mentioned iron and copper as two elements found in low concentrations in tap water. There is not enough to hurt humans, but it can ruin a battery. Well water is to be avoided because it commonly has high iron content. Use only distilled or de-ionized water in batteries.
2) Q: Is there anything wrong with storing or charging a battery that rests on concrete?
A: No. Modern batteries with plastic cases will not experience current draw into concrete. However, batteries are very heavy and we have a tendency to slide them around on the floor instead of picking them up. Even smooth concrete is very abrasive and can damage the plastic case through friction.
Side notes: Interstate Batteries does not manufacture any of their own batteries. His company makes Interstate's high end models under a private label contract. A cheap battery does not last as long as a more expensive model because the plates are thinner and the acid solution is weaker. Hopefully, you get what you pay for.