FAQs

What is a Battery?: The automotive battery provides starting power for the engine. It also supplies power to accessories such Automotive Batteries as lights, fans and radio when the engine is not running. Between low engine speeds and when accessory load is greater at higher running speeds, a battery makes up the difference by stabilising the alternator output. This stabilising effect also protects a vehicle’s electrical system by smoothing out sudden high voltages which can damage electrical components. Batteries produce their power through a chemical reaction which is released when a load such as a globe, starter motor or electric fan is connected to the battery. Electrical current is generated when two different metals are placed separately in a liquid capable of conducting electricity. When the metals are connected together above the liquid, electrical current flows through the connection. The different metals are referred to as electrodes. Pure lead is used for the negative electrode or plate and a lead dioxide paste is used for the positive electrode. When a positive and a negative electrode are combined, (but not touching), they are referred to as a cell. Two or more cells connected together are called a battery. The positive and negative plates are always separated by a separator to the plated, they do not make contact and self discharge. The liquid solution is called an electrolyte which consists of a diluted solution of sulphuric acid. The battery becomes discharged (or flat) when no more current flows through the cell. The cell can be recharged by forcing electrical current back through the cell in the reverse direction. The chemical reaction that takes place during discharge converts both the positive electrode and the negative electrode to lead sulphate. Water is produced and dilutes the strength of the acid. During recharge, the electrodes are converted back to lead dioxide and lead. The water produced during discharge is consumed returning the lead to its original strength. In addition, some electrolysis of the water in the electrolyte occurs breaking it down into its component gases: hydrogen and oxygen.
Why choose An Exide Battery?: Exide Batteries Automotive & Transportation range covers every need from original equipment of vehicles such as Holden, Toyota and Mitsubishi, to batteries designed to suit specialised requirements ranging from marine and leisure to cycling. An Exide Battery is the best choice for all battery applications due to its global network and research and development, ensuring the latest technology is applied to its products through best practice manufacture.
The correct way to test a battery: Batteries must be subjected to regular testing to ensure their starting capacity is maintained at an optimum performance level. A battery must also be scrutinised for any physical condition which may reduce battery life and impede starting performance such as broken or damaged posts and leaks to the battery case or lid. The first step in evaluating starting capability involves testing a battery's state of charge using a hydrometer or voltmeter. All non-sealed batteries should be checked using a hydrometer. As a cheap and reliable method of determining state of charge, the hydrometer also reveals differences between cells and allows visual inspection of the electrolyte colour. Where the hydrometer reading shows no significant difference between cells and produces a reading of 1230 or above (at 20-25°C) the battery has sufficient charge for a load test. Sealed batteries must produce a voltage of 12.5 or greater before a load test may be performed.
Are marine batteries recyclable?: Exide Technologies conscientiously applies a comprehensive business approach called Total Battery Managementô [TBM], that plays a leading role in one of Australia's most effective and successful recycling programs. TBM encompasses manufacturing and distribution of lead-acid batteries, responsible collection and storage of spent batteries, safe transportation and reclamation of battery materials and use of those materials in the production of new batteries. Every year, Exide Technologies in Australia alone collects and recycles the components of 1 million batteries returning 7.5 million kgs of lead. Through their Black-Is-Greenô approach to case & cover production, Exide Technologies diverts 750,000 kgs of plastic from the waste system. Exide Technologies Batteries' are 98% recyclable.
Battery Maintenance: • Visually inspect battery terminals, clean or replace as necessary. • Check hold down clamp and replace if necessary. (Battery must be secured to avoid unnecessary vibration). • Remove battery vent caps if fitted and check battery fluid level which should be 12mm above plates. Top up using deionised water. • Check vehicle for current drain using Electronic Tester. • Check vehicle charging system. For 12 volt vehicles, reading should be between 13.8 volts and14.6 volts. • As a final check, check terminals, earth lead, and hold down clamp for tightness. Vehicle electrical and charging systems are becoming more complex and we recommend fitting by professional installers only.
Can an AGM be used as a starting battery?: Absolutely. An AGM battery is really a dual purpose battery. Our AGM batteries offer tremendous power ratings for engine starting in the most demanding conditions and also functions as a cycling battery for demanding applications such as sleeper cab support and trolling motors. As always, proper charging voltage guidelines must be followed.
Can I charge my travel trailer batteries while I'm pulling the trailer?: Yes. Install a solid-state battery isolator to the vehicle's electrical system. This allows the trailer's batteries to be charged while driving and prevents discharge of your vehicle's starting battery. The isolator is becoming standard equipment on many motor homes.
Do I need to add water to my battery? How much and when?: All Exide automobile batteries are maintenance accessible. The batteries have 2 removable vent caps (which will expose 6 holes or fill wells) where distilled or good drinking-quality water can be added. Be careful not to overfill. The electrolyte should not go past the end of the fill well. Overfilling can cause acid to be discharged during operation. The electrolyte level should be checked at least once a year in cold or mild climates and more often in hot climates.
How can batteries of different sizes have the same capacity?: Batteries come in many different group sizes. A battery's group size simply determines its length, width, height, and terminal configuration; this has nothing to do with a battery's capacity. Regardless of the group size, two batteries are equal in power if the CCA [Cold Cranking Amp] ratings are the same. New technology enables a great deal of power to be put into smaller cases with today's new high capacity output design.
How does heat affect my battery?: Heat is the number one killer of a battery. Although it increases the performance of the battery short-term, life is drastically reduced over time. Heat increases the rate of evaporation, which causes a loss of water from the electrolyte. Extreme heat also increases the rate of self-discharge and promotes the corrosion of the positive plate grids. Exide's patented AG-9 silver enriched grid alloy dramatically reduces corrosion and extends battery life twice as long as standard battery designs.
How long should my battery last?: The life of a battery is determined by a number of factors, with the most important being proper maintenance. Amount of use, proper charging and climate are other elements that also need to be considered. A battery that is stored for prolonged periods of time without use or recharging can develop sulfation on the plates which will greatly reduce the time a battery will perform.
How often should I replace my battery?: There are a number of factors to consider when determining how often a battery needs to be replaced. These include vehicle type, region or climate, and driving habits. If your current battery performance is unsatisfactory, you may need to upgrade your battery to suit your particular situation and needs.
What is an AGM Battery?: AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. An AGM battery is a VRLA battery that has its entire amount of electrolyte "absorbed" in the separator material. The separator acts like a sponge and is saturated to approximately 98% (over 100% would mean free acid in the battery). This is why an AGM battery is spill-proof and can be mounted in virtually any position.
What is Sulphation?: Sulfation refers to the process whereby a lead-acid battery loses its ability to hold a charge after it is kept in a discharged state too long due to the crystallization of lead sulfate.
Why shouldn't an AGM be mounted upside down?: If the battery was always operated under ideal conditions then the battery could be mounted in any position. But the possibility for overcharging the battery exists. When the battery is overcharged the pressure vents will open. Gases will escape the battery and can condense in certain ambient conditions to form acid. This acid would puddle up if the battery was mounted upside down.