Outlast - Battery Tips

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OUTLAST Battery - Tips

Battery Maintenance | Booster Cable | Battery Installation

TOP TEN TIPS to Remember

Have battery and charging system checked by qualified persons seasonally.

Batteries produce explosive gasses. Avoid sparks and open flames near the battery.

Always disconnect the negative ground lead when working on or near the battery.

Visually inspect the battery on a regular basis. Terminals must be clean and tight. Top of battery is clean and dry. Remove any oil and dirt that may accumulate.

Check the electrolyte level. Top up with distilled water. Do not overfill!

Check that the battery is held securely. Inspect hold-down nuts and bolts for looseness and corrosion.

When storing for long periods. Make sure the battery is fully charged and store in a cool and dry place. Avoid excessive heat or cold.

If car is used on short trips, take it out for occasional long drives to fully charge the battery.

Avoid overcharging and deeply discharging the battery, these will shorten the battery life.

Avoid boosting vehicles with sophisticated electronics, especially newer car models.

PROPER BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Check the condition of the battery. Make sure that the solution is at an ample level.

Check for loose contacts. Make sure that the terminals are always clean. A corroded clamp will have little contact on the battery post thus stopping current flow. Apply mineral grease or petroleum jelly on the terminals to prevent corrosion.

Check for loose clamps, terminals, and body ground.

Before starting the vehicle, check for unwanted load. Make sure that all accessories are switched "OFF."

For diesel engine vehicles, maintain a good set of heater plugs. A quick heating engine will be quick to start.

In the condition that the battery discharges, it must be brought to full charge to prevent sulfating.

Check the charging system. The ideal volt reading is 13.4 volts to 14.6 volts for 12 volt systems and 26.8 volts to 29.2 volts for 24 volt systems.

Spouting of the electrolyte solution indicates overcharging. Check the voltage regulator.

Boiling when the RPM increases indicates overcharging. Check the voltage regulator.

Frequent addition of the distilled water indicates leak or overcharging.

Broken and exploding cases were caused by overcharging or plugged vents.

Intermittent presence of power indicates loose contacts. Check terminals and body ground.

Sparking during installation indicates short or reverse polarity. Stop installation and check connections.

Presence of smoke inside the cell indicates a shorted cell.

High specific gravity reading indicates high sulfur content in solution. Reduce the level of solution and add distilled water according to concentration of solution.

Take proper care of the Battery to Insure Maximum Service.
1. Check for cracks or deformation of battery case which could be the result of:
    a]. Excessive tightening of hold-down attachment
    b]. Loose hold-down attachment
    c]. Buckled battery plates that results to bulging of battery case
2. Make sure generator / alternator or voltage regulator of the vehicle are functioning properly.
3. Keep your battery fully charged but not over-charged.
4. Keep battery cable terminal tight and clean to avoid loose contact.
5. Check electrical circuit for worn cables and busted fuses.
6. Do not let your battery water level go below the top of the battery plates.
7. Use distilled water when adding water to your battery.
8. Do not over-load or ever-charge your battery.

BOOSTER CABLE OPERATION

What is the proper way to jump start a car with a discharged battery.

When jump starting, always wear proper eye protection and never lean over the battery. Do not jump start a damaged battery. Inspect both batteries before connecting the booster cables. Be sure vents and caps are tight and level. Place damp cloth over the vent caps of both batteries. Make sure that the vehicles are not touching and both ignition switches are turned in the "OFF" position.

a) Connect positive (+) booster cable to positive of discharged battery
b) Connect other end of positive (+) terminal to assisting battery
c) Connect negative (-) cable to negative (-) of assisting battery
d) Make final connection of negative (-) cable to negative (-) terminal or engine block/frame of stalled vehicle
e) You are now ready to start your stalled vehicle.
f) In removing the cable, remove in reverse order of connection.

HOW TO INSTALL THE CAR BATTERY PROPERLY

Provide protective car fender cover or any safety clothes

Make sure to switch off ignition and accessories.

Take note of battery polarity:
When dismantling: Detach negative (grounded) cable from negative post first. Negative post has green plastic collar, (-) minus marking, smaller size than positive and lighter in color than positive
(when wet/used).
When installing: Connect positive (starter) cable to the positive post first. Positive post has red plastic collar, (+) plus marking, bigger size than the negative and darker color that negative (when wet/used).
Attach negative cable last: The presence of sparks indicates a short circuit or that the battery was connected in reverse -- recheck.

Replace worn, frayed cables for effective transfer of battery power. For 12v use full size cable No.4 gauge. For heavy demand or unusually long connection, a bigger size should be used.

Make sure that the battery is securely mounted. See to it that the bracket (plastic if possible) is properly torque to reduce potential damage from vibration or dislocation, especially when using a bigger battery type. A bracket is recommended if there is none.

Clean battery terminals. Coat external surfaces with mineral grease or petroleum jelly.

Clean surface of battery. Use of compressor advised.

Use proper tools. Avoid hitting terminals when installing or tightening as it may result in damaged post bushing. Damaged bushings could cause acid to leak that may corrode holddown brackets, holder and terminals.

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