Exide batteries: Dos, don’ts

Dos

• Ensure that the battery is the right size for the vehicle.

• Clean terminals and fit the clamps tightly on the terminals.

• Apply a thin film of petroleum jelly to inhibit corrosion on the terminals

• Maintain correct level of electrolyte. Top up with distilled water only

• Ensure that the starter cables are strong enough to carry high voltage

• Ensure that you charge wet batteries once a month if you are not using them for long periods of time

• Ensure that the vent plugs are in place and the vent holes not blocked.

Don’ts

• Do not top up your battery with acid or tap/mineral water

• Do not test that battery by short circuiting with wires and spanners

• Do not drain the battery to top up with fresh acid. This destroys the battery.

• Do not expose the battery to excessive shocks and vibrations

• Do not hammer on the terminals or terminal clamps

• Do not crank start continuously for more than 10 seconds

• Do not leave battery idle for more than a month

• Do not expose the battery to an open flame, cigarettes or spark; it may explode.

• Do not boost charge the battery

• Do not put any foreign material, e.g. metals, into the battery.