Prepare Your Batteries for Summer Recreation!

Summer will soon be here, and it will be time to take your boat, jet ski, four-wheeler or classic car out of storage. If you prepared your toys for storage well, you likely used a monitoring charger to maintain battery voltage. If not, there are still things you can do to ensure jet ski battery and seasonal boat battery maintenance in Houston, TX. Here is what you can do to prepare your batteries:

• Purchase a charger: If you intend to store vehicles of any type, you should invest in a small battery charger. For small batteries, the charger should have less than one amp, while larger batteries, like those for your boat, will require more power. Look for instructions on the charger to ensure self-monitoring. This feature limits the charge voltage by ensuring it does not go above 13.3 volts for sealed gel type batteries or 14.7 volts for AGM type batteries. Charges could go slightly higher, but that should be temporary—otherwise, it will damage the battery.
• Top off the water: Batteries with a “wet” design may need to be topped off with more water. Check the level and see if it is higher than the plates. If not, top it off with distilled water. Tap water should be avoided, but if there are no other options, use tap water with no debris or distinct odors. Pour it through a paper towel to remove smaller particles. Never top off sulfuric or battery acid in a battery, since only water leaks from it, not acids.
• Be safe: Charge your battery in a safe place. Outside and unconfined is your best option. If you are charging a wet battery, it will let off fumes, which can be dangerous if you are indoors. AGM and gel batteries do not emit fumes, and they charge more slowly. Keep them outside as well, and follow the instructions on the charger.
• Be patient: Perform your battery maintenance far enough ahead of time so that a dead battery does not ruin your plans. Allow the battery to finish its full charge cycle. Do not be impatient and cut it off early. The charger should have an indicator that shows when the process is complete. If the charger stays in charge mode for more than 12 hours or becomes hot, turn it off and let the battery cool. If you cannot finish the process, take it to a battery specialist.
• Address sulfation damage: Sulfation damage is the buildup of lead crystals in lead-acid batteries. It is the most common cause of failure in these batteries, and can result from overcharging, storage in an area above 75 degrees and storage without a full charge. Sulfation can be reversed if it is not severe, but the process will take time. If you discover this issue, this is another that is best handled by a battery specialist.

If you require help with seasonal boat battery or jet ski battery maintenance in Houston, TX, visit Texford Battery Co. We offer a wide range of batteries and battery accessories and will make sure your boats and jet skis are ready for summer.

Categorised in: Marine Batteries

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