January 17, 2022 9:34 pm
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The “AGM” in “AGM battery” stands for “absorbed glass mat.” This refers to the construction that enables the battery to store electrolytes. This type of battery may also be referred to as a sealed lead-acid battery, and should not be confused with a gel battery. An AGM battery comes with certain rules regarding how to operate the battery without damage. A key component of proper usage for AGM batteries is proper charging. When charging, the voltage must not ever get above 14.7 volts (V) for a 12-volt battery or 7.35V for a 6-volt battery. Depending on the way the battery... View Article
January 3, 2022 9:33 pm
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Here’s a commonly asked question we receive: Can an AGM battery be placed in a sealed container? Proper AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery storage is critical for keeping those batteries in good condition. AGM batteries have valves that are closed until the pressure inside the battery rises to a certain level. When the pressure reaches the release level, the valve opens for a millisecond to relieve the pressure and then reseals. The gas relieved can be explosive in the correct concentrations and must be allowed to dissipate into open air. The life of the battery is longer when engineered to... View Article
December 20, 2021 11:40 pm
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Does your vehicle have a short? Vehicles today have complex electrical systems, which power or monitor everything from the lights to the engine function to the wheel-speed sensor. If you suspect that you have an electrical short in your car, it can cause major issues. That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms of an electrical short in your vehicle and get it repaired as soon as possible. Read on for top tips for finding an electrical short in your car. Why are electrical shorts so bad? In a vehicle, a short draws electrical power, even if the engine is... View Article
October 15, 2021 6:55 am
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Did you know that the temperature outside can dramatically affect battery performance? If you’ve ever had a car battery die on a cold morning, you probably can’t forget it. Most battery performance is measured at 77 degrees Fahrenheit—but how often is the outdoor temperature around 77 degrees? If you store your batteries in hot Texas heat or outside in a cold snap, expect that their performance will be altered. Read on to learn about the effect of temperature on battery life. How does temperature affect batteries? Batteries use an electrochemical reaction to enable storage of electricity. Most fluids move slower... View Article
July 7, 2021 10:42 pm
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You may hear people talk about topping off their battery fluid when their vehicle batteries start to fail. In fact, you may even find how-to articles online about topping off a battery with acid to give the battery some added power. But don’t do that! If you have a battery that needs to be topped off, only do it with distilled water. The water inside the battery is responsible for cooling the battery and creating the electromechanical process of storing electricity, so it’s just as important as the acid you hear so much about. A battery should never actually lose... View Article
