Tips



Avoid battery problems when you least want them

  • Keep your batteries fully charged! Maintainers only MAINTAIN fully charged batteries. They will not charge a dead battery!
  • When storing your car for long periods of time (weeks or months), disconnect the battery to prevent discharging.
  • Have the serpentine belt on your car changed at regular intervals! If your belt is loose, your alternator will not charge at full power! UNDERCHARGING remains the most frequent cause of battery failure.
  • Have your alternator checked regularly. The Alternator charges your battery and powers your car's electrical system. Faulty alternators are the second most common cause of battery failure.
  • If your battery is a Law-Maintenance battery, MAINTAIN IT! As it charges and discharges, it will require distilled water from time to time... Poorly hydrated batteries - like people - wear out faster!
  • Don't drain your battery by outpacing it's output. If you have auxiliary lights; stereo; navigation; DVD players; or other non-factory installed additions, upgrade your battery AND/OR your alternator to provide as much or more REPLACEMENT power to your battery to keep it fully charged!
  • Ensure your terminals and all connections are snug. Lose terminals will not help for recharging from the alternator or starting because there is no solid connection!
  • Ensure your terminals are free of corrosion. Corroded terminals inhibit connectivity for charging and discharging.
  • Replace old, brittle, frayed, or cracked cables! Inconsistent electrical current can cause inconsistent draws and recharging!
  • Ensure the battery you have is the right one for the vehicle! Manufacturers recommend specific batteries to eliminate wear on starters, fuel injectors, electrical systems and oil pumps. Using a battery that is under-performing can effect the overall health of your car AND kill your battery!
  • Ensure the battery you have is the right one for the TYPE of vehicle you drive! The recommended battery for an off-road 4X4 is dramatically different in design and performance than a commuter car!

Battery environmental / Waste disposal tips

  •  When handling dead batteries, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses.
  • If you are transporting the batteries to be recycled, place the battery upright in a secure, sealed container that will not tip over.
  • Lead Acid Batteries MUST be recycled at APPROVED Recycle collection sites. Selling batteries to independent scrapers or junk collectors could result in an insurance liability if your battery is not properly handled BY the recycler! Battery Recyclers MUST use D.O.T. Approved Hazmat CFR 49/4G shippers and transport methods when handling recycled batteries!
  • Practice the number one rule when handling battery acid, or working around flooded batteries: ALWAYS WEAR PROPER EYE, FACE, AND HAND PROTECTION !
  • If you should get electrolyte splashed into your eyes because you ignored the number one rule when handling battery acid, or working around flooded batteries – force the eye open and flood it with clean cold water from a shower, eye-wash station or bottle for at LEAST 15-20 minutes.
  • If you should swallow electrolyte, drink a lot (a quart or more) of milk. DO NOT induce vomiting! And get to a Poison Control Center or Emergency Room immediately.
  • When you’re using / around / handling electrolyte, make sure you keep plenty of acid-neutralizing solution around, like soda ash, baking soda, ammonia mixed with equal parts water.  You’ll want this stuff handy for when you spill electrolyte — and if you’re working around batteries, you are going to spill.
  • When you spill, cover the spill with your neutralizing agent  like soda ash, baking soda, ammonia mixed with equal parts water .  After neutralizing, rinse the contaminated area with clean water.  If you should spill a large amount of electrolyte – 10 gallons or more — call the fire department and let them handle it. Otherwise, you could get seriously hurt and there may be environmental issues depending upon where you live.

Trends you need to know about that relate to powering our fun toys

  •  New EPA NO IDLE Laws for Diesel Pushers, Big Rigs and Industrial equipment means your batteries may need to be checked, replaced, or upgraded to accommodate more frequent starts; longer electrical draws or longer periods of innactivity! 
  • US Coast Guard Regulations state: Each installed battery in a vessel must not move more than one inch in any direction when a pulling force of 90 pounds or twice the battery weight, whichever is less, is applied through the center of gravity of the battery as follows: (1) Vertically for a duration of one minute. (2) Horizontally and parallel to the boat’s center line for a duration of one minute fore and one minute aft. (3) Horizontally and perpendicular to the boat’s center line for a duration of one minute to starboard and one minute to port.  
  • US Coast Guard Regulations state: Batteries cannot be installed directly above or below a fuel tank, fuel filter or fuel line fitting. 
  • A California driver's license or learner's permit is now required to operate motorized scooters on public roads. Formerly no driver's license or learner's permit was required to operate on public roads. Also gas scooter modifications that increase the decibel level or exhaust emissions of the scooter's motor are banned by the new scooter law. This law change does not address pocket bikes which are regulated under current motorcycle laws.  
  • Did you know that many states allow ATVs to be registered to riders under the age of 16 provided they prove financial responsibility (Insurance) and parental consent?

Different applications for your most popular battery/batteries

  • Our UBGC-2, SKU 2018, is a very affordable 6 Volt Deep Cycle AGM battery that can be used in Golf Cars, RV, Floor Machine, Aerial Lift and Marine applications! It is a very affordable, Maintenance-Free option for anyone considering 6 Volt Deep Cycle Batteries.
  • The WPX20L-BS is a very common Harley Davidson replacement battery. BUT - It is also VERY popular replacement for other big V-Twin Bikes, Arctic Cat Snowmobiles, Generators and Electric Scooters! 
  • The WPX30L-LS is the biggest 30L Replacmeent Battery available -- offering 600+ Cold Cranking Amps for Big Block Harley Davidsons, Snowmobiles and Personal Watercraft! 
  • The US2200 -- our most reliable Golf Cart, RV and Marine Deep Cycle 6 Volt -- is the most common replacment battery for JLG Scissor Lifts! 
  • The USL16HC -- commonly used as an industrial Boom Lift and Aerial Lift battery -- is the most reliable SOLAR Battery in use (in our opinion)!