Proper battery selection may require the assistance of a knowledgeable battery sales/service technician. Please contact Europower Battery Centre for advice.

An automotive or starting battery is designed for brief bursts of high current and cannot withstand more than a few deep discharges before failure. This is why is it unable to start your car if you accidentally leave the lights on for more than a couple of times.

A deep cycle battery has the ability to be deeply discharged and charged many times during its service life. It is designed specifically for powering electrical equipment for long periods of time.

For applications where both engine starting and light deep cycling are required, a dual-purpose battery is often used. This type of battery is neither a starting nor a deep cycle battery but rather a compromise between the two so it performs both functions adequately.

Deep cycle batteries can be used of engine starting but starting batteries should not be used for deep cycle applications.

This is a totally sealed battery giving high starting performance and deep cycling capability. It is absolutely maintenance free and leak-proof and can therefore be placed in a variety of positions.

AGM batteries absorb the battery acid in the glass fibres and thus binds it in. Since the electrolyte (acid) is contained in the glass mats, it cannot spill, even if the battery is broken. This also means that AGM batteries are non-hazardous. In addition, since there is no liquid to freeze and expand, they are practically immune from freezing damage. The plates in AGM's are tightly packed and rigidly mounted, and will withstand shock and vibration better than any standard battery.

The AGM battery has an extremely low internal electrical resistance. This, combined with faster acid migration, allows the AGM batteries to deliver and absorb higher rates of amperage than other sealed batteries during discharging and charging.

Nearly all AGM batteries are "recombinant". This means that the oxygen and hydrogen recombine inside the battery. These use gas phase transfer of oxygen to the negative plates to recombine them back into water while charging and prevent the loss of water through electrolysis. The recombining is typically 99+% efficient, so almost no water is lost.

The charging voltages are the same as for any standard battery; therefore there is no need for any special adjustments or problems with incompatible chargers or charge controls. And, since the internal resistance is extremely low, there is almost no heating of the battery even under heavy charge and discharge currents.

AGM's have a very low self-discharge - from 1% to 3% per month is usual. This means that they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging than standard batteries.

Higher-voltage systems tend to be more efficient and put a lower load on the batteries. Factors other than the battery enter into the system’s overall efficiency.

The state of charge of a lead acid battery is most accurately determined by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte. This is done with a hydrometer. Battery voltage also indicates the level of charge when measured in an open circuit condition. This should be done with a voltmeter. For an accurate voltage reading, the battery should also be allowed to rest for a period sufficient to let the voltage stabilise.

Equalising should be performed when a battery is first purchased (called a freshening charge) and on a regular basis as needed. This will vary depending on your application. You will need to monitor your battery voltage and specific gravity to determine when equalisation is needed. Reduced performance can also be an indicator that equalising is necessary.

Lead acid batteries do not develop any type of memory. This means that you do not have to deep discharge or completely discharge a battery before recharging it.

All batteries will self-discharge regardless of their chemistry. The rage of self-discharge depends on the type of battery, the age of the battery and the storage temperature the batteries are exposed to.

An automatic charger offers the greatest convenience. Just plug the battery into the charger and the charger does the rest. Manual chargers, although equally effective at charging batteries, require a greater level of attention. Generally speaking, automatic chargers are priced higher than manual chargers.

Water is lost during charging. Therefore, the best time to water your batteries is always at the end of the charge cycle. However, if the electrolyte level is extremely low of the plates are exposed to air, add some water to cover the plates before starting the charge cycle. It is best to check your new batteries regularly as this will give you a good feel for how often your application will require battery watering.

Liquid levels should be 1/8 inch below the bottom of the vent well (the plastic tube that extends into the battery). The electrolyte level should not drop below the top of the plates.

Under normal operating conditions, you never need to add acid. Only distilled, deionised or approved water should be added to achieve the recommended levels mentioned above. Once filled, a battery should only need periodic water addition.

The only way a battery can freeze if it is left in a state of partial or complete discharge. As the state of charge in the battery decreased, the electrolyte becomes more like water and the freezing temperature increases.

You will reduce the frequency of watering but will cause a condition known as stratification where the specific gravity of the electrolyte is light at the top of the battery and heavy at the bottom. This condition results in poor performance and reduced battery lift.

A solution of baking soda and water. Use 1 lb of baking soda for every gallon of water.

Lead acid batteries are 100% recyclable. Lead is the most recycled metal in the world today. The plastic containers and covers of old batteries are neutralised, reground and used in the manufacture of new battery cases. The electrolyte can be processed for recycled wastewater uses.