MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Charger
With only minimal maintenance, this Charger will deliver years of dependable service.
Follow these simple steps to maintain the charger in optimum condition: After each use,
clean the battery charger clamps - be sure to remove any battery fluid that will cause
corrosion of the clamps. Clean the outside case of the charger with a soft cloth and, if
necessary, mild soap solution. Keep the charger cords loosely coiled during storage to
prevent damage to the cords. Do not use the charger if cords or clamps have been
damaged in any way.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, it's service
agent or qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.
Helpful Hints
It is essential to keep your battery regularly charged throughout the year, especially during
the winter months. In the winter the effectiveness of your car battery is reduced by the
cold. Oil is thick. Engines are difficult to start and the heater, windscreen wipers and lights
are all draining power. It is at this time that batteries have to be at peak power. If your
battery is not regularly maintained and kept fully charged, it can cause problems and a
possible breakdown.
Listed are some helpful hints on how to keep your battery healthy in conjunction with your
Battery Charger.
Faulty Cells
Batteries are usually made with six cells. One of these cells can deteriorate or get damaged.
If, after several hours charging your battery is still flat, you should test the battery. Take
hydrometer readings from each cell in the battery. If one reading is lower than the others,
this could indicate a faulty cell. If necessary, get an Auto-Electrician to check your battery.
One faulty cell is enough to ruin your battery.
It is pointless to continue using it and you would be better getting a new one.
Care
Sometimes the battery may appear flat, but this could simply be dirty or loose connections
on your battery terminals. It is important to maintain the leads on a regular basis. Do this
by removing the leads from the battery, clean the inside of each connector and terminal
posts on the battery, smear the terminal posts and connectors with Vaseline, refit in there
correct positions and tighten firmly.
It is essential to keep the electrolyte level above the plates.
Note, however, that you should not overfill it, as the electrolyte is strongly acidic. When
topping up do not use tap water. Always use distilled or de-ionized water. It is important to
keep the acid level up. If necessary have it checked by your garage.
Checking the condition of your battery
Using a hydrometer, which can be purchased, from most motor accessory stores, you can
check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell. The hydrometer is use to suck up a
quantity of fluid from the cell. The weighted float inside the hydrometer will register the
condition of that cell. Put the fluid back into the cell after testing, taking care not to splash
the fluid about.
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