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Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Exide BatteriesTake a battery tour to see why Exide batteries are market leaders or read below for further information.
What is a battery?The automotive battery provides starting power for the engine. It also supplies power to accessories such Batteries produce their power through a chemical reaction which is released when a load such as a globe, starter motor or electric fan is connected to the battery. Electrical current is generated when two different metals are placed separately in a liquid capable of conducting electricity. When the metals are connected together above the liquid, electrical current flows through the connection. The different metals are referred to as electrodes. Pure lead is used for the negative electrode or plate and a lead dioxide paste is used for the positive electrode. The battery becomes discharged (or flat) when no more current flows through the cell. The cell can be recharged by forcing electrical current back through the cell in the reverse direction. The chemical reaction that takes place during discharge converts both the positive electrode and the negative electrode to lead sulphate. Water is produced and dilutes the strength of the acid. During recharge, the electrodes are converted back to lead dioxide and lead. The water produced during discharge is consumed returning the lead to its original strength. In addition, some electrolysis of the water in the electrolyte occurs breaking it down into its component gases: hydrogen and oxygen.
Why choose Exide
Exide Technologies automotive battery range covers every automotive need from original equipment of vehicles such as Ford, Holden and Mitsubishi, to batteries designed to suit specialised requirements ranging from major industrial applications to marine and leisure equipment. Exide is the best choice for all battery applications due to its global network and research and development, ensuring the latest of technology is applied to its products through best practice manufacture. Exide has a range of products designed and built in Australia, for Australian conditions. These can be identified easily as they carry the Australian Made logo. GENERAL BATTERY INFORMATIONWhat is Reserve Capacity?Australian standard test which replicates alternator failure, stated time in minutes which a discharge current of 25 amps is applied until battery voltage falls below 10.5 volts. Reserve Capacity relates to the capacity of the battery and increases with the amount of active material in the battery.
What is Cold Cranking? (CCA)
Australian standard test indicating the highest discharge current a battery can maintain at a low temperature of -18 C but maintaining a load voltage above 7.20 volts. Higher CCA can be achieved by increasing plate surface area, this relates to number and size of plates used in battery design.
Temperature greatly influences a batteries ability to carry high currents and increases failure rate of worn batteries during winter periods.
What is 20 Hour Capacity?
Similar to Reserve Capacity but discharge currents are much lower, equal to the C20 rating divided by 20. This rating is more useful for stand-by applications but is a good indication of capacity.
Off Key Load
Installed batteries in modern vehicles have a small load which can drain enough capacity in a few weeks rendering the battery unable to crank the engine. Batteries should be isolated by removing the negative terminal clamp if vehicle is not used for long periods.
Battery Acid
The correct concentration of Sulphuric acid is in the battery when manufactured, there is general no need to top up with acid in normal service life. Unit measure for concentration is Specific Gravity which is equal to density in grams per cubic centimetre, new batteries are mostly in the range 1.260 to 1.290 S.G.
Dry Charged Batteries
Not as common these days but some imported products are still available as dry charged and are supplied with an acid bottle. To make dry charged batteries, the plates are fully charged and dried before battery assembly, these can deteriorate if exposed to air so each cell must have air tight seals to store as dry charged. A dry battery is typically filled with 1.70S.G acid and given a short boast charge before it is ready for service.
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RESERVE CAPACITY (RC)
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SLOW CHARGE |
| Up to 75 mins |
15 hrs @ 3 amps |
| 75 mins to 130 mins |
21 hrs @ 4 amps |
| 130 mins to 180 mins |
22 hrs @ 5 amps |
| 180 mins to 250 mins |
23 hrs @ 6 amps |
| Above 250 mins |
24 hrs @ 10 amps |
Many chargers available will automatically adjust to discharged condition and commence ith a boost charge gradually changing to suit the battery condition and then switching off at the fully charged rate. If not an automatic switch mode charger use the above as a guide. Vew the range of Exide chargers available
Vehicle electrical and charging systems are becoming more complex and we recommend fitting by professional installers only. For more Help and advice (visit your nearest Exide store)
Australia has some of the harshest conditions in the world. Our extreme temperatures and varied landscape can seriously affect the life of a battery. Not all batteries are created equal.
Exide’s Australian Made Range of batteries have been designed to withstand the high under-bonnet temperatures and excessive vibration experienced by motorists; and our full product range of automotive, marine, deep cycle and industrial batteries, provides consumers with the best solution for every application.
To help maximise the life of your battery, follow these helpful tips:
Keep batteries topped up
Maintaining a sufficient electrolyte level ensures the electrolyte is neither too high or too low. Use distilled or deionised water and never over fill. Maintenance free batteries will usually not require topping up. Low maintenance batteries require the addition of water only once or twice per year depending on conditions.
Check electrical connections
Make sure battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight. The application of a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help reduce corrosion.
Avoid overcharging
Overcharging produces rapid deterioration and corrosion which shortens battery life. A battery needing to be topped up continually with water is a sure sign that the car's electrical system requires careful checking. This may also affect a maintenance free battery.
Keep batteries clean and dry.
Dirt on a battery's surface leads to discharge and corrosion. Avoid spilling oil or grease onto the top of the battery. To remove dirt or moisture, wash with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water. Rinse afterwards with clean water. Ensure vent plugs are in place at all times.
Precautions
To avoid shorting, metallic objects should not be placed on top of the battery. Batteries contain hydrogen gas and air in a volatile mixture which is easily ignited. Keep flames or sparks away from the battery at all times.
Batteries contain sulphuric acid. Never add acid to cells and keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing or any other material which may become damaged. If contamination occurs, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away.
Batteries are also heavy - ensure correct lifting procedures are used when moving batteries.
Sulphation
An undercharged battery or underutilised battery will slowly discharge (go flat) over time and reduce its life. This is common in boats (over winter) or vehicles left unused for long periods of time. Always keep a battery fully charged to ensure maximum life.
You don't have to wait until you break down to change your battery. Avoid breakdowns by getting your battery tested on a regular basis. Exide stockists can provide you with a battery check to determine the state of your vehicles battery system.
Vehicle electrical systems are becoming more complex and its vital you purchase the right battery for your vehicle, so leave it to the experts.
Visit your nearest Exide stockist today.
Our batteries are warranted against any manufacturing fault for the stated period or kilometres (whichever occurs first).
Should it not pass a standard battery test for any reason other than after-sale damage, neglect or misuse, it will be replaced free of charge by the dealer or the dealer's agents. You may claim under the warranty by returning the battery to the place of purchase with the original purchase receipt and completed warranty card for the warranty adjudication procedure. You must bear any expense you may incur in making the claim. This express warranty is given by Exide Technologies, 1-5 Winterton Road, Clayton 3168, Victoria Australia, Phone: in Australia, 1800 800 811; in New Zealand 0800 651 611, email us via our website: www.exide.com.au or www.exide.co.nz. For full terms and conditions see website.
The benefits under this express warranty are additional to other rights and remedies under applicable laws in force in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage (including but not limited to expenses you may incur in making a claim under the guarantees). You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure
Exide Technologies products can be warranted at any location that sells Exide Technologies products around Australia and New Zealand. It is important that the consumer keeps their receipt. If the warranty has to be exercised, the replacement battery will carry another full warranty period.
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PRODUCT TRAINING |
STANDARD WARRANTY TERM |
CONDITIONS |
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Extra |
36 months/60,000KM private use |
18 months for commercial use.3 months for Taxi |
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Endurance Plus |
24 months/40,000KM private use |
12 months commercial use.3 months for Taxi |
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Endurance |
24 months/40,000KM private use |
12 months commercial use. Nil Taxi |
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Low Maintanence |
12 months/20,000 KM private use |
6 months commercial use. Nil Taxi |
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4x4 Commercial |
12 months/100,000 KM |
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Heavy Commercial |
12 months/100,000 KM |
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Extreme |
24 months private use/150,000 KM |
18 months/150,000KM commercial |
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Marine Stowaway Starting |
12 months |
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Marine Stowaway Dual Purpose |
18 months |
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Marine Stowaway AGM Deep Cycle |
12 months |
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Stowaway Leisure Cycle Silver |
12 months |
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Stowaway Leisure Cycle Gold |
15 months |
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Select Orbital |
12 months |
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Deep Cycle |
6 months |
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Industrial Deep Cycle |
12 months |
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Gel |
12 months |
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Small Sealed Lead Acid |
6 months |
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Large Sealed Lead Acid |
6 months |
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Motorcycle (sealed) |
12 months |
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Motorcycle (conventional) |
12 months |
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Sonnenschein |
12 months |
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Element |
12 months |
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Other factors that can cause premature failure of a battery include:
For further advice, please contact Exide Technologies by phoning 1800 800 811 for Australia or 0800 651 611 for New Zealand or by completing the online contact us form on this website.
To avoid shorting, metallic objects should not be placed on top of the battery.
Batteries have a limited shelf life and when stored gradually lose their power to perform. On average, a fully-charged battery takes about 13 weeks to gradually discharge to less than its optimum operating level.
The rate of charge loss depends on battery type (low maintenance or maintenance free) and temperature conditions.
Charge loss becomes more evident when temperatures increase. At 20°C low maintenance batteries lose approximately one half of one per cent of charge per day (30 percent in 60 days). At 30°C charge loss is usually double the rate for 20°C.
Under similar temperature conditions, maintenance free batteries lose their charge more slowly than low maintenance batteries. Excessive humidity will also accelerate charge loss.
A battery stored upright in cool and dry conditions is ideal.
Whilst in storage batteries that have not been recharged and allowed to go flat, may be permanently damaged. Recharging every four to eight weeks, depending on storage conditions, will restore batteries to "as new" condition.
It is best to trust Exide and its National network of reputable stores to deliver the optimal product that is professionally managed.
Why are they different
Deep Cycle type battery is designed so that repeated cycling will not affect the battery's life or performance. Unlike the "SLI" battery which provides concentrated starting power, the deep cycle type battery supplies a constant but relatively low amount of current for a long period of time when an extended power supply is preferred. Exide provides a range of batteries that are considered hybrid where they provide characteristics across both starting and cycling applications.
Choosing the right Deep Cycle battery
It is easy to decide which deep cycle battery is required and how long it will operate your equipment before recharging is necessary. First you need to establish:
STEP 1
The first step is to determine the total number of "Watt Hours" involved. Calculate this by multiplying the loading of each piece of equipment (watts) by the number of hours you intend to use it between recharges and then add them up. Follow this example of a boat owner who is operating a winch, fridge, communication equipment and uses the interior lights for extended periods.
STEP 2
The next step is to determine "Ampere Hour" (AH) requirement that the battery must accommodate. You calculate this by dividing the watt hours by the system voltage. Continuing the boat example:
500 Watt Hours/12 volts(system voltage)=42 Ampere Hours
STEP 3
Battery cables are not perfect so it pays to make allowances for loss of power. A cable loss margins of 10% is usually appropriate.
In addition, it's nice to have a little more capacity than you will need. Therefore, we recommend you build in an over-capacity margin of about 25%
CAN YOUR DEEP CYCLE BATTERY BE USED FOR ENGINE STARTING?
Yes, deep cycle batteries can be used for engine starting purpose; but only as a backup of the existing starting battery. If it is used, you will need to increase the Ampere Hour estimate by 50% to ensure you have starting power when the battery has been partly discharged.
STEP 4
Having established the number of Ampere Hours required, refer to the Deep Cycle Battery Specification listing to choose the correct battery for your needs. There is one further consideration. Battery capacity varies according to speed of discharge. The faster the battery is discharged, the fewer Ampere Hours it will deliver before requiring a recharge. Therefore, EXIDE Deep Cycle batteries are capacity rated for three lengths of discharge time. You will need to determine the length of time your battery will be discharged over and match to the closest rated discharge time quoted.
If being discharged over a 20 hour period, then a ED6 type will be very suitable.
If in doubt then please contact our professional store network or Exide Australia or New Zealand.
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