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How a Battery Works continuedInformationService ProblemsOverchargeModern car charging systems allow only a small current to flowinto the battery when it is fully charged. If there is a fault in thealternator, a much higher current will pass through the batteryall the time that the car is running. This current will cause thebattery to lose water rapidly, destroying the maintenance freecharacteristics of the battery, and will also reduce the life of thebattery by damaging the positive grids.A dark brown/black colour on the bottoms of the vent-plugs isa strong sign of overcharge.If an alternator (non stop-start vehicle) has a voltage above14.8 Volts at normal temperatures, this is a generally sign thatthe charging system is faulty. The common diode fault in therectifier will see charging voltages of 16.0V at the battery, thealternator should be repaired immediately to prevent anyfurther damage to the battery.Note with latest stop-start vehicles with Brake EnergyRegeneration, higher voltages (15.2V) are used to maximisecharging efficiencies and reduce alternator charging periods.Deep CyclingModern charging systems keep the battery in a highstate-of-charge while the car is running under most operatingconditions. However, the battery will discharge under abnormalconditions or if the car is allowed to stand with a load on, forexample, lights. On modern cars when parked, there isnormally a constant drain on the battery caused by suchcomponents as the computer, alarm system, clock etc, andthis will cause the battery to become discharged. Dependingon the vehicle, this can take weeks or months.Patented Sealed Postprevents acid seepage,reduces corrosion - extendsbattery life.Heat Sealed Case toCoverprotects against seepageand corrosion - bonded unitgives extra strength.Polypropylene Coverand Containerassures reserve electrolytecapacity for cooleroperating temperatures;gives greater resistance togas and oil - and impact inextreme weatherconditions!Special Separatormakes the battery spill-proof.Valve regulated designeliminates water loss and theneed to refill with acid.Vehicle batteries are designed to accept some cycles ofdischarge and recharge, but are not designed for applicationsin which there are constant cycles of charge and discharge(deep cycling). Leisure batteries have been designed for thesetypes of application, and have a special construction to enablethem to be deep cycled on a continuing basis.Continual deep cycling of vehicle batteries will cause failure asthe positive active material will gradually fall to the bottom of thebattery, reducing the ability of the plates to store electricity.A large number of small black/brown particles in the electrolyteare a strong indication that the battery has been deep cycled.SulphationSulphation is a normal part of the operation of a battery andoccurs whenever a battery is discharged. When the battery isrecharged, the sulphation (lead sulphate) is changed back intoactive material.If a battery is left flat for a period of time, this sulphation slowlychanges its form into one that cannot be changed back intoactive material on charging, so, after charge, the battery will notreturn to give its original performance. If the sulphation is badenough, the car will not start. This is the problem normallyreferred to as sulphation.UnderchargeUndercharge occurs if the battery is not receiving enoughcharge to return it to a full state-of-charge; this will slowly causesulphation. This fault can occur if the car is being used onlyoccasionally for short journeys, or for stop-start urbanmotoring. Undercharge will also occur if the alternator voltageis in the region of 13.6 - 13.8 Volts .Safety Valve Flame/Arrestorrelieves excess pressure.Thru-Partition Constructionprovides shorter current pathwith less resistance than "overthe partition" construction -you get more cranking powerwhen you need it!Special Active Materialis compounded to withstandvibration, prolong battery lifeand dependability.Special Grid Designwithstands severe vibration,assures maximumconductivity.514