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With Technical Services Manager Gale Kimbrough
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W ow! So many of you responded to our invitation to send in questions for Gale Kimbrough, the "Battery Answer Man," that we decided to fill this section with some of the responses from our readers. Keep the responses coming!!We love to hear from you. |
To see the original article that created these questions, follow this link.
Q: I just finished your article on storing batteries on concrete and would like to offer an alternate explanation. As an Interstate Dealer, I have answered the same question many times over the last 12 years. When customers insisted that I charge their batteries on a block of wood instead of on concrete, I knew they were crazy. One day a customer brought in two identical four-year-old batteries. To prove that the concrete myth was exactly that, we charged one on concrete and one on a 2x4 with the same charger for the same amount of time. The one on wood took a charge, and the one on concrete didn't. Very embarassing!
I think that the difference was temperature. A slab of concrete is a tremendous heat sink when it is cold, and the wood provides a layer of insulation. Most chemical processes, like battery charging, tend to wok better at higher temperatures. A battery being charged on a slab of concrete is not going to get as hot as one sitting on a piece of wood, and I think that temperature difference could make a difference on a marginal battery. What do you think?
Marvin Good, Catheys Valley California
A
: Marvin. Regarding your "embarrassing" discovery, I learned a long time ago that analyzing batteries and electrical/electronic components is similar to understanding women- just when I think I know a little bit about the subject, I find myself embarrassed or humbled. As to your conclusions about charging batteries on concrete, I agree. I didn't address your question in the last Tech Talk because it was about storing batteries on concrete, not charging them on concrete. The difference in temperature between the wood and the concrete could definitely affect battery charge acceptance. Battery electrolyte is influenced quite a bit by internal temperature, which significantly affects recharging. A fully-charged battery's efficiency is about 100% at 80° F but decreases rapidly as the temperature drops. Battery efficiency is 65% at 32° F and only 40% at 0° F. It is likely that wood, being more insulative to temperature changes than concrete, allows more efficient battery charging.
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: In your comments, you mentioned the importance of keeping batteries clean, which makes sense. What is the proper way to keep them clean?Greg Boldea, Eastill Springs Tennesee
A: Yes, keeping your battery clean is a great way to extend it's life. First, keep the terminals clean Visually inspect the terminals and cables for signs of corrosion at least once a year, especially in hot temperatures. If the are dirty or corroded, clean the connections. This will ensure a good connection and proper starting. Second, keep the case clean. Keep the top of the battery clean of heavy dirt and oil to reduce the risk of electrical transients between the positive and negative posts, which will result in a quicker discharge. Various battery cleaners are available. A chemical compound which neutralizes battery acid is a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water. Once the acid is neutralized, rinse the battery with water. Also, Interstate sells a NOCO battery treatment kit, which includes battery cleaner spray, corrosion preventative spray, terminal protectors and identification tag. Ask your Route Sales Manager about availability (or email us at ibs@thebatteryterminal.com).
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: After reading the article "Storing Batteries on Concrete," we are vary interested in the training classes you offer. What's covered in your ProClinics? And will there be any classes offered in the upcoming months?Robert Eppley, Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania
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: Thanks for your interest, Robert. ProClinic training provides you with information to help you:
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: The first time I start my truck on cold mornings, the starter sounds like the battery is low. But if I shut off the engine and immediately start it again, the starter sounds great and cranks as if the battery were fully charged. Why does it do that?Nate Swoboda, Warrenton Missouri
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: An engine's first start after sitting for several hours requires more amperage than the second or third start. The battery temperature and the engine have a lot to do with the actual starting current draw. I once tested an engine which required 300 amps to start the first time. I ran the vehicle for five minutes, shut it off, waited for five minutes and restarted it. It only required 185 amps that time. I repeated this process four more times, and the starter draw remained fairly constant at about 180 amps. But on the first start, although it's normal for the starter draw to decrease, a fully-charged battery shouldn't "sound low." The first start often reveals a possible weak condition. It sounds like your battery is getting weak or is low on charge. I certainly advise that you have your battery checked to avoid getting stranded.To see the original article that created these questions, follow this link.
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Interstate Battery System of America.
