Guide: How To Make Your Car Battery Go On & On!

[CRACING]

if the inverter is good quality and has smart charging (sensor based ) it can be used. but for once in a while it should be safe.

The inverter is 7 years old but good quality and condition, rated at 600va / 12v (Sorry, mentioned wrong last time) and is a offline UPS. Was using two 80Ah Exide batteries connected parallelly, long ago. Later 600va wasn't sufficient for my house load so had to buy new 1.4kv inverter.

Its not advanced as my new inverter, since it has only ON/OFF switch and no display.

what your friend is saying it's incorrect. both the batteries have same chemistry and type-
flooded lead acid with hydro sulphuric acid.

Yes I had doubt about what he said. Both car and home batteries are same type, only the capacity (AH) is different. Also I decided not to sell the inventor because it can be useful anytime. Now that you have confirmed, I can use it to charge car battery, atleast till 50% so the battery can start the engine again and continue charging.

 

[bhvm]

actually, if my. cars are parked for long (like a month or more ), I usually remove the Battery and combine it with my inverter / Solar system. it keeps the Battery on trickle charge (13.2v is my setting ) and extends the life of Battery. it also provides more Battery backup !

when you're back to use the car, just install the Battery and it starts at First crank !!

 

[Amaron VietNam]

Dear Mr Mudhan,
How are you,sir? Today I have a question for you. Pls answer for me, sir!
I don't know how to read Amaron Battery Manufacturing (MFG) code ( or MFG Date ). Where is it on the Amaron Battery?
I knew Amaron Hi-life, Amaron Pro they all have MFG Date. But some types don't have.
Thank you so much. sir!

 

[CRACING]

Hello friends,

Today evening it was my round to face battery trouble on my car. That too on a new year of Hindu, felt very sad and wouldn't minded if happened on other day.

The battery had drained till 11.6v when I checked with OBD but it was me who drained it. I did not used the car for last 2 days and today I kept parking lights and licence plate lights running for long on battery, as well as used interior lights, boot lights, Audio System and etc.

However, with the help of my neighbor/friend and his car, we could jump start my car. Later kept the engine running for an hour and now the battery is charged till 13v aka 100%.

Now I doubt on battery performance since its 5 and half years old and the Battery Status Indicator is always black. One of brother's friend say, the battery is just fine and its drained due to insufficient charging. Also said, every one or two days, I should start the engine and keep it running for 10 to 15 mins and also disconnect the battery if vehicle is not used for more then a week. Actually he a service engineer of local Maruti dealer and gives door-to-door vehicle servicing without labor fees.

Any thoughts from any of you guys?

p.s Should buy a car voltmeter asap but from china it takes months to reach me. :- (

Thanks...
Best Regards

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

.

@ CRACING​

The battery had drained till 11.6v when I checked with OBD but it was me who drained it. I did not used the car for last 2 days and today I kept parking lights and license plate lights running for long on battery, as well as used interior lights, boot lights, Audio System and etc.
p.s Should buy a car voltmeter asap but from china it takes months to reach me.

Your battery has already served for more than 5 years and for a car like yours which sparingly used, it is justified. My usage is almost like you but I run the car 5 minutes and make a short drive 1 to 3 kilometers twice or thrice a week. But I ensure this is done in the morning without using lights and horn (as much as possible) to gain energy.

Since, you used lights and audio in a car which is halted quite some time, you had this issue. You keep the car running at least 5 minutes every day for a week and then alternatively and note whether still it has the issue. If it has disappeared you can manage for few more months with the same battery. If the issue persists or you want peace of mind as you don’t want to damage the engine parts by unnecessary cracking and also if you cannot start and run the engine every day, go for a new battery but you must run the car thrice a week at least to save the life of the new battery.

Please don't keep the OBD attached on always.

To keep a Battery voltmeter or a multi meter is always good. If you can’t wait from Ali_ Express, you can order this from ebay which is costlier than China price but you will get it within a week, you know it!

LED Display Cigarette Lighter Electric Voltage Meter FOR Auto CAR Battery | eBay

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[CRACING]

Hello Dr,

Thanks for your prompt response sir.

Yes, I have been using the car rarely now-a-days and I use two-wheeler more often. Now that I have learnt the lesson, will keep the engine running for 5 mins in evey two days.

Today morning, I have tested the battery as you have instructed. When ignition is ON, the voltage is 12.10v ~ 12.15v and when cranked, it drops down to 9.5V but not below that. So it looks like the battery is just fine for now. Lets see what happens and I wish not to face trouble in middle of traffic/signal.

As of Battery voltmeter, I have contacted to couple of sellers in aliexpress to know whether they can ship via HK post. Otherwise I have buy from Ebay.com as sellers over there are shipping via HK post. Listings in Ebay India cost thrice plus extra shipping so it doesn't look a good deal.

Thanks...
Best Regards

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Dear Mr Mudhan,
How are you,sir? Today I have a question for you. Pls answer for me, sir!
I don't know how to read Amaron Battery Manufacturing (MFG) code ( or MFG Date ). Where is it on the Amaron Battery?
I knew Amaron Hi-life, Amaron Pro they all have MFG Date. But some types don't have.
Thank you so much. sir!

HOW TO CHECK AND REPLACE YOUR BATTERY BY USING THE DATE CODE.​

There's a manufacturer's shipping code on almost every automobile battery. Since the life you'll get from the battery is dependent on when it was made, not necessarily when it was put into service, you'll want to check this code so you can be sure the battery you buy is relatively "fresh" and hasn't been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years.

The shipping code usually appears on a sticker on the battery or a stamp burned into the battery case itself.

You can also find it on the warranty card.

As you said, it is clear on my battery. But other Amaron makes, please search whether you find something as below:

The sticker indicates – manufacturing date ( month / year), amperes, bar code, serial number and model of the manufacturer. Old batteries used have engraved code on the battery itself.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQEHnuWVNlU
​

 

[Kichu]

Expert says, its the time to change the battery when the cranking voltage falls below 9.6 volt...

Check the individual cell voltages, a healthy battery should have atleast 2v each.

I changed my stock amaron battery(With 1 year warranty) after 5yrs and 8months. Still it was working, but I could feel its weakness. Upon inspection, I found two of its cells are weak so decided to get a new one.

 

[CRACING]

Expert says, its the time to change the battery when the cranking voltage falls below 9.6 volt...

I see

Check the individual cell voltages, a healthy battery should have atleast 2v each.

I will go test the cells with Hydrometer but that doesn't show voltage right? Only shows whether the cell holds charge or not or the cell is bad. So how to test the voltage of each cells?

 

[Kichu]

As you know already this 12v batteries are made of six 2.15v cells which are connected in series. That is how we get 12 volts(12.9+/-volt) when we check the voltage across the terminals.

Inorder to check the individual cell voltage-
* Open those cell caps on the battery, now you will have access to all those 6 cells/holes.
* Insert the voltmeter terminals into the first and second holes. Just gently keep it inside the hole. (*Dont push it hard*)
* Now you will get the voltage reading of a single cell, repeat these steps on the other cells. By doing so individual cell voltages can be achieved.

**There are chances to get itching sensation when the electrolyte spills on the skin.**

 

[CRACING]

As you know already this 12v batteries are made of six 2.15v cells which are connected in series. That is how we get 12 volts(12.9+/-volt) when we check the voltage across the terminals.

Inorder to check the individual cell voltage-
* Open those cell caps on the battery, now you will have access to all those 6 cells/holes.
* Insert the voltmeter terminals into the first and second holes. Just gently keep it inside the hole. (*Dont push it hard*)
* Now you will get the voltage reading of a single cell, repeat these steps on the other cells. By doing so individual cell voltages can be achieved.

**There are chances to get itching sensation when the electrolyte spills on the skin.**

Thanks for the information but the same I couldn't find anywhere over internet.

Anyway, here is the result of each cell voltages:

First cell that is next to positive terminal shows 1.95v. Next cell is 2.05v and all other cells are under 2.10v.

Out of 6 cells, I can get the voltage reading of only 5 cells. How do you find the voltage of last cell?

Btw; Hydrometer didn't gave good sign of cells either. 5 cells are under 1.125 Gr. and one doesn't have any gravity, meaning hydrometer doesn't float.

 

[Kichu]

Thanks for the information but the same I couldn't find anywhere over internet.

Anyway, here is the result of each cell voltages:

First cell that is next to positive terminal shows 1.95v. Next cell is 2.05v and all other cells are under 2.10v.

Out of 6 cells, I can get the voltage reading of only 5 cells. How do you find the voltage of last cell?

My pleasure

Ya, only 5 cells can be read using "cell to cell" connections. Last one can be measure by "cell to terminal" connection. Insert one end into the last cell and the other end on the battery terminal.

Btw; Hydrometer didn't gave good sign of cells either. 5 cells are under 1.125 Gr. and one doesn't have any gravity, meaning hydrometer doesn't float.

Considering the cell voltages and hydrometer readings, I think your battery hold only 35-55% of charge. Isn't it possible for a 30-45 mins of drive to ensure that we gave enough time for the battery to get it charged fully? Or else take the battery outside to get it charged fully. After that, again if these cell voltages and the hydrometer readings are not optimum then you can expect battery failure in a few weeks for months.

 

[CRACING]

Insert one end into the last cell and the other end on the battery terminal.

I tried that by connecting positive terminal to last cell and negative terminal of multimeter to negative terminal of battery but didn't get a correct reading.

Considering the cell voltages and hydrometer readings, I think your battery hold only 35-55% of charge. Isn't it possible for a 30-45 mins of drive to ensure that we gave enough time for the battery to get it charged fully? Or else take the battery outside to get it charged fully. After that, again if these cell voltages and the hydrometer readings are not optimum then you can expect battery failure in a few weeks for months.

I had kept the engine running for an hour yesterday night and today I didn't use the vehicle much but I have tested the cell voltages when the battery is connected. May be the its in draining state.

I think I should really take the battery out and test or charge it.

 

[Kichu]

I tried that by connecting positive terminal to last cell and negative terminal of multimeter to negative terminal of battery but didn't get a correct reading.

Not like that. Negative terminal and the hole closer to it. If it doesn't work, try positive terminal and the hole closer to it. Here one of the method will be showing zero volt(Mostly the later method "positive to hole") that is not the one we want, so consider the reading of other.

I had kept the engine running for an hour yesterday night and today I didn't use the vehicle much but I have tested the cell voltages when the battery is connected. May be the its in draining state.

I think I should really take the battery out and test or charge it.

Okay, so the battery got enough time to get it charged. So I should say the condition of the battery is poor.

Ya, its more accurate to take the cell voltage readings after disconnecting the battery terminals from the car.
If you didn't clean the battery terminals recently, then its good to have a try by cleaning them too.

Using soda powder and steel scrubber.
Add some water to soda powder and wet the terminals with it. Using a steel scrubber scrub it till the terminals shine like new. Doing this will helps in getting good electrical conduction.

I hope the electrolyte levels are fine, if not fill it upto the required level with distilled water.

 

[CRACING]

Not like that. Negative terminal and the hole closer to it. If it doesn't work, try positive terminal and the hole closer to it. Here one of the method will be showing zero volt(Mostly the later method "positive to hole") that is not the one we want, so consider the reading of other.

Here we go again. I have tested these after disconnecting and cleaning the battery:

Total voltage of battery is 12.26v and each cells voltages shown below:

+ve probe & -ve probe of Multimeter
-------------------------------------------
+ve of battery & 1st cell = 1.45v
1st cell & 2nd cell = 1.95v
2nd cell & 3rd cell = 2.00v
3rd cell & 4th cell = 2.06v
4th cell & 5th cell = 2.08v
5th cell & 6th cell = 2.07v
6th cell & -ve of battery = 0.56v

I hope the electrolyte levels are fine, if not fill it upto the required level with distilled water.

Yep, electrolyte levels are fine since I have top'ed up few months ago.

One my friend said the following to do; it will recondition the battery and again runs good for a year or more.

Disconnect the battery from the car, recharge the battery using 12v home inverter till 100%. Then remove 50% of electrolyte on each cells and dispose off. Get a battery solution bottle from battery shop and use it to top-up each cells, that means 50% of each cells.

Now have kept the battery for charging using my home inverter and once its 100%, I will check all the voltages but I don't think I will use battery solution to recondition because I don't know whether its a good idea and it looks a risky too.