Why is the battery water level important?

How to prevent battery damage when hiring long-term.

When properly maintained, batteries can typically last between three and five years. Adhering to regular watering and charging procedures is the key to maximizing the lifespan of batteries and preventing unnecessary damage.

The Basics:

The electric current flowing through the battery when the battery is being recharged converts the water into its original gasses, hydrogen and oxygen. This reaction causes water loss, leading to the need to replace the water in the battery periodically.

When do I need to top the batteries up?:

The best way to know when it's time to top up the water in your batteries is by physically checking the water levels. This should be done as part of your daily pre-start inspection. Certain machines such as Scissor lifts are fitted with multiple batteries which does take time but is important to reduce the chance of damage and downtime due to battery failure.

If the water level drops below the tops of the charging plates (pictured below) this can cause irreparable damage to the battery.

Firstly, ensure that your batteries are fully charged before adding water.

The water level should be about 1/2 an inch or 12.5mm above the tops of the plates to be considered in a normal range.

When adding more water - be sure to use distilled water. Tap water can contain minerals that will hinder the performance of the battery and increase the rate of self-discharge. Distilled water can be purchased at most fuel stations.

A few pointers:

• Check the manufacturer's recommendations. They will usually offer guidelines for your specific battery.
• The more you use and recharge the machine, the more water loss you will experience. During periods of heavy use it is all the more important to check water levels as per your daily pre-start checklist.

If you have any questions or need a run through on proper battery maintenance, please get in touch with you account manager on 0800 467 009 to arrange an onsite demo.