Have you ever seen a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)? An MSDS is a document that provides information on the proper use and maintenance of a product containing chemicals and hazardous substances. An SLI battery contains lead, sulfuric acid and polypropylene, and so it is required to have an MSDS prior to sale to the consumers. But on top of that, basic understanding of how the battery is operated, stored, charged, and installed in your vehicle’s charging system can be achieved from reading the MSDS. So if you are a distributor, mechanic or end user of an SLI battery, here are the best maintenance tips for you to consider.
Battery Safety Labels
Storage
The ideal recommended maximum storage time of an SLI battery from the date of manufacture to installation is 12 to 16 months. During this storage period, it is advisable that you measure the open circuit voltage level and recharge it whenever it is low. Storing the battery in a clean, dry and cool place with temperature ranging from 5 to 30⁰C will maintain the battery’s performance and life.
Charging/Discharging
As SLI battery is installed in your vehicle, a well-maintained charging system will improve the battery’s performance and longevity. This requires a little bit of know-how of the fundamentals of your vehicle’s charging system, the alternator. A good thing to always remember is not to flatten (100% discharge) or over-charge the battery. You should be aware that using your vehicle’s electrical and lighting systems while the engine is off will cause the battery to discharge at a faster rate. It is a rule of thumb to recharge the battery when there is 40-50% capacity left. When charging the battery outside of the vehicle (using another charger), putting into practice the right methods of charging SLI battery will always avoid over-charging.
Handling and Safety Precautions
Among of the common battery mishandlings to avoid are battery shorting, self-discharging, and unnecessary chemical reactions such as sulphation and grid corrosion. These can lead to battery breakdown and in worst cases, battery explosion. Periodic inspection of the battery’s condition will always ensure safety both of the user and the vehicle. Servicing by a qualified automotive mechanic will always keep your vehicle’s SLI battery maintained.
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