Deep cycle batteries are designed to be run down and charged up again on a regular basis, e.g. running powered items in a boat, caravan or SUV.  These batteries traditionally have limited cold cranking / starting ability and are generally not used for engine starts, although they can be depending on the nominated current draw for a particular engine.

All conventional deep cycle battery manufactures say that their batteries are designed to be cycled to 50% of their rated capacity, so each and every time you take these batteries below this 50% you are shortening their lives, and if you do it regularly and deeply you will even more dramatically reduce their lives.

The truth is that most people discharge their batteries far too low, way down until their fridges cut out, or their lights start to dim which at this point they have discharged their batteries so low that they are doing serious damage to their batteries, and consequently won't get anywhere near the life out of their batteries that they could and should normally expect if the batteries were cycled within their design perimeters.

A great way to get more life out of your Deep cycle battery is to use smart charging solutions, like solar panels and a smart regulator or a smart 3 stage mains (240v) battery charger.

Some of our range of Deep cycle batteries include AC Delco, Gladiator and Powersonic.

There’s nothing worse than jumping in your car to go to work or coming home from a night out to find your car won’t start because of a faulty or flat battery.

Here are some tips on how to care for your car’s battery and prevent those low voltage blues from getting you down:

• One simple tip is to check the expected life and manufacture date which is usually printed on the battery. If it is nearing or has exceeded its use-by-date replace the battery with a new one.
• Before removing the cables from your battery it is a good idea to use a memory saver. This device plugs into your cigarette lighter so you won’t lose your stereo presets and other memory functions.
• Make sure the terminals and clamps are clean. Safely remove the negative cable followed by the positive cable. Using a wire brush, some baking powder and cold water, remove any corrosion or deposits.
• With the battery cables disconnected, check the level of the electrolyte in the battery. Gently remove the caps that cover the battery cells and check to see if the level is less than 2.5 cm. If so, top-up the battery with distilled water until it is 2.5cm from the top. Allow the distilled water to mix with the electrolyte for a few hours before using the car.
• Check your battery for any cracks or leaks. If you find any replace the battery immediately.
• For a no-maintenance battery, check to see if you have a green light in the charge indicator. If the light is green then the battery is in good working order. If it is dark green it needs recharging. If the charge indicator is yellow or has no color at all replace the battery.
• Make sure you have the correct battery for your car. Each car has specific requirements from a battery so make sure yours is the right type.
• Cover the terminals with petroleum jelly or a battery protector spray to keep the terminals dry and stop them from corroding.
• Make sure the brackets that hold your battery in place are nice and tight. Continuous vibrations shorten the life of your battery.
• Make sure your cars charging system is working correctly. Next time you have your car serviced get the mechanic to check that your alternator is charging the battery. If the charging system is not working correctly, replacing your battery will not help.