Optima Battery Information
Optima Battery Shop's optima batteries are built to the highest standards. They are manufactured to the highest standards, requirements and specifications.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand that:-
An optima battery is ‘alive’. Whether it is in service or in storage even though it will last longer than a standard battery it has a finite life span. The higher the ambient (storage) temperature the greater the rate of self-discharge.
To ensure that optima batteries are not allowed to discharge to the point where they are either damaged (sulphated) or so that they are incapable of working, regular voltage checks should be made.
Optima batteries with a voltage of 12.4v or below should be recharged. Recharging can be effected by a slow or rapid charger. Ideally a recharge rate of 1/10th of the battery’s capacity should be applied for up to 12 hours. At the end of this period, a fully charged optima battery will read over 12.65v.
Optima Battery problems - Non-manufacturing faults
Sulphation of a optima battery: If a optima battery is allowed to stand in a discharged state for an excessive amount of time, a chemical reaction takes place, which can permanently impair performance - this is sulphation. Sulphation can be seen as a fine white/grey coating on the plates. In most cases this signifies irreversible damage and the optima battery will not be serviceable. This damage can occur either in storage or if the optima battery is installed in a vehicle (or equipment) that is not used for a period of time, for example a tractor, motorcycle, or boat. Even an optima battery connected can still damage the battery in this way. This is because there is a permanent drain on the battery from the clock, alarm etc. As a result the level of charge in a optima battery falls, and after a period of time sulphation will build up on the plates.
The sulphation (lead sulphate) hinders the chemical reaction between the acid (electrolyte) and the active mass (lead compound) in the plates and prevents the optima battery from operating as normal. This is not a manufacturing fault.
Wear and Tear of a optima battery:During the charge and discharge cycle, material from the battery plates (active mass) is in motion, through the electrochemical reaction that produces electricity. Every time the optima battery goes through a charge and discharge cycle, a small amount of the active mass is lost from the plates. Because the ultimate life of a optima battery depends on so many factors, it is impossible to stipulate a minimum/maximum life expectancy. This process of normal ageing through the charge and discharge cycle will eventually cause the optima battery to lose capacity, and it will come to the point where the battery can no longer start the vehicle/equipment. This is not a manufacturing fault.
Overcharging a optima battery:If the regulator is not set properly, then the optima battery can be subjected to an excessive charge. If left unchecked the battery will overheat. The overcharging will cause the accelerated break up of the active mass on the plates and the optima battery will lose performance. This is generally obvious from the examination of the battery. This is not a manufacturing fault.
Physical damage to an optima battery: If the optima battery is fitted incorrectly, if the connector leads are hammered onto the terminals, or if the leads are not properly fastened, the optima battery will have obvious damage to the casing or the terminals. This is not a manufacturing fault.
Incorrect application of a optima battery: The optima batteries recommended by Optima Battery Shop are those equal to or above the original equipment specification. Fitting a smaller or less powerful optima battery will result in a shorter service life and earlier failure, which will generally manifest itself as deep cycling/premature wear and tear. This is not a manufacturing fault.
Optima battery problems - Manufacturing faults
Due to the high demands of the OEM market, and taking into account the technical and manufacturing standards adhered to by Optima, the rate of genuine manufacturing faults is negligible.
Optima battery short circuit/dead cell: Typically seen in a optima battery with a short (under 12 months) service life.
Summary
Provided the right optima battery, in the right condition is used for the right application, the number of battery problems encountered will be minimum. All optima batteries have a finite life span, which is governed by the conditions under which the battery operates. Optima battery failures caused by sulphation, wear and tear, or deep cycling are not manufacturing faults and are not covered by a guarantee.
It is important to remember that under normal operating conditions, a optima battery cannot become discharged on its own. The reason for this discharge is normally attributable to:-
Malfunctioning alternator, regulator, or starter motor
Slipping fan belt
Electrical fault
Excessive use of electrical consumers - optima phones, air conditioning etc
Long standing time without recharge
Boot light/glove box malfunction
Vehicle lights being left on
If a optima battery is consistently used/left in a discharged condition, it will eventually reach a condition where even a prolonged recharge will not return to its original condition. This is classified as deep discharge/undercharging and is not a manufacturing fault.
