The Basics Of Battery Maintenance, Storage, And Charging

I happened to incur irony at its finest last weekend. You see, last weekend for us was our second race of the year and, while running seventh about 75 laps in to our 250-lap race, the engine sputtered like it was out of gas, and then shut off. I thought for certain I had blown it. We checked and checked for a problem underneath the hood and then finally someone thought to change the battery. Bang! The engine fired right back up. I remember thinking to myself, Wow this is ironic. When I get home from the race I have to write a story called "Battery Basics." It turns out that it wasn't necessarily a battery problem, but rather an alternator problem. However, I can assure you that the battery and alternator will not go unchecked from here on out.

The truth is, I should have been able to diagnose the problem even before we got to the racetrack, but it got me thinking about how many people have encountered problems such as this. Truth be told I'm sure that it's more than just me. In fact, if someone hadn't thought to change the battery we might have had the problem next week. Understanding your battery a little better could go a long way to ensuring that you don't have these types of problems.

I caught up with Cam Douglass, Director of Product Development for Optima Batteries to get some very important questions answered regarding batteries. These questions might seem basic, but I believe if you can grasp the basics of battery maintenance, storage, and charging, then it will not only extend the life of your batteries, but will also help save you money. Optima Batteries makes batteries for every application; and are the choice of many racers around the country, not only for their race car, but also for their tow vehicle. So without further ado, let the questions begin.

1. What makes up a battery and what type do I need?
Ramey Wormer, a writer for Circle Track once described the battery as "the fuel tank for the wiring and electrical system." There are a few different designs when it comes to batteries, but the big three are Wet Cell (flooded), Gel Cell, and AGM. These are all versions of the lead acid battery. The Wet Cell comes in two styles: serviceable and maintenance-free. Both are filled with electrolytes. The downside to the wet cell is they have a tendency to leak if they are involved in an accident or get turned the wrong way.

Now the Gel Cell and the AGM batteries are specialty batteries that typically cost twice as much as a premium wet cell. However, what you give up with the cost you gain back in increased safety. They store extremely well and don't tend to sulfate or degrade as easily as a wet cell. There's little chance of a hydrogen gas explosion or corrosion when using these batteries.

2. What do I need: 16-volt or 12-Volt?
Well that depends on the application. If you're planning on running a Street Stock without the alternator, then I would suggest a 16-volt battery because it will provide a better and hotter spark to the engine for a longer time. That hotter spark could require a jet change in the carb to deliver more fuel to the cylinders in order to maximize combustion.

On the flip side, we run a 12-volt Optima Red Top in our Project Dirt Late Model. The 362ci motor doesn't have an alternator and we have two years of trouble-free performance from the red top. If you have questions, the best thing to do is speak to your engine builder to determine what battery to run.

3. What does AGM mean?
AGM stands for Absorbent Glass-Mat. Manufacturers have developed AGM technology, which provides long life and less chance for failure due to the elimination of the plates normally found in a battery. The AGM battery is sealed and poses no risk of acid leakage. This allows for teams to mount the battery whichever direction is best and easiest for them without worries of the battery leaking.

4. I don't need to charge the battery because the alternator does it for me . . . right?
Understand, alternators are not chargers. Don't rely on your alternator to do the work of a charger. An alternator is meant to maintain a battery, not charge it. If you're running an alternator you really need to throw the battery charger on it after every weekend. This will not only ensure that you show up at the track with a charged battery but it will help keep your battery holding a consistent charge.