Battery Basics

What are the functions of a battery?

The primary purpose of a standard automotive battery is to provide power to a vehicle's starter. The battery also serves to ensure that should the car's alternator malfunction, there would still be some power left to get the car running for a limited div of time - hopefully enough to get to the intended destination. Moreover, the battery acts as an electrical shock absorber, protecting vital electrical components from burning out during high voltage/current output. Developments in automotive technology have resulted in more sophisticated pieces of equipment becoming regular fixtures in today's vehicles. Since these gadgets continue to draw power even when the key is turned off, batteries have to deliver more power to serve the car's requirements.

What does RC and CA stand for?

"RC" stands for Reserve Capacity and is a very useful industry rating (for consumers) that refers to a battery's ability to maintain low amperage load for the automobile's ignition, lights and other vital electrical equipment should the alternator fail. RC is defined as the number of minutes that a battery can be discharged at 25 amperes until the voltage drops to 1.75 volts per cell or 10.5 terminal volts for a 12-volt battery. "CA" stands for Cranking Amperes. This is the load discharged in amperes by which a new fully-charged battery at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) can continuously deliver for 30 seconds and maintain a terminal voltage equal to or higher than 1.20 volts per cell.

What does AH stand for?

"AH" stands for Ampere Hour and is a unit of electrical capacity. This tells you how much electrical energy the battery will store. Typically, it is the current multiplied by time in hours. For example, a current of 1 ampere for 1 hour is 1 AH, and a current of 5 amperes for 20 hours is 100 AH. Amp-Hr ratings vary with temperature and rate of discharge. Terms such as 5 or 20-Hour Rate indicate that the battery can be discharged steadily over 5 to 20 hours. The ampere hour capacity is measured by how much it puts out before it reaches 100% depth of discharge.

Some say that "bigger is better" as far as batteries are concerned. How true is this?

Since today's vehicles are equipped with numerous advanced electrical gadgets, choosing the right battery can be a tough task. Original Equipment batteries are rated at the minimum required rating, since they are designed for cars with all the Original Electrical Equipment in place. But once you start putting additional accessories like high-powered stereos, amplifiers and so on, it will certainly have an effect on the electrical system/battery requirements of your car. As suggested earlier, it is best to install a battery of HIGHER CAPACITY (AH, CCA or CA, RC) if you have installed additional electrical accessories. This is to ensure a margin of safety and better battery performance. Should you decide to install a bigger and more powerful battery, please note the following tips when carrying out the installation: 1. Fit the battery first. Does the battery have a height clearance or fitting problem? If yes, do not proceed with the installation. Does the acid tray fit? If not, purchase a tray that will fit the battery. This is to protect your undertray from acid corrosion Does the battery hold down fit? If not, purchase a hold-down that will fasten the battery to the vehicle. Check if the new battery's gas exhaust vents directly face your car's electronic module. Some designs have their exhaust gas vents located on different sides of the cover (for MF-sealed batteries). Vents with direct exhaust may damage your vehicle's electronic control module. Always consult a battery expert or technician first before attempting to install a battery.

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4. How do I determine the correct battery and power requirements for my automobile?
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The best way is to consult your vehicle owner's manual. Your car dealer may also assist you in your car's minimum battery/power requirement. The OMMC's outlets and dealers are furnished with battery replacement manuals that specify the vehicle make, model and year along with the recommended OMMC battery size and capacity rating.

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8. What is the average service life of a battery?

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Note: Never use a battery with a capacity rating LOWER than that which the vehicle manufacturer/Original Equipment recommends. It is better to use a battery of higher capacity or a battery with both higher capacity and the next bigger size. This generally provides greater starting ease and longer life, and is especially true for old vehicles. We suggest that you (or a technician) try fitting the battery first to see if it will fit easily into the battery compartment without any clearance or interference with other parts. It is important to select a battery type that is consistent with your vehicle, its application, and your driving requirements or patterns. OMMC distributors will gladly help you make the right choice. A battery lasts for 1 to 2 years depending on the weather and road conditions, electrical load of the car and the specifications of the battery.

Warranty

What does the warranty cover?

The warranty covers failure of the battery due to material and/or workmanship for the duration of the warranty period. Just present your original guarantee certificate and sales invoice to facilitate replacement. If the battery fails within the warrantable period, OMMC thru its dealers will replace it with a new battery at no cost. For warranty concerns, contact our feedback@motolite.com *Warranty may vary depending on the variant/type of battery purchased. To know more about our battery warranty limitations please click here

Maintenance

How should I maintain my battery and how often must do it?

For batteries labeled Low-Maintenance, the main items that should be checked are the fluid levels per battery cell and battery terminal post corrosion. The cables, terminals, cover, and container should be inspected and cleaned if they look dirty or corroded. Some batteries are equipped with removable vent caps so that the fluid/electrolyte levels can be checked when levels are low. Always use distilled water when filling the battery to prevent undesired chemicals from contaminating it. The water added should cover the battery's plates and be no higher than 2 to 4 mm from the bottom of the vent so as not to overfill the battery. You should check these levels periodically. Note: Do not use diluted sulfuric acid (battery electrolyte) solution for topping up purposes. Battery terminal post corrosion occurs when the battery is venting gasses during charging. Oxygen gas reacts with the lead alloy post and produces a whitish powdery substance called corrosion. Corrosion lessens the contact between the post terminals and the cable clamps thereby reducing the battery's ability to provide power. Remove corrosion by brushing the posts and the clamp (detached from the post) with water (mixed with caustic soda if possible) until all signs of corrosion are gone. To detach the clamp from the battery post, remove the negative (-) clamp first to avoid sparks that may cause an explosion. When reinstalling the clamp to the battery post, connect the positive (+) clamp first. Check your battery at least once a month, more often if you have a battery older than six months. Have your battery checked by qualified technicians every two to four months to ensure optimum performance and life.

How do I know when to test or replace my battery?

Your battery or electrical system has a problem when: 1. 2. 3. 4. Your instrument panel indicates battery discharge/low power for extended periods even if your engine is running Your headlights dim when the engine is idling Your starter motor is experiencing slow, labored or interrupted cranking/turnover. Your battery seems to lose power quickly in extended and/or short repetitive starts.

Let our technicians run a check-up to confirm the most probable cause.

What is the advantage of a maintenance-free battery over other battery types?

Being maintenance-free eliminates the need to add water and minimizes corrosion in the battery terminal posts.

How should a battery be charged?

Automotive batteries should always be treated with extreme caution even if they are undercharged since they contain corrosive sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. MF batteries, though sealed, have small vents through which internally generated gasses are released. They can leak or spurt acid if they are tipped or charged too vigorously. During charging, the production of hydrogen and oxygen is accelerated. Always make it a practice to read and follow the warning labels that are strategically located on the batteries. The following precautionary measures are recommended when charging a battery: Make sure that the charger is switched off and unplugged before connecting or disconnecting a battery. The leads should always be connected to the proper battery terminals. The red clamp/clip should be connected to the positive (+) terminal of the battery while the black clamp/clip should be connected to the negative (-) terminal. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Read the charger's instruction manual carefully before attempting to use it. The battery should be charged in a well-ventilated and undisturbed area. Do not shake the connections to inspect the contact while the charger is activated or plugged in. This is to avoid sparks that may cause battery explosion. Always use protective eyewear and clothing during charging. Avoid overheating the battery during recharging. Stop charging when the cells are "gassing" (boiling) and the battery is warm to the touch. Smoking, open flames or sparks should never be allowed near a battery to avoid an explosion. Make sure that the vent plugs are in proper position during recharging and that the vent holes are free of dirt.

The battery and the charger determine the amount of current and the time required to charge the battery. Most chargers can automatically adjust to the battery's state-of-charge and will shut down when the amount of charge becomes sufficient. Many chargers have minimum voltages that must be present in the battery before the charger is activated. Generally, these low voltages are substantially below those shown by a battery that looks "dead" to a vehicle's electrical system. Some chargers have optional settings for 6 and 12-volt batteries and/or low-maintenance versus standard or deep cycle batteries. Make sure that you have adjusted the settings properly before turning on the charger. If the charger needs manual adjustment, read the charger's instructions to determine the setting that is suitable to the battery's rating.

Performance

Does extreme tropical heat affect the performance of my battery?

Like in most chemical reactions, heat is a catalyst that accelerates the chemical processes inside the battery and may cause "overcharging conditions." Extreme heat accelerates corrosion, thus shortening battery life. In addition, high heat causes battery fluid to evaporate more rapidly; hence, more frequent distilled water top-ups are required for low-maintenance batteries.

Can electrical gadgets that operate when the key is turned off affect the performance of a battery?

Key-off electrical loads are common. The vehicle's electrical system is adjusted to accommodate this extra drain. Nevertheless, if a car is equipped with devices that require power even after the key has been turned off, care must be taken during extended periods of vehicle inactivity or frequent short trips, since these do not allow the battery to recharge after the drain resulting from starting the engine. If a vehicle is used for short trips only and its electrical system is in good working condition, periodic recharging is required.

Are today's smaller batteries as powerful as the older and bigger ones?

Automotive batteries are classified according to group size. Some group sizes have become popular standards since they have been widely used over the years. With the latest advances in technology, it is now possible to manufacture original equipment batteries of smaller sizes but with higher ratings.

Do four-cylinder engines require more power to start than six-cylinder engines?

There are some four-cylinder engines that require more power to start than six-cylinder engines. In a fourcylinder vehicle, the starter usually rotates at a higher revolution per minute (rpm), so there are less chances to "fire" per revolution. Other factors are compression ratios, the starter motor's design and vehicle options. Refer to your automobile's owner's manual or consult with your battery dealer to ensure that your battery has the minimum power requirement.

Do fuel injection systems require more power to start your vehicle? How do I know if I need to replace my battery?

Spark ignition engines with fuel injection systems are not necessarily more difficult to start than engines with naturally aspirated carburator systems. However, diesel (compression ignition/fuel injection) engines do need substantially more starting time and power. A battery's life varies according to the type of your vehicle, its application, and your driving requirements/patterns. You should take all of these factors into consideration when purchasing a battery. If you want better performance from your succeeding battery, consider upgrading to a battery with a higher RC rating than that specified by your car manufacturer.

Products and Services

What does the New Technology Full Calcium Motolite offer?

Motolite now has calcium in both negative and positive grids, thus making it full calcium. Calcium strengthens the plates which gives the battery a longer life. Calcium also reduces the gassing caused by the reaction between the active material and the electrolyte. Corrosion is thus minimized.

Why did Motolite come up with a new line of batteries?

The new Motolite line is a product of years of research and development and a thorough understanding of consumers' needs. Thus, OMMC now offers the best battery in the market to show gratitude to its loyal customers.

Is the New Technology Full Calcium Motolite more expensive than the traditional Motolite Classic (Dry-charged)?
There are three variants available: Excel. Gold and Enduro. Motolite Enduro is priced almost at par with the traditional Motolite. Motolite Gold and Excel are premium batteries with superior features.

What are the differences among the Motolite variants? Does Motolite have a delivery service?

Motolite offers several variants to address diferrent needs of its customers. The variants differ in ratings, warranty, number of plates and other features. Yes. Motolite offers its Express Delivery Service in Metro Manila. The contact number is 370-6686.

What makes Motolite a world-class product?

OMMC exports its batteries to the USA, Australia, Canada and other ASEAN countries. Proof that our products are truly world class.