- 1). Charge the battery fully before employing. A deep-cycle battery should be charged in three stages -- bulk, absorption and float. The bulk charge is used to restore the battery to about 90 percent of its capacity. An absorption charge is used for the final 10 percent charge where current gradually reduces to avoid overcharging. Float charge is a maintenance charge. Most battery charges self-regulate these three stages.
- 2). Do not allow a deep-cycle battery to drain below 10.5 volts. This is when your battery is completely discharged and damage will begin to occur. It is preferable to charge your battery once it has reached 50 percent capacity.
- 3). Recharge immediately after it has been discharged. Batteries that sit without being charged are more susceptible to corrosion.
- 4). Install a "battery off" switch for your deep-cycle batteries. This will negate the effect of parasitic electrical loads that feed off your battery even when they are not in operation. Such things as appliance displays and radios consume a small amount of energy, but will eventually drain your battery. A battery off switch will help avoid a complete discharge of your deep-cycle battery.
- 5). Avoid hot temperatures. Heat has many negative influences on a battery's life: drains the charge faster, evaporates water and is a catalyst for corrosion. Deep-cycle batteries should be kept in a cool environment.
- 6). Maintain the proper water level in your deep-cycle battery. Regularly check the water level by removing the rubber caps that line the top of the battery. Add distilled water if the level is below the battery's fill line. You should only add water after a battery has been charged, unless the lead plates are exposed. Then you must add just enough distilled water to cover the plates before charging.
- 7). Clean the battery and cable connections regularly to avoid corrosion. If corrosion has already built up you will need to clean the terminals. Corrosion is leaked battery acid so cleaning will require a base, such as baking soda dissolved in water. You can purchase corrosion cleaner at any hardware or auto parts store.
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