FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why can’t I have a non-AGM automotive or commercial battery shipped to me via FedEx or UPS?

A: Most non-AGM vehicle batteries are ‘wet’ which makes them hazardous material. They need to be wrapped on a skid, loaded on a tractor trailer and delivered to a company with a forklift.

Q: Should I keep a battery that isn’t used a lot on some kind of charger?

A: A battery that is used weekly or less should be on a trickle charger at all times. A Battery Minder or NOCO trickle charger would be a good charger to use.

Q: What is the warranty on batteries?

A: It varies with the type of battery and the vehicle it is being used in. Most Auto batteries are 18 months, most Motorcycle batteries are 6 months.

Q: Are your batteries charged?

A: Most are charged except for some motorcycle batteries that come dry.

Q: Can I overcharge a battery?

A: Yes, the most common effect is the battery rapidly dying; however, a battery that swells and becomes hot to the touch is also a direct result of overcharging and can be very dangerous and even explode. A good indication of overcharging would be the smell of rotten eggs during charging. The battery is producing hydrogen gas which is extremely flammable. 

Q: Will driving a car fully recharge a battery?

A: No, alternators are made to replenish what was taken out of the battery from starting the vehicle. The alternator will only give the battery a top charge. So, a battery that was dead or had to be jumped needs to be charged with a battery charger. Generally, running the engine at idle or short stop-and-go trips will not recharge the battery effectively. 

Q: Does heat affect my battery?

A: Hot weather means high temperatures under the hood, which accelerates corrosion inside the battery. It can also cause water to evaporate out of the battery’s liquid electrolyte. This can result in decreased battery capacity, a weakened ability to start an engine and, ultimately, shorter battery life.