• Ensure that the vehicle charging system is in order.
• Ensure battery terminals are free of corrosion and are tightly fitted.
• Ensure adequate electrolyte levels in all cells - DON'T OVERFILL. Use approved battery water only. Never add acid !!!
• Ensure hold downs are snug and the battery is not loose.
• Ensure correct polarity.
• Ensure the vehicle is fitted with the correct capacity battery.
• Ensure there are no short circuits or continuous current drain - such as an immobiliser or alarm - over a prolonged period without the battery being charged.
• The use of jumper cables is likely to damage battery terminals.
• Ensure that the battery is fully charged.
• DO NOT allow battery to self-discharge (sulphation)
• Don't check to see if a battery is OK by "shorting across" positive and negative terminals.

• Avoid using Jumper Cables, unless it is absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, follow the correct procedure as shown below. These instructions DO NOT necessarily apply to all vehicles. When in doubt consult your vehicles owner's manual or call your approved dealer.

If jumper cables are available and the booster battery is in another car; in both cars, set handbrakes, turn off all switches, place gear selector in Neutral or Park position, make certain cars do not touch, then -

Proceed in this exact sequence:

	Connect the Red cable clamp to the positive post of the discharged battery.
	Connect other end of the Red cable clamp to the positive post of the live battery.
	Connect the Black cable clamp to the negative post of the live battery.
	MAKE FINAL CONNECTION ON ENGINE BLOCK OF STALLED CAR - as far away as possible from battery. Make certain the cars do not touch.
	Attempt to start 'dead vehicle' with 'live vehicle' engine OFF. If vehicle has not started in 15 seconds, stop procedure and check ignition and fuel systems.
	To remove cables - reverse this exact procedure.

• Slow engine cranking.

• Fitting the incorrect size battery to a vehicle - don't try to save money by fitting a smaller capacity battery - refer to the original equipment manufacturers specifications.
• The use of additives to extend battery life is wrong - they do not have any long term benefits.
• Installing additional equipment to vehicles such as spotlights, winches, two way radios, amplifiers and the like will cause excessive power drain from the battery. Ask your nearest Battery Centre for advice on upgrading the battery capacity - and make sure that the "bigger" battery will fit into the tray provided in the motor vehicle.
  

• Undercharging and overcharging, caused by faulty voltage regulators, permanently damage the battery and leads to reduced life.
• One third of alleged battery faults are simply flat batteries caused by vehicle undercharging or leaving lights on. Breakdown surveys by the Automobile Association consistently indicate that drivers leaving electrical accessories on, charging system faults and poor battery maintenance are the major causes of battery problems.
• Car batteries fatigue as they are discharged. Gradually the battery's capacity decreases until it ceases to function satisfactorily.
• Lead grids and electrical connections corrode over time and wear away until the electrical circuit through one of the cells breaks, causing battery failure.
• Vibration causes damage to the battery plates which reduces battery life. Make sure your battery hold downs are tight.

• When it is least expected! Currently there is no precise way to determine exactly when a battery will fail, therefore periodic battery checks help give warning of impending failure. Call on your local Battery Centre for a free check.
• Changed driving patterns. A battery check before holidays or a long trip is a good idea. If the battery is old, consider replacing it as a precaution.
• Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions that generate electricity. An old battery will have more trouble starting the car in cold weather. Increased use of headlights, heaters, demisters, windscreen wipers and so on add to the load on a battery and reduce the amount of charge available from the alternator.
• Hot weather. Modern vehicles with small grille areas have high under bonnet temperatures. A hot day may trigger failure in an old battery, particularly if the air conditioner has been on continually and a lot of short trips have been made during the day.