What should you look for when purchasing a new battery?
- A long cycle life, or how many deep discharges the batteries can provide.
- Thick lead plates—the thicker the plates, the deeper the discharge and the longer the battery life.
- If you have flooded batteries, look for space at the bottom of the battery case to hold sloughed-off material, which can lower the battery's performance level, and adequate head space above the plates so you don't have to water as often.
Flooded (unsealed, watered) batteries may be the least expensive choice. However, flooded batteries require periodic electrolyte maintenance by adding distilled water and equalizing the charge among cells. Keep in mind that sealed batteries still require maintenance, even though you don't have to check electrolyte levels. Sealed batteries are sometimes specified in difficult or remote locations.