Month: May 2018

Golf carts are found in many locations besides the everyday, golf course. Gated communities and other regions allow these carts to roam a particular area because it reduces the use of standard vehicles. With many carts operating on electrical power alone, these vehicles are incredibly cost effective for retirees and other people.

Do you know when to replace your batteries? The signs may not be that obvious at first. Take a look at the situations where the best golf cart batteries are necessary as replacement solutions.

1. Hills become mountains

It’s time to replace that battery when hills become issues on your route. Golf carts aren’t designed to take on huge hills, but they should be nimble enough to traverse small knolls.

Consider replacement Trojan golf cart batteries when this scenario occurs, such as:

• A small hill seems to “kill” the battery
• You’re forced to press the accelerator all the way to the floor
• The cart only cruises on the downhill afterward

Hills will take every ounce of power from the cart. Replace the battery before the cart stops without warning.

2. Longer charging times than before

The average, golf-cart battery requires an overnight charge to fully power the vehicle tomorrow. If you notice that the best golf cart batteries are taking even longer to charge, it’s time to replace them.

Battery cells will eventually break down over time. The charging power moving through the battery won’t be as effective as before. Some batteries may never fully charge at some point. They’ll only offer partial power. Before more internal cells decline, it’s time to replace the battery.

3. Hesitation under your feet

Golf carts and their batteries have advanced technology behind their functions. The vehicle should be responsive under your command. You probably need new, Trojan golf cart batteries when these situations occur, including:

• Acceleration takes two seconds or longer to occur after you press the pedal
• Braking isn’t as responsive as before

The electrical system responds at a snail’s pace when the battery isn’t operating at full capacity. Consider golf cart batteries maintenance or replacement before the hesitation worsens. Hazardous conditions might arise with a long gap between pressing the pedal and the vehicle reacting to the electrical request.

4. Accessories fail to operate

An indirect way to check for a failed, golf-cart battery is by looking at the accessories. Your cart might have these amenities, such as:

• CD player
• Radio
• Refrigerator
• Air conditioning

Test these components out. If they hesitate or fail to power up, you might have a bad battery. Deal with the battery now because the accessories will only draw power away from the vehicle as the power source dwindles in strength. You want every electrical item to function as designed.

5. Stranded halfway through the links

Your golf cart should last for the duration of an 18-hole game. In fact, it normally operates off and on for the entire day. If your vehicle putters out about halfway through your day, the battery is to blame.

Old batteries should be replaced. A cart that has a new battery and a power failure may have a simple yet solvable issue. New batteries don’t come fully charged from the factory. You may need to charge the cart overnight. A viable, new battery will operate normally now.

6. Physical abnormalities

Look for these abnormalities in a failing battery, such as:

• Bulging
• Leaking

Every golf-cart battery should have a basic housing with 90-degree angles. A bulging or leaking battery indicates that there’s a physical problem with the internal parts. The cells will not charge up.

Safely discard these batteries. They become a fire hazard if you continue to use them. Clean up any discharge from the battery too. Clean operations equate to safe functioning for a golf-cart battery.

Numerous industries wouldn’t be here today without the power of the lithium-ion battery. From cars to golf carts, these innovations require mobile power in the form of batteries.

RELiON is a battery company that strives for the best technology in the business. With their lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, this company is poised to change the face of several industries at once, including the RV or recreational-vehicle realm. You might be familiar with lithium-ion innovations, but LiFePO4 batteries are different. Learn more about RELiON and their RV batteries so that power isn’t an issue in the field.

Lots of power in a small package

If you need more power, a bigger battery is always necessary. This theory used to be the norm for almost any battery type. This statement isn’t true of RELiON batteries, however. These batteries have nearly twice the power with a small housing.

LiFePO4 batteries have these features, such as:

• Efficient, nano-scale phosphate cathode materials within the housing
• Holds full-charge voltage for long, time periods

When you have a compact RV, a small battery that lasts for many hours is the goal. RELiON batteries can get you there.

Nominal weight consideration

Riding an RV is a unique experience. It should glide over any terrain. This scenario isn’t possible if you’re hauling around a heavy battery, however. RELiON batteries offer a solution to this problem.

Compare the weight of lead-acid and LiFePO4 batteries, and you’ll feel a stark difference. LiFePO4 batteries can weigh as much as a quarter less than the leading, lead-acid varieties. Small and lightweight batteries equate to a better ride in an RV. Other technologies can’t get around the physical constraints of their battery types.

Safe in the wild

Every battery is a mixture of potentially, volatile materials. They hold combustible chemicals, which ultimately create the necessary reactions for power output in the first place. Compared to other types of lithium-ion batteries, however, the LiFeOP4 battery is incredibly safe.

Iron-phosphate batteries have these enhancements, including:

• Stable, thermal properties
• Reinforced housings
• Tolerant in full-charge scenarios

Taking these batteries out in RVs is a safety-conscious maneuver. Rough-and-tumble conditions won’t be a concern when it comes to battery life and stability. This technology is built with strength in almost any situation.

Rapid charging

One of the key features of the LiFePO4 battery is its rapid charge. The physical construction within the internal cells is based around low resistance. Any electrical charge moving through the battery won’t have a difficult time as it’s absorbed into the material.

Rapid charging means that you won’t be sitting around and waiting for your RV. You’re able to have several adventures with the RV, which makes any day out a thrill a minute.

Extreme cold and moisture concerns

LiFePO4 batteries are rated down to negative 40-degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature seems like a durable rating, but the battery isn’t immune to issues. Extreme cold below those values creates these problems, such as:

• Shorter, battery lifespans
• Reduced life of internal cells

Moisture is also a concern. The manufacturer must create the battery under perfect conditions. Any moisture introduced into the battery will decrease its usefulness in RVs. If a battery in the field has any moisture seeping into it, you’ll be forced to replace it as soon as possible.

A longer ride overall

LiFePO4 batteries have a topping charge that keeps them going over a longer time period than other power sources. Lead-acid batteries succumb to sulfation, which forces the user to charge the battery back up.

Iron-phosphate batteries typically hold their topping charge so that extra time in the RV is possible. It’s possible to see a battery last for hours on end before a charge is necessary. Most enthusiasts would applaud this feature in any battery that they purchase.

It’s tough to beat the technology hidden within these RELiON batteries. Keep those RVs up and running with power that will thrill you from dusk until dawn.

Spring rains and bright sunshine create the perfect conditions for vigorously growing grass. You’re ready to grab or hop onto your lawnmower. Turn over the engine, and there’s no sound whatsoever. If you find yourself with a mower that’s not responding, it’s time to take a deeper look at its functions. Simple steps may be all that are necessary to get you back onto the open lawn.

Check the Basics

Always start with the basics when it comes to a faulty mower. You might have just pulled it out of the garage after a long, storage period. Take a look at the gas tank’s level. Verify that it’s full. Empty tanks equate to a nonoperational mower.

Inspect two other parts, including:

• Air filter
• Spark plug

Your air filter protects the internal components from damages sustained by flying debris, including grass and dirt. A clogged filter won’t let air into the mower. It remains out of service as a result.

The spark plug offers the energy necessary to turn the engine over. Dirty or misaligned spark plugs cause startup issues. Clean or replace the spark plug as necessary.

Clean the Carburetor

Your carburetor regulates the flow of air that accesses the gasoline within the lawnmower. It’s the air-to-gasoline mixture that allows your mower to properly operate each time.

Access the carburetor by removing the mower’s protective cover. Verify that gas is moving through the carburetor by removing the bowl cover. If gas drips from this area, the carburetor is working properly.

Consider a carb-cleaner purchase. This spray is easy to use. It also improves the component’s functionality. Don’t forget to take a good look at the carburetor when you spray it. Any corrosion is a sign that it’s time to replace the part entirely.

Inspect the Battery

Take a look at the mower’s battery. It’s smaller than a vehicle’s battery, but it operates with the same theory. The battery provides the power for mowing.

Look for these telltale signs that the battery is dead, such as:

• Leaky housing
• Worn connection wires
• Outdated battery

Swapping out the battery with a new one is a simple, troubleshooting technique that works for most users. You’ll immediately know if the battery is good or bad.

Use caution if the battery is leaking. This corrosive liquid can burn the skin if you come into contact with it.

Examine the Blades

The dynamic part of your mower is the rotating blades. They may shear and trim the lawn with ease, but that fact doesn’t mean that the debris falls right to the ground.

Mower blades that are packed with grass and soil will cause the machine to seize. Clean away any debris. Look for any items that are physically impairing the blades from operating. The mower should activate with no problems afterward.

Exploring Ride-On Mowers

Most of these troubleshooting tips are for push-style mowers. However, you might have a ride-on model at your home. Luckily, these tips still apply to your mower.

Be aware that a ride-on mower has a few extra parts that rival a typical car, such as:

• Starters
• Ignition coils
• Alternators

You must consider the influence of these components when the mower won’t start.

A ride-on mower that’s malfunctioning will usually have an electrical problem. Solenoid failures and dead batteries are common. Remember to keep the troubleshooting steps down to the most basic types at first. Simple problems tend to be the most common ones.

Ideally, keep a spare battery on hand to swap out if necessary. The professionals at Northeast Battery can point out the best battery for your needs. As a result, you’ll always have a mower that’s ready to go.

Nothing holds you back when you’re ready to hit the open water. Your boat is your escape from the world. The engine isn’t turning over, however. The most likely reason for this scenario is a bad battery.

A few steps are all that lie between you and a fantastic day on the water. Go over this basic guide to marine battery replacement. You’ll look and feel like a professional in no time.

1. Prioritize Safety

Locate the marine battery switch. Turn it to the “off” position. Verify that the boat engine ignition switch is also in the “off” position. No power from any on-board appliances should be activated at this point.

2. Gather Your Tools

Before you access the old battery, gather the tools for the job, such as:

• New battery
• 9/16-inch wrench
• 1/2-inch wrench
• Petroleum jelly

Be sure to pick the proper battery for the application. There are no boat-battery substitutes. Selecting the wrong battery might damage the electrical system.

3. Snap a Photograph

Remove any covers from the marine battery. Grab a camera or smartphone. Snap several photographs of the battery and its connections.

The photographs help you with connector placement and wiring arrangements during the new-battery installation. Some wires can be snaked and looped in particular orientations. Copy the same configuration in the photograph so that the installation looks professional.

4. Remove the Cable

Loosen the negative cable from the battery’s connector by using the appropriate wrench. Use a gentle hand with the loosening process. Cable connectors aren’t robust. They can bend and snap off.

Slide the negative cable off of the battery. Secure it to the side. Verify that the metal end isn’t touching any components.

Repeat this step on the positive cable. Secure it away from the negative side. You prevent sparks and possible electrical issues by keeping the two ends separate from each other.

5. Pull the Battery

Slide the battery out from its box by releasing its secure straps. Place it to the side. Inspect the boxed area for any battery leakage or corrosion.

If you see any corrosion, wear gloves and clean it out. Leaving the corrosion inside the battery’s box will only negatively impact the new installation.

6. Clean the Cables

Scrub the cable connectors with warm water and baking soda. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. Allow the connectors to dry.

This extra step fights off corrosion across the metal. Every battery creates some level of corrosion. You don’t want it to overtake the entire battery compartment.

7. Slide the New Battery Into Place

Select a marine battery that fits your application. Popular choices often include:

• Flooded
• Gel
• AGM or absorbed glass mat

Carefully slide the battery into the box. Verify that it’s resting level against the base by giving it a gentle jostling.

Strap the battery into its secure position. Add petroleum jelly to the battery’s contacts.

Slide the positive wire onto the positive side of the battery. Repeat for the negative side. Tighten the contacts’ nuts with a wrench to secure the wiring to the battery.

8. Consider Parallel or Series Configurations

Add a second battery to your boat as an enhancement feature. Connect them in either series or parallel configurations with these instructions, including:

• Series-Positive to negative, negative to positive
• Parallel-Positive to positive, negative to negative

You’ll gain more voltage and steady power from a series arrangement. Select parallel configurations for extra amperage and long-lasting batteries.

If you have any further questions about marine batteries, contact Northeast Battery. Our professional team can discuss any basic or complex theories regarding your battery use. With the right battery and proper installation, the open water is yours to explore.