How Does a Sealed Car Battery Charge?

New and Used Auto Parts 317-247-8484

New and Used Auto Parts 317-247-8484

You might have heard sealed car batteries also be referred to as maintenance-free batteries. The terms “sealed” and “maintenance-free” are actually inaccurate terms. This is because ALL modern-day automotive batteries are sealed, and none of them are entirely maintenance-free. In fact, you cannot find a maintenance-free sealed car battery for standard vehicles. The only maintenance-free sealed car batteries you’re likely to find are made for heavy-duty automotive specialty show markets; and they cost an upwards of $200 or more.

In the regular consumer market, when the term, “maintenance-free” is used, it’s typically meant to imply that a battery doesn’t need water added to it. Another name for maintenance-free car batteries is valve regulated lead acid batteries (VLRA). Continue reading to learn more about sealed car batteries and how they charge.

Today’s Automotive Batteries

Automotive batteries used to come with individual vent caps that had to be screwed over each individual cell. Today, single cell caps are now a thing of the past, as newer model automotive batteries have cell caps that cover three cells each. The modern-day sealed design eliminates risks for acid spills, gas emissions, and corrosion. This also reduces the chances of gas explosions, acid sprays, toxic fumes, and more.

Common types of sealed, maintenance-free automotive batteries are Gel-cells (Gel) and absorbed glass mat (AGM). Gel and AGM models do not require water, retain a valve for gas blow-off, and can be used in any positioning, which is why they are commonly referred to as “maintenance-free”, “sealed”, or “VLRA” batteries in the automotive market. Here are a few reasons why these batteries are so popular in today’s automotive world:

• Low Cost
• Large Power-to-Weight Ratio
• High Surge Capabilities
• Minimal Maintenance
• Easily Rechargeable
• No Water Necessary
• Easy Installation

VLRA batteries are also very easy to charge. Keep in mind that before charging a Gel or AGM battery, it is vital to clean out the terminals first. Use a mild mixture of baking soda and clean water to gently wipe out the accessible and exposed areas, and allow them to dry completely. Once this is done, you are ready to charge your car battery.

A basic guide to charging a sealed car battery:

❶ Before you begin, be sure the charger is unplugged and turned off before connecting the red and black clamps.

❷ From car battery to charger, make the red to red connections, and then the black to black connections. Do not allow the ends to touch each other once they are connected to the battery. This can result in electrocution injuries.

❸ Set the charge rate lower for an extremely depleted battery to guarantee a complete charge. Do not exceed 50 amps unless you need to jump start the battery.

❹ Check on the battery and note its charge rate and battery temperature every hour or so. Charge-times can range anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how discharged the batter was.

❺ Check the charge rate meter to determine if your battery is finished charging. It should read zero, or close to zero.

How to Get a Great Deal on a New or Used Car Battery in Indianapolis

Towing and Recovery

Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 to buy a new or used car battery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Choose from a wide selection of rust-free new and used auto parts, including OEM auto parts, aftermarket parts, import auto parts, domestic auto parts, late model parts, new model parts, and refurbished parts. We offer quality auto parts at a fraction of the cost, and can even install them for you on-site, at our very own certified body shop. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free
inventory search
, today.

What To Do If Your Car is Stuck in a Ditch

Getting stuck in a ditch is never part of plan. So when it happens, it is normal to feel a sense of panic and frustration. During times like this, it is important to keep a level head so that you can use your best judgement in terms of safety and practicality. There are potential risks involved when dealing with a car that has veered off the road, so safety is key. By learning what you should do in these situations, you can get yourself back on the road faster, while also protecting yourself and your passengers in tow. Continue reading to do just that.

24 Towing Indianapolis Indiana

24 Towing 317-247-8484

Getting Your Car Out of a Ditch

The most common cause for getting stuck in a ditch while driving is veering or skidding off the road. Human error, distracted driving, intoxicated driving, defensive driving, and inclement weather like rain and snow are the usual reasons for losing control or skidding off the road. When factors like intoxication or inclement weather are at play, it is important to take serious precautions after your vehicle has settled into a ditch. If you are in inclement weather, contact an emergency roadside assistance service right away. If you or the driver you are with is intoxicated, it is vital that you do not get back into the car and drive. It is also vital that you do not attempt to pull your vehicle out of the ditch. Instead, call a sober friend or family member and have them take it from there.

For all other cases of a ditched vehicle, here are the steps you should follow:

⛍ Ensure Your Safety

The very first thing you should do after the car has fallen into a ditch is check everyone’s condition. Make sure no one is injured, and then take the necessary precautions to further ensure everyone’s safety. Start by assessing your situation and putting on your hazard lights. This will notify other drivers to steer clear, thus reducing the chances of another accident. It is also a good idea to put your parking brake on since you do not know how stable the ground is below your vehicle. This is especially true in loose soils, wet muds, and snow. If you are too close to the road, it in a dangerous or obtrusive position, it is wise to contact emergency services or law enforcement for help redirecting or managing traffic.

⛍ Adjust Your Vehicle’s Weight

If you are in a somewhat flat ditch and there has been no damage to your car, you may be able to dive it right out. Before attempting to do this, assess your location and be sure to protect yourself from oncoming traffic. Also remember to undo the parking brake. If the vehicle seems to almost make it out, but can’t quite get there, you can try altering the weight load in the vehicle. A lighter vehicle is easier to maneuver. Remove anything of significant weight value, and try again. After a few tries, if you still are not successful, move onto another possible solution.

⛍ Gain Traction

If your car is stuck in snow or mud, the “lighter is better” theory does not apply. Instead, you want weight inside your vehicle to gain more traction. Regardless of what your car is stuck in, gaining traction can help give it the force it needs to get out of the ditch. You can do this by pouring sand or kitty litter around your tires, but it is unlikely that you have any on hand. If there is a convenient store or gas station within walking distance, you can go buy some.

If you do not have access to these items, there are effective alternatives that you likely do have on hand, including a flattened cardboard box and your car’s floor mats. If your car is rear wheel drive, place the items behind the rear tires. For front wheel drive vehicles, place them in front of the tires.

⛍ Call for Professional Help

If your first few attempts are unsuccessful, there is no need to continue trying. Not only can this put stress on your vehicle and potentially cause damage, it can jeopardize your safety. At this point, it is strongly encouraged to contact a 24 hour towing company for safe and secure assistance. They have the proper rigs and wenches to pull any vehicle out of a ditch, safely and unharmed. They can get you back on the road faster, and at an affordable cost. If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, they can tow it directly to your auto shop of choice.

24 hour towing in Indianapolis

Towing and Recovery

Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for professional 24 hour towing in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly-trained and licensed tow truck operators that can pull any motor vehicle out of a ditch safely, including trucks, vans, semi’s, RV’s, motorcycles, motorbikes, ATV’s, and more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tow truck service, anytime.