How to Easily Maintain Your Flooded Lead Acid Battery: A Guide from Trojan Battery Experts
Flooded lead acid batteries have been the workhorses of energy storage and generation for more than 150 years. In addition to being durable and long-lived, they are often the most affordable (and recyclable) option for powering golf carts, UTVs, industrial equipment, boats and RVs, solar panels, and much more.
With the right safety, cleaning, and watering maintenance, flooded lead acid batteries can provide long life and high performance. Our experts put together this checklist of maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your Trojan flooded batteries.
Safety and Flooded Batteries
Always wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles when handling batteries
If acid contacts your skin or eyes, flush with water immediately
Keep flames, sparks and metal objects away from batteries
Charge batteries in a well-ventilated area
To avoid short circuits do not lay objects on top of battery
Check that all cable connections to the terminal are properly tightened; connections that are too tight or too loose could result in post breakage, meltdown or fire
Inspecting and Cleaning Flooded Batteries
Keep batteries clean and dry
Check that all vent caps are tight
Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean flooded lead acid batteries if there is acid residue or corrosion on the terminals
Protective spray or petroleum jelly should be applied to terminals to reduce corrosion
Storing Flooded Batteries
Batteries should be fully charged prior to and during storage
Never store discharged batteries
Store batteries in a cool, dry place
Recharge batteries before putting them back into service
Watering Flooded Batteries
ADD WATER, NEVER ACID, TO CELLS (distilled water recommended).
DO NOT OVERWATER.
Before charging the batteries, only add water if the plates are exposed.
Add just enough water to cover the plates, then charge the batteries.
Once fully charged, add water to the proper level as indicated below
For fully charged standard deep-cycle batteries, add water to level of 1/8” (3 mm) below bottom of vent well (see diagram A).
For fully charged Plus Series™ batteries, add water to the maximum water level indicator (see diagram B).
After watering, secure vent caps back on batteries.
For faster, easier and safer battery watering, explore Trojan’s HydroLink™ Watering System.
More technical resources
Get answers to your questions about flooded lead acid batteries in our Resources section. You'll find datasheets, users' guides, FAQs, and more helpful information.
If you need additional technical support, contact our team of battery experts.