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In the new issue of our customer magazine "Büffelpost" you will find exciting articles about the following topics:

- EDITORIAL

- MARKET TRENDS

  Start-Stop-vehicles step on the gas

- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  Full power for environment-friendly mobility

- SUSTAINABILITY

  Innovative solutions for CO2 reduction

Here you can find the whole magazine for download

1. Keep it active and on the move.
Inactive batteries start to discharge in a process during which lead sulphate forms of the battery plates and obstructs the current flow. A device like the Banner Accucharger keeps the battery in shape and prevents sulphation.   

2. Keep it clean.
Ensure that the surface of the battery is clean and dry using an antistatic cloth. Moisture in the engine compartment causes current creepage, which consumes energy. In addition, do not use any so-called improvement agents.

3. Keep it safe in winter.
Battery starting performance declines in cold weather. Therefore, in order to have sufficient power, switch off additional consumers such as blowers and the heating until the engine is running. Moreover, turn them off before shutting down the engine.

4. Keep it running marathons.

During short trips cars often require more energy than the dynamo can generate and recharge, which means that the battery is subject to constant discharging. Therefore, if possible take the car out for longer runs in order to charge up the battery, or even better treat your battery to an external compensatory charge using a Banner Accucharger. The environment will be most grateful.

5. Keep it fit for winter with an extra charge.
Frequent short trips in combination with stop and start traffic reduce the energy level of the battery during every start and drive. Give your battery an extra portion of power with external charging, especially before the first cold winter weather arrives. 

6. Keep your convertible in trim during hibernation.
Are you mothballing your car for the winter? If so and the battery is to stay in the vehicle, then remove the negative terminal. The battery must remain dry and cool (but frost-free). Recharge at the latest when an open-circuit voltage of 12.5V is reached. The solution for these requirements of seasonally driven cars is provided by regular compensatory charges and charge retention using a Banner Accucharger.   

7. Keep a Banner booster close at hand.
One thing should be noted from the outset. Namely, that in view of the sensitive electronic components in the vehicle, as a rule starting assistance should only be given by means of a Banner Booster. This is because start assistance from vehicle to vehicle can lead to voltage peaks during the disconnection of the terminals, which can damage or even destroy car electronic systems.

Get through the winter safely and well!

Tip 1: Installation

Conventional wet batteries should, if possible, be installed in the boat along the longitudinal axis - this ensures greater leakage protection in extreme inclined positions.

Tip 2: Degassing

We prescribe the use of a degassing hose for all lead-acid batteries, which are installed in the interior/passenger compartment, mandatory. Some boat batteries are provided with a hose with attached elbow, for the discharge of the battery gases. If this applies to a boat, the hose must be inserted into the corresponding degassing opening of the battery via the elbow. If there is a degassing opening on the other side, it must be closed with a plug!

Tip 3: Charging

Ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged.

The next two points apply to conventional wet batteries.

- Before charging, check the electrolyte level and, if necessary, fill up desalinated or distilled water to the maximum acid level or 15 mm above the upper edge of the plate.

- The screw connections of the battery must not remain open during charging, it is best to close them again.

Attention: AGM batteries must not be opened! Refilling with distilled water is not possible or necessary.

- Observe the charging characteristics.

- Charging current should be 10% of the capacity.

- Charging voltage (at +25° C): AGM 14.40V - 14.80V constant voltage; conventional 14.4V - max. 16V

- Charging time approx. 12 - 24 hours

For AGM- and GEL-batteries please use a voltage regulated charger e.g. Banner Acchucharger (max. 14,80V)!

Fully automatic chargers with charging voltage limitation up to 14.8V are ideal for use with boat batteries. Depending on the capacity of the battery used, we recommend the following chargers:

- Batteries up to 72 Ah - Banner Accucharger 12V 3A

- Batteries up to 130 Ah - Banner Accucharger 12V 6A Recovery

- Batteries up to 230 Ah - Banner Accucharger 12V 10A Recovery

If your charger has an automatic mode with voltages >14.8V, the battery must be disconnected from the on-board electronics or removed from the boat. Please also observe the operating instructions of the boat manufacturer.

Tip 4: Wintering

If the battery remains installed during unused periods, you should disconnect at least one connecting cable (minus). The battery should always be kept charged, especially before and during the winter. Check the open-circuit voltage at regular intervals. Our battery tester BBT Digital Voltmeter DV1 is suitable for this purpose.

Recharge at 12.50V at the latest!

Tip 5: Storing

Store boat batteries in a cool (0° to 25° C) and dry place. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Ensure that the battery surface and terminals are clean.

If you follow these tips, a successful boating season is guaranteed!