Blog Post

Caring for your Battery

tim • Feb 27, 2021
Generally, it is the result of too much current inside a cell of the battery, which causes a build-up of heat and gas. This can be caused by overcharging, a manufacturing defect, continuous deep discharge, or some type of damaged battery. 

The outcome is that the battery experiences extreme pressure inside that swells up and deforms it. 

Can I recover it? No - the battery is unrecoverable 
There is no point waiting for the battery to “shrink” back as it wont. The ever growing pressure can cause damage to the entire device. Leave the battery in the device only if it is stuck. Never try to “resolve” the swelling yourself by puncturing the battery.

VRLA (Valve regulated Lead Acid) batteries contain a safety valve present, hence the name valve-regulated. Even the term “valve regulated” does not really describe this technology. These are really “recombinant” batteries. This means that oxygen evolved at the positive will mostly recombine with the hydrogen ready to evolve on the negative and thus prevent water loss. The valve is only a safety feature in case dangerous amounts of hydrogen are produced.

If your battery has symptoms of swelling, then please come in for a free battery health check.
18 Oct, 2024
Discover the Convenience of 30-Second Awnings – Visit Us for a Demo, Hands-On Experience, and Unbeatable Pricing! When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right gear can make all the difference. If you're someone who enjoys camping, 4WD trips, or simply spending time outdoors, you know that setting up cover for shade or rain quickly and easily is essential. That’s where 30-Second Awnings come in. These innovative awnings are designed to transform your outdoor experience, offering fast and reliable protection from the sun and rain – all in just 30 seconds!  Gone are the days of wrestling with complicated setups or spending valuable time trying to pitch a canopy. With a 30-Second Awning, you can set up and pack down in a flash, allowing you to focus on what matters most – enjoying your time outdoors. Whether you're setting up for a beach day, a picnic, or an overnight camping trip, these awnings provide instant shade and comfort without any hassle.
14 Aug, 2024
In the vast expanse of Australia’s battery market, one name stands out as the pinnacle of power, reliability, and longevity: Trojan Batteries. Renowned for their unparalleled performance and unwavering durability, Trojan Batteries have earned their place as the top choice for consumers across the country. Sold by Newcastle Batteries in Wickham and Warners Bay, they represent the gold standard in battery technology.
10 Jul, 2024
Is Your Car Struggling to Start This Winter? Your Battery Might Be Feeling the Cold... Winter is here, and with it comes the dreaded cold weather that can wreak havoc on your car battery. If your car is struggling to start, it might be time to give your battery some attention. At Newcastle Batteries we offer a **FREE Battery Health Test** to ensure your car battery is ready for the colder months ahead. Don’t let the winter chill leave you stranded – come in today! FREE BATTERY TEST – No Obligation We understand the importance of a reliable car battery, especially during the winter. Cold weather is notorious for being a killer of sick car batteries. The last thing you need is to be stuck with a dead battery on a freezing morning. Our **FREE Battery Health Test** will give you peace of mind, knowing that your battery is in top shape to handle the winter cold. No obligations, just straightforward advice and service. Comprehensive Battery Services At Newcastle Batteries , we offer car batteries for all budgets. Whether you need a cost-friendly option or a high-performance battery, we've got you covered. Our expert team will help you find the perfect battery to match your vehicle and your needs. Our expert team knows all your car battery replacement requirements including Start/ Stop ISS and even Electric Vehicle EV auxiliary batteries. **Free Battery Health Test**: Ensure your battery is ready for winter. **Wide Range of Car Batteries**: Options available for every budget. **Expert Advice**: Our team is here to help you make the best choice. Why Choose Newcastle Batteries? **Local and Trusted**: We are your local battery experts, committed to providing top-notch service and battery fitment, using the latest diagnostic tools to synch your battery to your vehicle. **Quality Assurance**: We only stock reliable, high-quality batteries. We trust in the proven performance of Exide Batteries **Customer Satisfaction**: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We make sure you leave our shop with confidence and that our after-sales-service is second to none, every time. Don't Wait – Visit Us Today! Give us a call, or drop by our battery shop today for your **FREE Battery Health Test**. Ensure your car battery is ready to face the winter cold head-on. Don’t let a weak battery leave you out in the cold!
14 Mar, 2024
Newcastle Batteries is committed to providing comprehensive and professional service to our customers. With the ever-evolving technology in modern cars, ensuring the correct car battery configuration is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Gone are the days when replacing a battery was a simple swap-out procedure. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated CO2 production control systems, such as smart charging and Idle Start Stop (ISS), which demand precise battery configurations and registration with onboard computer systems. Car Battery Replacement Experts Newcastle Batteries uses the best diagnostic tools to ensure your car battery replacement is done right, every time. Failure to adhere to these specifications can lead to a cascade of issues, none of which are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Potential consequences of neglecting proper battery configuration: Undercharging or Overcharging: Incorrect battery parameters can lead to undercharging or overcharging, both of which can damage the battery irreversibly. This damage isn't covered by warranties, leaving vehicle owners with unexpected repair costs. Loss of ISS Functionality: Particularly the Idle Start Stop system, designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, relies on precise battery parameters. Failure to configure the battery correctly may result in the loss of this functionality, impacting both environmental performance and fuel consumption. Loss of Non-Critical Vehicle Systems: Many modern cars rely on intricate electronic systems for various functions. Improper battery fitment and configuration can disrupt these systems, leading to malfunctions or failures that compromise the overall driving experience. Our highly trained, local Battery Experts at Newcastle Batteries use the best-in-class diagnostic tools and the right battery every time. The BT608 battery diagnostic tool is a great example of what Battery Traders uses. It is a leading-edge solution designed to streamline the configuration process for vehicles equipped with smart charge and ISS systems. This tool plays a pivotal role in ensuring: The vehicle recognises the installation of a new car battery. The charging system adjusts to accommodate the new battery's characteristics. The vehicle utilises the correct charging parameters tailored to the new battery. The BT608 isn't just a configuration tool; it's a comprehensive diagnostic powerhouse. From testing 6 & 12V batteries using adaptive conductance to analysing 12 & 24V charging/cranking systems and even reading and erasing basic non-critical error codes, this tool offers unparalleled versatility and functionality and is best practice. If you need a new car battery for an ISS Stop Start or smart-charge car battery replacement, ask what diagnostic tools they use. Unfortunately, some car battery shops will fit what they have and hope for the best. By being informed about the advanced tools and techniques employed during the installation process, your vehicle and battery will last longer and not cause any unintended consequences. In today's fast-paced automotive landscape, staying abreast of technological advancements isn't just our promise; it's a necessity. With the BT608 and highly trained battery technicians, your car battery replacement is assured, warrantied, and registered. Choose the best car battery replacement, choose Newcastle Batteries with the best battery prices.
22 Sep, 2023
GET CHARGED and save 30%! 30% OFF the renowned Victron Maintenance Charger with any battery purchase over $50.* Save money on replacement batteries, keep your batteries charged up and get even longer life. Features: • Smart Charger • Built-in Bluetooth • Also suitable for Lithium Batteries • Cabling & Quick Fit Connectors Included • Multi-Stage Charging • Recovery of Fully Discharged Batteries • Battery Reconditioning 30% Off Victron Maintenance Charger Normally $99.95 now $69.95 with any battery purchase over $50. * In addition to FREE Battery fitment on most vehicles and batteries for all budgets. The Blue Smart IP65 Charger can be used on batteries at your home, workshop, garage or storage. It is perfect for a range of vehicles including Cars, Motorbikes; Boats, Jet skis, 4WD’s, Motorhomes, SUVs & Camper Vans. Your vehicle will be ready to go every time. Your battery will be charged, smartly... to perfect condition all automatically! The seven-step charging system gets the best out of your battery. The charger gives the battery the power it needs, maintains its health, ensures better performance... and most of all, a longer life. Recovery of deeply discharged 'dead' batteries. Unlike other brands, the Blue Smart IP65 Charger aims to recharge a deeply-discharged battery by force-feeding it with a low current. Normal charging will then be resumed automatically as soon as there is sufficient voltage across the battery terminals. Connect the battery with ease! The charger comes with both crocodile clips and M8 eyelets – this means it is easy to connect to the battery. You are able to leave it permanently connected to your battery. Remote Status of your battery The Blue Smart IP65 is equipped with built-in Bluetooth. A fantastic feature allowing you to check the status of the charger and the battery anywhere via your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Settings of the charger can even be configured with the Victron Connect app. *Ts&Cs Apply. One per customer only. Limited time, while stocks last.Discount applies to the IP65 6V/12V 1.1A.
17 Aug, 2023
If you need a new Car Battery in Newcastle contact us for: A FREE Battery Test – to give you the peace of mind that the issue is the battery and not other electrical problems. We will even give you the test report. We will not replace your car battery if it is not needed and can recharge your existing battery if it’s just flat. Batteries for ALL Budgets – we have a great range of products with full manufacturer warranties and a range of quality options to suit your needs and budget. We will specify the best option at the best car battery price. FREE Battery Installation* - we fit your new battery for free in most vehicles. Save time, money and potential vehicle damage. Not all car batteries are made equal and not all car battery fitments are easy. It is also very important to protect your electrical equipment during battery installation. Modern vehicles are very different to your old car battery needs now your car is equipped with on-board computers that run the entire Eco centre of the car and engine. Sometimes your Engine Management System (EMS) needs to be reset. Care should be taken when fitting a car battery to ensure your onboard computer is not damaged. Some cars need specialist batteries, such as a Stop/Start Battery Replacement, which are very different to your normal car battery. Fitment is also more technical and demanding. Leave it to the experts and pay nothing – we are highly trained to ensure your car battery replacement and fitments are done using the right memory minders, scan tools and expertise. If you need a car battery installed, contact us for FREE Battery Installation* using your local Newcastle Battery Experts. We will also check to ensure all your Battery Cables, Battery Terminals, Cable Lugs, Battery Terminal Bolts or Wingnuts, Battery Box, Battery Brackets, and Battery Tray are all sound, clean and operational. If they need replacing, or cleaning, we can do that also. We have batteries for all budgets and offer FREE Car Battery Installations* This includes 4WD Batteries. Don’t risk doing it yourself ! Many Car Battery Shops will sell you a battery to take home and some do car batteries as a side to their normal business. We do Batteries first and foremost. With decades of experience, the right battery technology and the best battery prices, the choice is easy.
21 Jun, 2023
Need big capacity but have limited space? Enquire about our SLIMLINE LIGHTBASE Lithium 135 & 160A/h batteries today! Our LiFePO4 Lithium Battery is supplied fully protected by a sophisticated specially designed lithium battery management system that carefully monitors every cell to ensure the battery is always optimised for longer life and higher performance. Unlike gel or lead-acid batteries, these Lithium batteries are safer, lighter, and more powerful with a long service and shelf life compared to traditional batteries. No changing of charging systems, equipment or extensive re-wiring is required. You simply pull your old heavy batteries out (if your back allows it) and put the new lightweight LiFePO4 battery in. It's as easy as that. The 135A/h & 160A/h are the perfect drop-in upgrade for your existing old and heavy batteries, Invest in this high quality option for your dual battery system today! FEATURES: Now with 3 years Australian warranty! Ideal battery if you have limited space! Lithium iron Phosphate Battery(LiFePO4) All our Lithium Batteries are comprised of prismatic cells & are backed with LiFePO4's signature built-in BMS. They are also tested to deliver 100% real capacity and are suitable for parallel and series wiring of up to 4 battery packs.
18 Jun, 2023
Need a portable 12V Fridge Freezer, check out our Brass Monkey products. Brass Monkey Fridge/ Freezers have built a reputation on reliability and value for money. Now we can add innovation into the equation. It has often been difficult to run a car fridge/ freezer without the car or 4WD. Often people have invested in battery boxes but even with Lithium Batteries, this is a cumbersome proposition when you don’t have your vehicle near-by but want the flexibility of cold food and drinks (think Beach, Jetty and other locations). All that has changed, with specific Brass Monkey Fridge/ Freezers coming with optional onboard batteries and solar charging. Simply unplug your new 12v fridge/ freezer from your car, or mains power and off you go. Options even come with wheels. This means NO MORE MELTING ICE and complete freedom to move around without being connected to 12v or 240v power.
09 May, 2023
Is your car, truck or machinery battery more than a couple years old? Or maybe you don't drive it often? Don't get stuck waiting in the cold this winter. Our expert team will perform a battery health check for you FREE of charge so you don't have to worry. Save yourself time and money by dropping in to Newcastle Batteries in Wickham or Warners Bay for your free battery health check today! If you need a new battery we also stock and fit a complete range of batteries to suit any application and budget.
08 Aug, 2022
Mistakes can often be made when changing your own car battery. Car batteries can generally last for five years provided they are given proper maintenance. Its longevity is however also dependent on other factors such as the climate, the vehicles operation, how you use your vehicle (start regularity & distance travelled). Overcharging or undercharging the battery can also cause premature failure. Before you consider doing it yourself, think of the following : Do I have the necessary safety gear ? Am i strong enough to lift the battery out and a new on in ? Am I technically savvy to complete this ? Do I have the necessary tools and devices ? Am i prepared to accept the consequences if things go wrong ? Is it just easier to get it done by the experts ? Firstly, using a voltmeter, test the battery voltage, then start the car and test that the alternator is charging the battery correctly. Often people replace a battery due to a faulty alternator. If you have decided that it is your battery, then ensure you have a memory minder that ensures your vehicle retains its electronics and data before removing the old battery. The biggest risk with changing over a car battery is when trying to disconnect the dead battery in the wrong order. Before changing your car battery, you should ensure that the new battery you are replacing it with is fully charged. Then start with disconnecting the negative cable first followed by the positive cable. Undo any of the hold down clamps/brackets and ensure they are well clear of the battery terminals to avoid an accidental short. Be very careful not to drop or misplace the nuts. Lift the dead battery by removing it in an upright position. This is to prevent its acidic solution from leaking out. Respect the weight of the product when lifting as often its in an awkward position and can easily cause an injury to your back or hands. Place the old battery in a safe place to avoid contact with acid residue. You can then place the new battery at the position of the former one. So wouldn't it be easier to just just call into Newcastle Batteries In Wickham or Newcastle and get your vehicle electrics tested to ensure the correct solution is provided.......and without getting your hands dirty ! We can also dispose of your old battery safely and environmentally friendly for free.
Show More
Share by: