FAQ

The automotive battery provides starting power for the engine. It also supplies power to accessories such as lights, fans and radio when the engine is not running. Between low engine speeds and when accessory load is greater at higher running speeds, a battery makes up the difference by stabilising the alternator output. This stabilising effect also protects a vehicle’s electrical system by smoothing out sudden high voltages which can damage electrical components. Batteries produce their power through a chemical reaction which is released when a load such as a globe, starter motor or electric fan is connected to the battery. Electrical current is generated when two different metals are placed separately in a liquid capable of conducting electricity. When the metals are connected together above the liquid, electrical current flows through the connection. The different metals are referred to as electrodes. Pure lead is used for the negative electrode or plate and a lead dioxide paste is used for the positive electrode. When a positive and a negative electrode are combined (but not touching), they are referred to as a cell. Two or more cells connected together are called a battery. The positive and negative plates are always separated by a separator to the plated, they do not make contact and self-discharge. The liquid solution is called an electrolyte which consists of a diluted solution of sulphuric acid. The battery becomes discharged (or flat) when no more current flows through the cell. The cell can be recharged by forcing electrical current back through the cell in the reverse direction. The chemical reaction that takes place during discharge converts both the positive electrode and the negative electrode to lead sulphate. Water is produced and dilutes the strength of the acid. During recharge, the electrodes are converted back to lead dioxide and lead. The water produced during discharge is consumed returning the lead to its original strength. In addition, some electrolysis of the water in the electrolyte occurs breaking it down into its component gases: hydrogen and oxygen

Marshall Batteries automotive battery range covers every automotive need from original equipment of vehicles, to batteries designed to suit specialised requirements ranging from Passenger and 4WD to Marine and Deep Cycle applications. Marshall Batteries are the best choice for all battery applications due to its nationwide network and product development, ensuring the latest of technology is applied to its products through best practice manufacture. For all the best battery prices, Holler for a Marshall

Batteries must be subjected to regular testing to ensure their starting capacity is maintained at an optimum performance level. Visit your nearest Marshall stockist for a professional battery check. A battery must also be scrutinised for any physical condition which may reduce battery life and impede starting performance such as broken or damaged posts and leaks to the battery case or lid. The first step in evaluating starting capability involves testing a battery's state of charge using a hydrometer or voltmeter. All non-sealed batteries should be checked using a hydrometer. As a cheap and reliable method of determining state of charge, the hydrometer also reveals differences between cells and allows visual inspection of the electrolyte colour. Where the hydrometer reading shows no significant difference between cells and produces a reading of 1230 or above (at 20-25 C) the battery has sufficient charge for a load test. Sealed batteries must produce a voltage of 12.5 or greater before a load test may be performed. Since the loss/fail criteria varies depending on the make of load tester used, be sure to consult the instruction manual provided with the tester to ensure success. See your Marshall storefor a free battery test and select the filter Testing and Installation.

New Zealand Battery installation should only be undertaken by a professional installer and appropriate safety clothing must be worn at all times, including safety glasses.

1. Ensure appropriate safety glasses and clothing are worn at all times before installing or removing your battery
2. Always refer to Vehicles Operating Manual before removing or installing a battery
3. Check bonnet clearance before installing battery.
4. Connect memory minder (to avoid the loss of radio pin codes and key vehicle data). Keys must be removed from the vehicle.
5. Locate the positive terminal and mark polarity on the cable.
6. Remove the negative cable first..
7. Remove the positive terminal. Remove battery hold down.
8. Inspect the tray for corrosion. If necessary, dust off corrosive residue.
9. Place the new battery in the tray and ensure the battery is level and the terminal posts are in the same position as the old battery.
10. Replace the hold down clamp and ensure battery is secure.
11. Replace the positive terminal lead and tighten.
12. Replace the negative terminal lead and tighten. (The negative terminal should always be replaced last)
13. Never tighten or hammer terminal onto the battery as this can damage the posts and battery cover and will void the warranty

With today's modern vehicle electrics and charging systems, don't leave things to chance. If you need your battery tested or professionally installed, Holler for a Marshall.

Before charging begins, provide plenty of ventilation and ensure safety glasses or face shield are worn. Sparks from loose connections or metal tools making contact between the terminals or the un-grounded terminal and nearby grounded metal parts can also be hazardous. Do not remove the vent caps (maintainable product only) and do not charge the battery unless you are thoroughly familiar with the step-by-step procedure of recharging a battery. Ensure you have read the manufacturers instructions for the specific charger you are using prior to commencing the charging procedure. 1.For maintainable battery types only - loosen the vent caps and then place a damp cloth over the vent caps, prior to commencing. For maintenance free product, continue to step 2. 2.Connect the charger leads to the battery terminals, red positive (+) lead to positive terminal and black negative (-) lead to the negative terminal. Rock the charger lead clamps to make certain a good connection has been made. 3.Set the electric timer to the desired charge time 4.Turn on the charger and slowly increase the charging rate until the desired ampere value is reached. Do not charge in the red zone. If the battery starts to emit smoke or dense vapour, shut off the charger and reject the battery. If violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs, reduce or temporarily halt the charging. (see your local Marshall stockist Marshall Batteries stockist for further assistance) Never touch the charger leads when the charger is ON. This could break a connection at the battery terminal and create a spark which could ignite the explosive gases in the battery. Never break a 'live' circuit at the battery terminal for the same reason. Always turn the charger OFF before removing a charger lead from the battery.

The following charging rates and times assume a fully discharged condition.

 

RESERVE CAPACITY (RC) Expressed in minuted and found on battery type label	SLOW CHARGE
Up to 75 mins	15 hrs @ 3 amps
75 mins to 130 mins	21 hrs @ 4 amps
130 mins to 180 mins	22 hrs @ 5 amps
180 mins to 250 mins	23 hrs @ 6 amps
Above 250 mins	24 hrs @ 10 amps

 

Many chargers available will automatically adjust to discharged condition and commence with a boost charge gradually changing to suit the battery condition and then switching off at the fully charged rate.  If not an automatic switch mode charger use the above as a guide.

Avoid Sulphation Undercharging or leaving your vehicle in an un-used state for any length of time, will harm your battery and void your warranty. Remember a flat or sulphated battery is not considered to be a manufacturing fault. Make sure you remove your battery from your vehicle and place on charge if you are leaving your vehicle in an unused state for any length of time. Regularly Check Electrolyte Levels If you have a 'maintainable battery' - remove the vent caps and check electrolyte levels monthly. Fill up with distilled water to just above the separators and plates. Mop up any spills and be sure to wear the appropriate safety wear, whenever you are working with batteries. Battery Maintenance As part of your normal vehicle servicing program - have your battery charged at every vehicle service. This will prevent the battery operating in an uncharged state due to parasitic loads and vehicle sitting un-used for extended periods. Look For Failing Battery Signals Engine turning over slowly or lights dimming noticeably on starting means you should have your battery checked and recharged or replaced if necessary. Keep Your Battery Clean Use warm soapy water and dry off well. Ensure battery terminals are cleaned at every vehicle service. Minimise Heavy Draining When your battery is drained by leaving lights or accessories on, revive it with a slow charge. Install a dual battery system if you frequently need to use accessories with high power demands. Check Your Vehicles Charge Rate Under and over-charging will reduce battery life, so have the charge rate checked at every major service. Keep Your Battery Securely Fastened Vibration can damage battery plates, so make sure your battery is firmly held by a suitable hold down device. Inspect battery terminals regularly as loose terminals can cause breakdowns. A Marshall Technician can perform a preventative maintenance visit and test the condition of your battery. Simply Holler for a Marshall for all your battery needs.

New Zealand has some of the harshest conditions in the world. Our extreme temperatures and varied landscape can seriously affect the life of a battery. Not all batteries are created equal. Marshall's range of batteries have been designed to withstand the high under-bonnet temperatures and excessive vibration experienced by motorists; and our full product range of automotive, marine, deep cycle and industrial batteries, provides consumers with the best solution for every application. To help maximise the life of your battery, follow these helpful tips: Keep batteries topped up Maintaining a sufficient electrolyte level ensures the electrolyte is neither too high or too low. Use distilled or deionised water and never over fill. Maintenance free batteries will usually not require topping up. Low maintenance batteries require the addition of water only once or twice per year depending on conditions. Check electrical connections Make sure battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight. The application of a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help reduce corrosion. Avoid overcharging Overcharging produces rapid deterioration and corrosion which shortens battery life. A battery needing to be topped up continually with water is a sure sign that the car's electrical system requires careful checking. This may also affect a maintenance free battery. Keep batteries clean and dry Dirt on a battery's surface leads to discharge and corrosion. Avoid spilling oil or grease onto the top of the battery. To remove dirt or moisture, wash with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water. Rinse afterwards with clean water. Ensure vent plugs are in place at all times. Precautions To avoid shorting, metallic objects should not be placed on top of the battery. Batteries contain hydrogen gas and air in a volatile mixture which is easily ignited. Keep flames or sparks away from the battery at all times. Batteries contain sulphuric acid. Never add acid to cells and keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing or any other material which may become damaged. If contamination occurs, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away. Batteries are also heavy - ensure correct lifting procedures are used when moving batteries. Sulphation An undercharged battery or under utilised battery will slowly discharge (go flat) over time and reduce its life. This is common in boats (over winter) or vehicles left unused for long periods of time. Always keep a battery fully charged to ensure maximum life. You don't have to wait until you break down to change your battery. Avoid breakdowns by getting your battery tested on a regular basis. Marshall stockists can provide you with a battery check to determine the state of your vehicles battery system. Vehicle electrical systems are becoming more complex and its vital you purchase the right battery for your vehicle, so leave it to the experts. Visit your nearest Marshall stockist today. At Marshall Batteries, we are committed to total customer satisfaction by providing quality products and quality service at all times. Marshall Batteries will honour all genuine warranty claims. Our batteries our covered by a free of charge replacement warranty that is backed by New Zealand’s leading battery manufacturer and distributor, Marshall Power. Warranty terms and conditions appear on the top label of your battery. Retain the receipt for proof of purchase. Possible causes of battery failure that are not the result of faulty manufacture:

• Incorrect or under-specified battery type fitted to car
• Charge system problem (low or high voltage) creating an over-charge or under-charge situation. A low voltage cause the battery to sulphate whilst a high voltage will literally cook the internal components of the battery.
• Repeated deep discharge (heavy accessory loads, car phones, lighting, boat accessories, etc)
• Prolonged storage of the car or very minimal use. A battery will generally sulphate and will never recover its full state of charge.
• Electrical faults (short, excessive loads)
• Any battery modifications such as acid additives, lead terminal changes, or any other contaminates.
• Damage to the battery caused by the consumer or other in-car fault.

Our batteries are warranted against any manufacturing fault for the period or kilometres (whichever occurs first) stated on the battery top label. Should it not pass a standard battery test for any reason other than after-sale damage, neglect or misuse, it will be replaced free of charge by the dealer or the dealer's agents. You may claim under the warranty by returning the battery to the place of purchase with the original purchase receipt and completed warranty card for the warranty adjudication procedure. You must bear any expense you may incur in making the claim. This express warranty is given by Marshall Power Phone 0800 BATTERY (0800 22 88 37) The benefits under this express warranty are additional to other rights and remedies under applicable laws in force in New Zealand. In New Zealand our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the New Zealand Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage (including but not limited to expenses you may incur in making a claim under the guarantees). You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure Marshall Batteries products can be warranted at any location that sells Marshall Batteries products around New Zealand. It is important that the consumer keeps their receipt. If the warranty has to be exercised, the replacement battery will carry another full warranty period.

Product Category	Tier	Base Warranty	Extended Warranty
Passenger Vehicle	Extreme	36 month / 60,000 kms	42 month / 70,000 kms
Passenger Vehicle	Heavy Duty	24 month / 40,000 kms	30 month / 50,000 kms
Passenger Vehicle	Economy	12 month / 20,000 kms	18 month / 30,000 kms
SUV/4WD/Light Commercial	Extreme	24 month / 100,000 kms	30 month / 125,000 kms
SUV/4WD/Light Commercial	Heavy Duty	18 month / 100,000 kms	24 month / 100,000 kms
SUV/4WD/Light Commercial	Economy	12 month / 50,000 kms	18 month / 75,000 kms
Heavy Commercial	Extreme	18 month / 75,000 kms	24 month / 100,000 kms
Heavy Commercial	Heavy Duty	18 month / 75,000 kms	24 month / 100,000 kms
Heavy Commercial	Economy	6 month / 25,000 kms	12 month / 50,000 kms
Evolution		12 month / 20,000 kms	18 month / 30,000 kms
Orbital		12 month	N/A
Powerrider		12 month	N/A
Stowaway Leisure Cycle	Silver	12 month	18 month
Stowaway Leisure Cycle	Gold	18 month	24 month
Stowaway Marine Starting		12 month	18 month
Stowaway Marine Dual Purpose		18 month	24 month
Stowaway Marine Cycling		18 month	24 month
Semi-Industrial Cycling		6 month	N/A
Heavy Industrial Cycling		12 month	N/A
GEL Cycling		12 month	N/A
AGM GEL Cycling		12 month	N/A
Pro-Series VRLA		12 months
Powerider Bike		12 months

Additional fees apply for Roadside Warranty adjudication: If a manufacturing fault is not the cause of your battery failure, a call-out and testing fee will apply. Out of area fees and other charges may apply to warranty call outs outside normal coverage areas or hours of operation. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Marshall stockist. Other factors that can cause premature failure of a battery include:

•  Charge Rates
•  Excessive Vibration
•  High Loads
•  Electrical System Faults
•  Faulty Terminals
•  Stop/Start Motoring
•  Sulphation
•  Other

Yes! Deep cycle batteries are specially designed with denser active material and thicker plates to withstand deep discharge-recharge service. They are also reinforced by envelope and glass mat separators to reduce shedding of the active material and damage from the jolting vibration of a boat on choppy water. Car batteries, on the other hand, use porous active material and thin plates so that high-amp energy can be quickly delivered for maximum starting power. Repeated cycling weakens the positive plates and makes the active material shed from the grids. Thus, in repeated deep discharge-recharge applications, the capacity of the car battery drops below desired levels in about 50 cycles. They are not built to withstand the heavy buffeting experienced by marine batteries. They are simply designed to do a different job.

Yes - lead acid batteries can be recycled. Marshall Batteries applies a comprehensive business approach called Total Battery Management [TBM], that plays a leading role in one of New Zealand’s most effective and successful recycling programs. TBM encompasses manufacturing and distribution of lead-acid batteries, responsible collection and storage of spent batteries, safe transportation and reclamation of battery materials and use of those materials in the production of new batteries. Marshall Batteries' are 98% recyclable. Help us protect the environment and support us by recycling spent batteries with Marshall.

Yes. Install a solid-state battery isolator to the vehicle's electrical system. This allows the trailer's batteries to be charged while driving and prevents discharge of your vehicle's starting battery. The isolator is becoming standard equipment on many motorhomes and camper trailers. This way your caravan battery, camper battery or motorhome battery will be in tip top condition for years of reliable use.

Yes. In order to use golf cart batteries for a 12-volt system you would need to connect the 2 batteries in series. Connect the positive post of the first battery to the negative post of the second battery. Then connect the positive lead from the equipment being powered to the first battery's positive post. Finally, connect the negative lead from the equipment being powered to the second battery's negative post.

To avoid shorting, metallic objects should not be placed on top of the battery. Batteries contain hydrogen gas and air in a volatile mixture which is easily ignited. Keep flames or sparks away from the battery at all times. Batteries contain sulphuric acid. Never add acid to cells and keep acid away from eyes, skin, clothing or any other material which may become damaged. If contamination occurs, use large amounts of water to neutralise and flush acid away and seek medical advice. Batteries are heavy ensure correct lifting procedures are used when moving batteries.

Batteries have a limited shelf life and when stored gradually lose their power to perform. On average, a fully-charged battery takes about 13 weeks to gradually discharge to less than its optimum operating level. The rate of charge loss depends on battery type (low maintenance or maintenance free) and temperature conditions. Charge loss becomes more evident when temperatures increase. At 20 C low maintenance batteries lose approximately one half of one per cent of charge per day (30 percent in 60 days). At 30 C charge loss is usually double the rate for 20 C. Under similar temperature conditions, maintenance free batteries lose their charge more slowly than low maintenance batteries. Excessive humidity will also accelerate charge loss. A battery stored upright in cool and dry conditions is ideal. Whilst in storage batteries that have not been recharged and allowed to go flat, may be permanently damaged. Recharging every four to eight weeks, depending on storage conditions, will restore batteries to "as new" condition. It is best to trust Marshall and its National network of reputable stores to deliver the optimal product that is professionally managed.

No. But properly charging a deep cycle battery is a very important factor which can affect battery performance and life.

Many of Marshall's automotive batteries are maintenance accessible. The batteries have 2 removable vent caps (which will expose 6 holes or fill wells) where distilled or good drinking-quality water can be added. Be careful not to overfill. The battery electrolyte should not go past the end of the fill well. Overfilling can cause acid to be discharged during operation. The electrolyte level should be checked at least once a year in cold or mild climates and more often in hot climates. If your product is maintenance free (vent caps are sealed) then you do not need to add water to your battery.

• Do store your battery in cool dry conditions
• Do use Marshall’s professional network of stores
• Do trickle charge your stored batteries at regular intervals
• Do use correct lifting procedures when moving batteries
• Don’t place metal objects on top of the battery
• Don’t allow sparks or flames near any battery

Batteries come in many different group sizes. A battery's group size simply determines its length, width, height, and terminal configuration; this has nothing to do with a battery's capacity. Regardless of the group size, two batteries are equal in power if the CCA [Cold Cranking Amp] ratings are the same. New technology enables a great deal of power to be put in

The battery's state of charge can be tested using a hydrometer or a voltmeter. A hydrometer will determine the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell, while a voltmeter will give you a voltage reading. There are some batteries that come with a state-of-charge indicator eye built in the battery's cover.

First, you should check the motorcycle owner's manual for proper size and minimum recommended cranking amps. You can also consult a battery application guide by looking up correct make, model, year, and CCs to determine the proper size for your vehicle. Never use a battery with a lower capacity rating than is recommended by the manufacturer. Using a battery with a higher capacity is never detrimental, and is recommended for older motorcycles, to improve starting and provide longer life for your bike battery. The increased rating will not affect the starting and charging system. Contact us for New Zealand Battery advice, we are here to help.

When jump starting a car it is important to make sure you shield your eyes and face from the battery at all times and follow these steps:

1. Connect the positive [+] cable to positive post of discharged battery.
2. Connect other end of the same cable to same marked post (positive)
3. Connect second cable (negative [-] ) to other post of booster battery.
4. Make the final connection on the engine block of the stalled vehicle away from the battery. Stand back.
5. Start vehicle and remove cables in reverse order. Incorrectly jumpstarting your vehicle can lead to damage to the battery and/or engine management system - so leave it to the experts and Holler for a Marshall!

A car charging system consists of three major components:

1. Alternator - the mechanical device driven by one of the engine belts. It produces a steady flow of electrical current on a continuing basis while the engine is running.
2. Voltage Regulator - monitors the state-of-charge in the battery to determine when and if more current should flow from the alternator into the battery to replace used electricity. When a battery is returned to full capacity, the regulator shuts off the flow of current from the alternator. This action occurs several times per minute.
3. Battery - an electrical reservoir used to store current until it is needed to power the engine ís starter motor. It provides sufficient electrical power, so the engine can reach starting RPMs. Once the engine is running, the electrical demand is supplied by the alternator alone to the coil, which continues to supply fire to the spark plugs. A simple analogy for a charging system is to compare it to a garden hose with a spray nozzle and a bucket/receptacle. Water flows through a garden hose as does the electrical current to the alternator. As long as the water/current is flowing, the hose/alternator is producing electrical current to charge the battery. The regulator, compared to the spray nozzle at the end of the hose, determines the amount of the electrical current released into the battery. The battery becomes the bucket/receptacle already filled with water. When water is removed from the bucket, the spray nozzle/regulator will open to allow water/electrical current to refill the bucket, or recharge the battery. Once the battery is completely recharged, the regulator will shut off the flow.

Extreme cold dramatically reduces the speed at which chemical reaction can occur, while increasing electrolyte resistance. It is important to keep batteries at a full charge during periods of extreme cold. Batteries in a discharged state are susceptible to freezing, which can cause damage to the plates and battery container. Vehicles demand more from a battery in freezing temperatures as the motor oil thickens and makes the engine harder to crank.

The life of a battery is determined by a number of factors, with the most important being proper maintenance and installation. Amount of use, proper charging, application and climate are some of the other elements that also need to be considered when estimating the life of your battery. A battery that is stored for prolonged periods of time without use or recharging can develop sulfation on the plates which will greatly reduce the time a battery will perform. Marshall Batteries come with a nationwide warranty to protect you against any manufacturing defect. Marshall Batteries also has New Zealand designed batteries to meet the harsh demands of motoring. So you can be sure that with the right use and continued care and maintenance of your Marshall Battery, it should give you years of trouble free motoring.

Heat is the number one killer of a battery. Although it increases the performance of the battery short-term, life is drastically reduced over time. Heat increases the rate of evaporation, which causes a loss of water from the electrolyte. Extreme heat also increases the rate of self-discharge and promotes the corrosion of the positive plate grids. Marshall’s patented AG-9 silver enriched grid alloy dramatically reduces corrosion and extends battery life twice as long as standard battery designs. AG-9 is available in the Marshall Premium range of product.

The life of a motorcycle battery is determined by a number of factors, with the most important being proper maintenance. Amount of use, proper charging and climate all are elements that also need to be considered. A battery that is stored for prolonged periods of time without use or recharging can develop sulfation on the plates which will greatly reduce the time a battery will perform. Use a battery trickle charger for better ongoing health of your bike battery when not in use.

There are a number of factors to consider when determining how often a battery needs to be replaced. These include vehicle type, region or climate, and driving habits. If your current battery performance is unsatisfactory, you may need to upgrade your battery to suit your particular situation and needs.