Proper use and maintenance of batteries includes:

1) Analyze the machinery's power usage and keep the generator's terminal voltage within the specified range. For example: machinery that often operates during the day has long charging time and short discharging time; to prevent overcharging, the charging current should be appropriately reduced; for machinery operating at night and vehicles that start frequently, over-discharging should be prevented, and the charging current should be appropriately increased; when parked, the battery should be fully charged for the next use.

2) Pay attention to the temperature conditions under which the machinery or vehicle operates. In cold regions, be sure to keep the battery warm, reasonably select the electrolyte density, and keep it in a fully charged state. Distilled water should be added during charging to prevent freezing. Before starting, the engine should be preheated, and the starter should be used correctly. Each starting attempt should not exceed 5S, and the interval before restarting should be 15S. If it fails to start after two consecutive attempts, troubleshoot before starting again.

3) Strengthen battery maintenance. If the battery is only used and not maintained, and the battery's operating conditions are poor (high vibration, dust pollution), the consequences are obvious.

Battery maintenance includes:

① Keep the exterior of the battery clean, and frequently remove dust, dirt, and spilled electrolyte from the battery cover, which helps prevent self-discharge.

② Regularly check the small holes on the battery cover and keep them clear; if the holes are blocked, the gas generated will rupture the battery.

③ The battery must be installed securely. When the machinery travels over uneven roads, the battery must not move up and down or left and right and strike the mounting seat. Rubber anti-vibration pads should be placed under the battery to prevent the casing from cracking, terminal connections from loosening, and internal plates from being damaged. In addition to checking that the installation is secure, also pay attention to removing oxides, sulfates, etc. produced on the battery clamps. After scraping off the rust, apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Frequently check the wire connectors to ensure reliable contact.

④ Frequently check the electrolyte level. The electrolyte in the battery decreases as it is decomposed during charging and naturally evaporates. After the plates are exposed above the liquid level, the exposed parts will quickly become sulfated, thereby reducing battery capacity. Even if electrolyte is added later to submerge them again, the sulfated parts of the plates are difficult to restore to their original condition. Therefore, the electrolyte level in the battery should be checked in a timely manner and distilled water or electrolyte added as appropriate. Generally, check once a week in summer and once every two weeks in winter. For batteries with translucent plastic casings, the internal liquid level can be seen from outside the casing, and there are two upper and lower mark lines on the casing; the liquid level only needs to be between these two lines. For batteries with black plastic casings, when checking, unscrew the filler cap and visually observe and estimate the liquid level, or insert a small glass tube into the battery, press the upper opening of the glass tube with a finger, and remove it to check the electrolyte.

Under normal circumstances, the electrolyte level should be 10-15 mm above the plates. If the level is found to be too low, add distilled water to make up for it; if the electrolyte has been poured out or has overflowed, add electrolyte. Note that ordinary water such as tap water, river water, and well water must not be added in place of distilled water.

⑤ Frequently check the relative density of the electrolyte. If a significant water shortage is found, consider whether overcharging has occurred; if the density is found to be too low, consider whether over-discharging has occurred and perform supplementary charging.

⑥ In winter, keep the battery warm and prevent it from freezing and cracking, which can extend the battery's service life.