Frequently Asked Questions

About MARSHALL Batteries

We are one of the largest suppliers to the vehicle manufacturers based in Australia and New Zealand and the technology exchange enables Marshall Batteries to remain in the forefront of meeting the needs of new vehicles.  

Take a battery tour to see why you should choose a Marshall for your next battery.

What is a battery?

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

Why choose MARSHALL

Marshall Batteries automotive battery range covers every automotive need from original equipment of vehicles such as Ford, Holden and Mitsubishi, to batteries designed to suit specialised requirements ranging from major industrial applications to marine and leisure equipment.

Marshall & Exide Technologies is the best choice for all battery applications due to its global network and research and development, ensuring the latest of technology is applied to its products through best practice manufacture.

Marshall has a range of products designed and built in Australia, for the harsh conditions found in Australia and New Zealand. These can be identified easily as they carry the official Australian Made logo

The correct way to test a battery

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 store for a free battery test and select the filter Testing and Instillation.

Installing a Battery

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

• Ensure appropriate safety glasses and clothing are worn at all times before installing or removing your battery
• Always refer to Vehicles Operating Manual before removing or installing a battery
• Check bonnet clearance before installing battery.

1. Connect memory minder (to avoid the loss of radio pin codes and key vehicle data).  Keys must be removed from the vehicle.
2. Locate the positive terminal and mark polarity on the cable.
3. Remove the negative cable first.
4. Remove the positive terminal.   Remove battery hold down.
5. Inspect the tray for corrosion.  If necessary, dust off corrosive residue.
6. 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.
7. Replace the hold down clamp and ensure battery is secure.
8. Replace the positive terminal lead and tighten.
9. Replace the negative terminal lead and tighten. (The negative terminal should always be replaced last)
10. Never tighten or hammer terminal onto the battery as this can damage the posts and battery cover and will void the warranty.

Battery Maintenance

• Visually inspect battery terminals, clean or replace as necessary.
• Check hold down clamp and replace if necessary. (Battery must be secured to avoid un-necessary vibration).
• Remove battery vent caps if fitted and check battery fluid level which should be 12mm above plates. Top up using deionised water.
• Check vehicle for current drain using Electronic Tester.
• Check vehicle charging system. For 12 volt vehicles, reading should be between 13.8 volts and 14.6 volts.
• As a final check, check terminals, earth lead, and hold down clamp for tightness.              

Vehicle electrical and charging systems are becoming more complex and we recommend fitting by professional installers only.  For more Help and advice (visit your nearest Marshall Store)

Why Do Batteries Fail?

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. Exide 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.

WARRANTY.

At Marshall Batteries, we are committed to total customer satisfaction by providing quality products and quality service at all times

Marshall Batteries will honor all genuine warranty claims.  Our batteries our covered by a free of charge replacement warranty that is backed by Australia's leading battery manufacturer and distributor, Marshall Power.

• 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.

Express Nationwide Warranty

Our batteries are warranted against any manufacturing fault for the stated period or kilometres (whichever occurs first). 

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, 1-5 Winterton Road, Clayton 3168, Victoria Australia, Phone: in Australia, 1800 800 811; in New Zealand 0800 651 611, email us via our website: www.marshallbatteries.co.nz and www.marshallbatteries.com.au. For full terms and conditions see website.

The benefits under this express warranty are additional to other rights and remedies under applicable laws in force in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian 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 Australia and 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. 

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

For further advice, please contact Marshall Batteries by phoning 1300 627 742  for Australia or 0800 465 537 for New Zealand or by completing the online contact us form on this website.

Correct Handling of batteries

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 heavy ensure correct lifting procedures are used when moving batteries.

Correct Storing of 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 Batteries and its National network of reputable stores to deliver the optimal product that is professionally managed.

Do's and Don'ts

• Do store in cool dry conditions
• Do use Exide’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

Deep Cycle Batteries

Why are they different
Deep Cycle type battery is designed so that repeated cycling will not affect the battery's life or performance. Unlike the "SLI" battery which provides concentrated starting power, the deep cycle type battery supplies a constant but relatively low amount of current for a long period of time when an extended power supply is preferred. Exide provides a range of batteries that are considered hybrid where they provide characteristics across both starting and cycling applications.

Choosing the right Deep Cycle battery
 It is easy to decide which deep cycle battery is required and how long it will operate your equipment before recharging is necessary. First you need to establish:

1.  The Loading of each piece equipment. This is expressed in watts and is stamped into the compliance plate attached to the electrical item.
2.  The length of time (in hours) that it is intended to operate each piece of equipment between recharges.
3.  The system voltage (6v, 12v or 24v).

STEP 1
The first step is to determine the total number of "Watt Hours" involved. Calculated this by multiplying the loading of each piece of equipment (watts) by the number of hours you intend to use it between recharges and then add them up. Follow this example of a boat owner who is
operating a winch, fridge, communication equipment and uses the interior lights for extended periods.

STEP 2
The next step is to determine "Ampere Hour" (AH) requirement that the battery must accommodate. You calculate this by dividing the watt
hours by the system voltage. Continuing the boat example:
500 Watt Hours/12 volts(system voltage)=42 Ampere Hours

STEP 3
Battery cables are not perfect so it pays to make allowances for loss of power. A cable loss margins of 10% is usually appropriate.
In addition, it's nice to have a little more capacity than you will need. Therefore, we recommend you build in an over-capacity margin of about 25%

CAN YOUR DEEP CYCLE BATTERY BE USED FOR ENGINE STARTING?
Yes, deep cycle batteries can be used for engine starting purpose; but only as a back up of the existing starting battery. If it is used, you will need to increase the Ampere Hour estimate by 50% to ensure you have starting power when the battery has been partly discharged.

Let's apply these additional factors to our boat example:

STEP 4
Having established the number of Ampere Hours required, refer to the Deep Cycle Battery Specification listing to choose the correct battery for your needs. There is one further consideration. Battery capacity varies according to speed of discharge. The faster the battery is discharged, the fewer Ampere Hours it will deliver before requiring a recharge. Therefore,  our Deep Cycle batteries are capacity rated for three lengths of discharge time. You will need to determine the length of time your battery will be discharged over and match to the closest rated discharge time quoted.

If being discharged over a 20 hour period, then a ED6 type will be very suitable.

If in doubt then please contact our professional  store network or Marshall Batteries Australia or New Zealand.

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