RE: [Chrysler300] Sealed Battery

["Bob Jasinski" <rpjasin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Pete and list,

The Jack's Auto Parts battery is a different animal, a conventional wet
battery.  The one in the New Castle ad is an absorbed glass matt (AGM),
sealed, valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery.  It will never leak acid
and you will never water it. The acid is held in suspension in the glass
mat, similar to the way disposable diapers hold moisture.

The battery operates under a slight pressure (2-3 psi) that causes
recombination of the hydrogen and oxygen that normally goes out through the
vent cap...that why you have to add water periodically in a conventional
battery.

VRLA Batteries are expensive and they are not as forgiving of deep
discharges as wet batteries are.  That's why the manufacturer recommends
keeping them on a float charger.  The other side of that is that if you
overcharge them, (subject them to a high charge voltage for an extended
period) they will dry out and are not recoverable.

For my money, I will stick with a conventional battery, check it
periodically, and keep my eye on the amp gauge for any indication of a
problem. There are those that have indicated an interest in the sealed
battery approach and may want to spend the $189.00.  You could also consider
the Optima battery, but it looks totally modern.  I have heard good things
about the longevity of the Optima battery though, 5-6 years of life, and
they seem to tolerate discharging well.

I have spent many years in the battery industry, and have been to the plants
where they were being manufactured and had opportunities to discuss the
advantages/disadvantages with the engineers that design them.  Sealed
battery technology is still evolving, and will continue to do so. I am not
endorsing this product, only sharing it with the list, caveat emptor!

Bob J




------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Yahoo! Autos. Everything you need to know about buying 
or selling a car.  FREE Quotes, 360° Tours, Research,
Blue Book, Compare Vehicles, Buy Used
http://us.click.yahoo.com/kEZsdA/bwnGAA/YiGOAA/8LmulB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~-> 

To send a message to this group, send an email to:
Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chrysler300/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
     Chrysler300-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
     http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/