Frequently Asked Questions

About MARSHALL Batteries

We are one of the largest suppliers to the vehicle manufacturers based in Australia 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 'Holler for 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, 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.

Marshall Batteries have a range of products designed and built in Australia, for Australian conditions. These can be identified easily as they carry the 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 Installation.

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 CHARGING

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 Exide 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.

YOUR GUIDE TO BATTERY RECHARGING

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

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.  

 Battery Maintenance & UPKEEP

• 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.

Why Do Batteries Fail?

Australia 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.

Exide’s Australian Made 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.

NATIONWIDE MANUFACTURERS 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.

Warranty terms and conditions appear within your warranty card provided at the time of purchase and also 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.

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.com.au or www.marshallbatteries.co.nz.  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. 

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

For further advice, please contact Marshall Batteries - a division of Exide Technologies 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.

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