The way to test gel battery
A gel battery is filled with a gel substance, referred to as a gel electrolyte that replaces that some of us know as battery acid. The gel electrolyte is sulfuric acid combined with silica. The gel is immobile, like gelatin. Traditional batteries, however, are liquid or wet-cell batteries. So it means gel batteries can not be tested with a hydrometer. The simplest and quickest way to test your gel battery is with a digital voltmeter.
Before you do that, I think you first need some tools to help you, such as voltage-limited/floated battery charger (if necessary), digital voltmeter, and box wrench set. Then you can follow the steps that are given below to test your gel battery.
1. Access the gel-cell battery by removing the terminal covers. Then disconnect the battery from the vehicle. Detach the gel battery’s negative terminal first, followed by its positive terminal. For most vehicles, you will need assorted box wrenches in order to completely disconnect the battery.
2. Attach the voltmeter’s tester leads/clamps to the gel battery. The negative tester lead must connect to the battery’s negative post and the positive tester lead to the positive post.
3. Turn on the voltmeter and look at the reading shown. If your gel battery displays a charge within the 12.85 to 12.95 range, it is 100 percent charged. A voltage of 12.65 means it is only 75 percent charged, while a 12.35 reading correlates to a 50 percent charge.
4. Recharge the gel battery if you receive a low voltage reading. Be sure that you use a voltage-limited battery charger, also known as a float charger, for this task. A traditional charger should not be used on gel batteries, as it may overcharge and damage the battery. A voltage-limited charger will charge at a set rate and turn off when a full charge is achieved.
5. Permit the gel battery to sit for 24 hours after charging. This will allow the surface charge to dissipate and provide a more accurate reading. Retest the gel battery with a voltmeter after the 24-hour period has passed. If your gel-cell battery shows a low charge once again, chances are it will need replaced
Using the digital voltmeter to test your gel battery, then you will know the status of the battery. It means you will know whether you need to replace it or continue using it. Comparing with other lead acid batteries, gel battery needs very little maintenance and is usually sealed with a valve to let out excess pressure.
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