A gel battery is a battery in which the electrolyte is immobilized by the addition of a chemical agent, normally fine silica, to prevent spillage. Gel batteries are one typical type of VRLA battery.

• Continuous over-charging or under-charging are a gel cell battery’s worst enemy.
• Do not store your gel cell batteries in an uncharged condition.
• Avoid exposing the battery to excessive heat. Service life is shortened at operating temperatures above 30°C.
• Never charge a gel cell in an air-tight container or near objects producing sparks or flames.
• When using a solar panel to charge a gel cell battery, be sure to use a charge controller which properly regulates the charging voltage.

Many solar panels are capable of producing as much as 18 volts — more than enough to damage your battery. 

Storage time is an important parameter of quality control. After a certain period of time in storage the electrochemistry performance of inner components level off allowing self-discharge times to be determined. The deep cycle batteries with short circuits and micro short circuits can be removed, ensuring the quality of the batteries.

During the battery charging process, a large portion of electrical energy transforms to chemical energy. As a charging battery nears full charge, its terminal voltage rises and/or the charging current falls – depending on the type of charger used. After the battery has reached a full state of charge, any additional charging will generate heat, and some water is consumed by electrolysis causing hydrogen and oxygen gasses to be released from the battery. The excess heat is damaging to the plates (grids and paste) and separators, whereas the loss of water lowers the electrolyte level and increases the specific gravity of the electrolyte. All of these factors can contribute to shorter battery life.

The life of a battery is dependent on how it is used. How long and how often the powersport battery is charged affects the length of time the battery will last. If you leave the battery unused for several months, don’t expect the battery to work smoothly when you use it again. Charging the battery correctly is very important. The instruction manual will tell you how long you will need to charge the motorcycle battery. Always keep the battery fully charged, even if is not being used.