Most battery manufacturers recommend replacing SLA batteries that lose their efficiency. These power cells work better when kept fully charged, so you should recharge them when they fall below 50-percent capacity or after storing them for 30 days.

Electrolytes can freeze in lead-acid Sealed 12v Battery when charges fall below 40 percent of capacity.

Battery stratification occurs when water and internal liquids convert to lead sulfate and separate from the mixture to settle to the bottom of the battery.

Stratification reduces battery charges, causing batteries to overheat, evaporate water, corrode and ultimately fail.

Regular charges of SLA batteries prevent stratification, freezing, and reduced battery performances.

All batteries lose their charges over time depending on temperature and storage conditions. At 80-degrees Fahrenheit, a lead-acid battery loses 4 percent of its charge each week. A 125 amp-hour battery would lose 80 amps in four months, so maintaining charge becomes critical for protecting your power sources.

Clean cables and connectors periodically with a stiff steel brush to remove corrosion and optimize the electrical connection.

You can scrape the inside of connectors with a pocket knife to peel away soft lead to reveal bright metal.

Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves when working on batteries.

Small particles could become airborne, and overfilling water reservoirs could cause explosive discharges.