Battery Basics

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DEEP CYCLING
Although batteries do cycle continuously, they do not cycle deeply. Deep cycling is when the battery is completely discharged before recharge.

Automotive batteries are not designed as deep cycle batteries. Automotive batteries are designed to be fully charged when starting the car; after starting the vehicle, the lost charge is replaced by the alternator. So the battery remains fully charged. Deep cycling an automotive battery will cause damage to the plates and shorten battery life.

Marine or golf cart batteries (Deep Cycle Batteries) on the other hand are designed to be completely discharged before recharging. Because charging causes excessive heat which can warp the plates, thicker and stronger plate grids are used. Normal automotive batteries are not designed for repeated deep cycling and use thinner plates.