Need a battery to power your truck but not sure what a truck battery is? Like most batteries used on cars, motorcycles and tractors, truck batteries are lead-acid types. They use lead plates that are immersed in an electrolyte solution to produce electricity. The shape of a truck battery is rectangular. It has an average lifespan of three years and weighs about 53 pounds.
A truck may use several batteries depending on its power requirement. There are three categories of trucks based on their weight: light, medium and heavy trucks. Light trucks include tows and pickups. Flatbed and delivery trucks are considered medium trucks. Meanwhile, heavy trucks include tankers and garbage trucks. A typical light truck will use a single battery. However, larger trucks have larger engines with more cylinders. These trucks need more batteries for power.
Some dealers of truck batteries give a discount if you trade in an old battery that you have. Batteries traded this way end up in a recycling plant where a lot of their components are used again to make new batteries. Both lead and plastics from old batteries are made into new products. In fact, 96 percent of all lead is recycled. Do not store old batteries in your home because their acid can be very dangerous. Despite this danger however, 30 to 40 million people are still storing used batteries in their homes.
The sulfuric acid of truck batteries can burn your skin, so wear proper clothing when handling them. Also, do not put metal objects on top of these batteries because they might produce sparks. Remove chains or rings that you may be wearing and keep the batteries away from flames. In addition, keep the batteries right-side up to prevent the acid from spilling. If you are going to trade in an old truck battery, place it in a sealed non-metallic container.
Always take caution when handling truck batteries. In case of the acid spilling onto your skin, wash it away immediately with water. Visit a doctor if your skin is burned.