Why does the battery has vent tube

JakobS · Post by **JakobS** » 16 Sep 2012, 09:39

Hi Forum,

I want to swap the battery but I noticed that the battery has a vent tube. I guess it is because it is in the cabin and that makes sense. But when I go to get a new battery from any of the auto-part shops like pep-boys there is not battery with a vent tube.

Is that a problem? or can I just take a battery without a vent tube (as I believe you don't need to vent with the newer batteries).

Jakob

Post by **JDS60R** » 16 Sep 2012, 13:02

Batteries take several different forms. The most popular is a "flooded" battery. This is a box with plates and acid and it needs a vent. Then yo move up to sealed batteries that do not. Make sure your battery does not need a vent tub attached.

If that is the case then you are safe to put it in. If it has a different vent tube and needs to be connected to the cars then make the connection so it has a vent.

JakobS · Post by **JakobS** » 16 Sep 2012, 13:52

Hi JDS PepBoy's sells batteries called ProStart and I don't see any online documentation on them. The Battery guy's from PepBoys are of course clueless so no help there.

Post by **JDS60R** » 16 Sep 2012, 14:27

Compare them to a Deka. If they are the same look then they are probably a Deka (East Penn manufacturing).

The 2 that fit Volvo are usually a group 48 or 49. O Riellys sells them as well. So search Oriellys and see if they look the same. If its an AGM then it doesn't need a vent but still has one on the side. Deka makes exact fit AGMs with handles.

I prefer the group 49 (13 15/16 inches left to right) over the group 48 ( 11 inches) if your car and cables will fit either.

Post by **JDS60R** » 16 Sep 2012, 14:33

I just looked at the pro start - its just a flooded acid battery with removable caps.

This is the common type of battery. Try to buy it as cheap as you can. If its made by Johnson Controls then it will be pretty good. I find Sams club and Cost co sell these very cheap. But lately Autozone and Advance auto parts will give you 15-20% off if you order on line and then pick it up at the store. Compare prices as there are only a few battery manufactures left that supply the major market. I just apid $160 for a group 49 agm at Oriellys. this is there standard price. I could have had a lead acid (flooded) for $30 from the scratch and dent battery guy or about $89 for a new one at Sams club.

I was disappointed that Advance said there group 48 flooded was a Johnson controls 770 cca and when I went to pick it up it was still a JC but 730CCA.

Post by **JDS60R** » 16 Sep 2012, 14:39

You can probably fit a group 49.

Look at your battery hold down in the trunk. there should be another threaded hole about 2 15/16 inches from where the hold down would fit. If you ground cable reaches then you are set for a group 49 unless you have a full size spare.

CountryBum-kin · Post by **CountryBum-kin** » 16 Sep 2012, 18:03

Your Volvo battery has a vent tube to vent the hydrogen gas that will build up in all automotive lead-acid batteries. This is to prevent the possibility of an explosion. Remember, ALL lead-acid automotive batteries vent hydrogen gas, and hydrogen gas is very explosive. For that reason, Always replace your battery with one that utilizes a vent tube and be sure the vent is clear and vents to the outside air.

Post by **igel513** » 16 Sep 2012, 19:14

I bought a Bosch battery for the S60 and it had vent tube in it. Got it from PepBoys last year

JakobS · Post by **JakobS** » 17 Sep 2012, 08:40

OK Guy's, many thanks for all the responses this is very helpful.

Jakob

t4tees · Post by **t4tees** » 23 Sep 2012, 19:32

Your Battery has a vent tube in fact to vent any gases or vapors to the outside of the car. If your battery was to be overcharged it creates hyrogen gases which is explosive. If you buy a quality battery it should have a vent tube. Cheaper box store batteries tend to use "one size fits all" mentality which in this case may be a bad idea.