I'll offer the following observations from a few years of using flooded lead acid batteries (some of this doesn't apply to non-flooded batteries):

o  Keep battery tops clean!  I've found that using spray Windex (not imitation Windex, the real stuff with ammonia in it) to clean batteries helps keep them clean and neutralized longer since Windex residue is slightly alkaline.  Keeping battery tops clean also helps your battery racks and framework last a lot longer.  Proof of this concept - I have aluminum battery racks that are 23 years old and still in great condition.

o  Check electrolyte level at least every two months (or more often if you batteries use a lot of water) and keep the electrolyte level just below the rim at the bottom of the tube in the opening.

o  Don't charge batteries too slowly.  I know that sounds funny, but lead acid battery packs can get way out of equalization if they're constantly charged too slowly (less than about 8 amps for a typical 220 amp-hour pack).   If you have a slow charger (K&W, etc), get or borrow something like a Manzanita Micro charger and fast charge the pack after a good 50% or more discharge at least once a month.

o  Vary the discharge level on your pack occasionally, at least once a month.  If you always drive the same distance between charges, make a longer trip every once in a while so the batteries get an occasional deeper cycle.  Combine that deeper discharge with a fast or equalizing charge if possible.

o  Tighten all battery connections at least once every 6 months, whether they appear to need it or not.  Always use 2 wrenches in opposing directions so you don't apply torque to the battery terminals themselves.  If you apply torque to a battery terminal, it can crack the seal between the case and the lead and allow electrolyte to seep up to the terminals, causing a lot of corrosion.  The little felt rings help, but they need to be replaced occasionally to keep them working.

o  If some of the batteries are subject to hotter or colder conditions than others (such as the batteries right over the motor in a voltsrabbit or voltsporsche - they get hot when the car gets parked after a drive), move them to different positions in the pack at least once every year to 18 months.  This helps keep the batteries in the pack equalized, as they are a bit temperature sensitive.

o  Get a copy of the Curtis Battery Book, read it and understand it!  An alternative is Build Your Own Electric Car by Bob Brandt - it has most of the same battery info in it.

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