Batteries not Anchored in the Engine Bay

[repairman54]

One night driving my '64 Olds Jetstar 88. With the Rocket V8 and Jetaway trans. I wheeled around a corner fast and car died stone dead, lights out. 17 yrs. old at the time.
Unsecured battery, bottom clamp style, and battery shifted and positive terminal hit the hood and welded. I yanked the hood open to see what was smoking and battery disconnected, all the ground straps were glowing like toaster elements. Got lucky that night and was able to get home and learned my lesson to secure batteries early in my automotive journey.

 

[D60]

Theoretically batteries can be damaged from excessive vibration, so if the battery ever comes off the battery tray even .00001mm you're introducing extra vibration or harmonics that need not exist if properly anchored.

Seems similar in concept to me as wanting your harness in a race car tight -- any movement introduces acceleration/deceleration against your body.

Now, are today's more common AGM batteries less susceptible to vibration? I'm not sure. But most people lacking hold-downs are running a less expensive battery that is likely not AGM.

Either way batteries are an investment that will last longer if cared for. Furthermore they're a show stopper, ie can leave you stranded. Why not protect it with a couple J-hooks and wing nuts?

 

[Carmudgeon]

Just to confirm - I had not seen these until we bought our Toyota - a lot of cars use clamps on the bottom now.

It has become more common after what are now more commonly called the Hx series of batteries have become mainstream. They've always had the cleats for bottom mounting, and have been in use in Euro marques for decades.

Theoretically batteries can be damaged from excessive vibration, so if the battery ever comes off the battery tray even .00001mm you're introducing extra vibration or harmonics that need not exist if properly anchored.

Seems similar in concept to me as wanting your harness in a race car tight -- any movement introduces acceleration/deceleration against your body.

Now, are today's more common AGM batteries less susceptible to vibration? I'm not sure. But most people lacking hold-downs are running a less expensive battery that is likely not AGM.

Either way batteries are an investment that will last longer if cared for. Furthermore they're a show stopper, ie can leave you stranded. Why not protect it with a couple J-hooks and wing nuts?

In the past, BMW has utilized the battery as a mass damper in their convertibles, calling for use of a vibration-resistant battery. Still, either through ignorance, neglect, or thrift, that has been ignored by owners, who can claim to be a member of the NHAP (Never Had A Problem) Club.

In the early days of AGMs, one of the claims to fame Optima made was that their batteries were vibration resistant. Not touted as much any more, but by nature, AGMs, spiral or plate, are better in that respect than flooded.