New battery question

When you guys install a brand new battery in your truck do you charge it before you install it?

 

I just got one put in last summer at autozone straight off the shelf. So no

 

I do if I have the chance. I have had 1 or 2 that were bad right off the shelf. Long time ago and it was for my mom's car. After I bought the battery I took it home and put the charger on it. Smoke came out from one of the cells. I pulled the caps off and there was little or no acid in that cell. Took the battery back and they gave me another. This time I pulled the caps off in the store.

So when I buy a battery and take it home I pull the caps off. I check the acid level. I put it on a 10 amp charger and watch to see if bubbles form in the cells. I have an automatic battery charger. When the battery is fully charged a green light comes on. Then I know I don't have a dud, and put it in the vehicle.

You also want to get a fresh battery. There is usually a round sticker on it with a letter and number, which is the code as to when it was made. You don't want one that has been sitting on the shelf a long time.