Does anyone know exactly where the battery hand is supposed to be. It usually rests right on the 14 or the line right after it. Now it stays in the red where the 18 is. Also since i noticed this happening my car has been prone to stall and idle rough at times. I was told that the stalling could be the result of a needed tune-up but I wanted to check here first.

The stalling and rough idle could be many things, including needing a tune up. 18 volts is way too high, and will overcharge and destroy your battery in relatively short order - if it is in fact that high. Measure with a meter across your battery terminal, and see what you get. If it is also that high, the voltage regulator in your alternator is probably shot.

thanks ill check on that tomorrow.