Do not overfill more than necessary. If the battery is overfilled or any electrolyte is spilled, wipe up the spill immediately as the electrolyte, which is dilute sulfuric acid, reacts immediately and corrodes most metals.
2. The battery contacts must be kept clean and lightly lubricated with Vaseline, and the entire top of the battery must be kept dry and clean. This helps prevent corrosion and also ensures that the battery does not become partially discharged due to leakage through moisture and dirt.
3. Every three months, remove the battery and check the condition of its tray, clamps and contacts for corrosion. It looks like a white, rough deposit, and if you find it, wash it off with water with a small amount of ammonium or baking soda added. Treat the battery contacts with Vaseline, and cover the metal surfaces with a special paint that prevents corrosion.
4. If you have to top up your battery frequently and there are no signs of leakage, the battery is likely overcharged and should be checked by an automotive electrician. An older battery may require topping up more frequently than a new one because it takes on more charge. There is no need to worry about this as long as it provides normal operation.
5. With the battery removed during the three-month check, measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte using a hydrometer to determine the state of charge and electrolyte. There should be no significant deviations in measurements between individual cells, and if deviations exceed 0.025, this may be due to the following reasons:
- A) Loss of battery electrolyte caused by spillage or leakage, resulting in a drop in the specific gravity of the electrolyte when its deficiency was replaced with distilled water instead of a portion of fresh electrolyte,
- b) An internal short circuit caused by plate contact, or something similar, which may indicate the possibility of complete battery failure in the near future.
6. The specific gravity of the electrolyte for a fully charged and fully discharged battery at various temperatures is given below:
Fully discharged | Electrolyte temperature | Fully charged |
1.098 | 38 C | 1.268 |
1.102 | 32 C | 1.272 |
1.106 | 27 C | 1.276 |
1.110 | 21 C | 1.280 |
1.114 | 16 C | 1.284 |
1.118 | 10 C | 1.288 |
1.122 | 4 C | 1.292 |
1.126 | -1.5 C | 1.296 |
7. Most models are equipped with batteries that do not require constant topping up of electrolyte. With such a battery, there is no need to constantly add electrolyte, but you need to monitor the condition of the contacts and the tray and keep them clean, as described above. (see photo 3.7).
Photo 3.7 Battery that does not require topping up electrolyte
8. The meaning of the battery status indicator located on the top of the battery can be recognized by referring to Figure 12.1.
Figure 12.1. Battery status indicator installed on batteries that do not require electrolyte addition: A - 1 darkened indicator WITH GREEN DOT; B - 2 darkened indicator WITHOUT GREEN DOT; B - 3 light or light yellow indicator WITHOUT GREEN DOT; 4 - can be started from a pusher; 5 - cannot be started from a pusher
9. If the indicator is yellow without a green dot, do not try to start using another battery and "crocodiles"; It is also not recommended to use a fast charger. Check with your dealer as there is almost a 100% chance that your battery is unusable.
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