CAR & DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES
Last Updated on March 12, 2003
Written and compiled By Bill Darden (freely reproducible public domain)
Re-produced here by www.optimabattery.co.uk for your information, and it will be updated regularly.
Performing preventive maintenance on car batteries is easy and should occur once a month during hot weather and every time the oil is changed in cold weather. Here are some simple steps:
3.1. Put some glasses on to protect your eyes.
3.2. If the electrolyte levels are low in a non-sealed battery, allow the battery to cool to room temperature, and add only distilled water to the level indicated by the battery manufacturer. If there is no recommendation, add to within 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 to 10 mm) below the bottom of the filler tubes (vent wells or splash barrels). The plates need to be covered at all times. Avoid over filling, especially in hot weather, because the heat will cause the electrolyte to expand and overflow. In an emergency, use rain water rather than reverse osmosis or tap water because rain water does not contain calcium or magnesium.
3.4. Tighten loose hold-down clamps and battery terminals.
3.5. If required, remove any corrosion or oxidation with a wire brush from the mating surfaces of both ends of each battery cable terminals, battery posts, hold brackets or terminals, and engine grounding strap. Use red and green felt battery terminal washers or coating the terminals with silicon gasket material or high temperature grease will help prevent corrosion.
3.5. Clean the battery top to eliminate conductive paths created by electrolyte and to prevent corrosion.
3.6. Clean the alternator to allow better cooling and check the alternator belt for cracks and, if slipping, retension.
3.7. Check the battery cables for corrosion or swelling and replace, if necessary, with equal or larger diameter wire size.
