Thanks to the battery, we are able to start the motor. Currently, there are a huge number of batteries of various brands, capacities and quality. But we will touch on the topic of service, as this is the main uninterrupted operation of the product. However, not everyone knows how to check the electrolyte level in the battery. Although to do this is extremely simple, and now consider how exactly.
Battery location under the hood of the car
Before you get down to business, you need to find the battery under the hood. Different brands of cars suggest placing the battery in different places. In most cases, it is located on the left side of the engine, near the air filter. There is also an installation option under the front left wing (American cars). The same brands as Mercedes, BMW or Volvo install battery in special compartments in the trunk.
In any situation, before checking the electrolyte level in the battery, you must find it. Then you can proceed to the next step.
Thorough battery cleaning
Before checking, it is advisable to completely clean the battery from road dust, dirt and corrosion. This is necessary so that garbage does not get into the "banks" of the battery. In addition, a clean housing will stop corrosion.
If the latter is available, then it must be deleted. To do this, it is suitable as a special rust solvent sold in car dealerships or as a solution of soda with water.
Of course, it is more convenient to carry out maintenance by first removing the battery, but this can not be done, it all depends on the situation. If the terminals are very acidic and corroded, then they must be dipped in boiling water and thoroughly cleaned. Just before you put it back on, you need to dry them.
How to check the electrolyte level in the battery?
There are several types of filler holes on the battery. They can be 2 rectangular or 6 round. The essence of this does not change. Rectangular plugs are pulled off by a flat object and dismantled, and round caps are unscrewed with a wide flat screwdriver counterclockwise.
It is likely that you will see the inscription "maintenance free" on the battery. In this case, the manufacturer recommends simply replacing the faulty battery. If you see dirt under the plugs, then it must be removed. At the same time, make sure that nothing gets inside. If such a procedure is carried out regularly, then it will be possible to slow down the corrosion process inside the battery and keep the plates in a normal condition.
Inspection and Maintenance
Before increasing the density of the electrolyte in the battery, if necessary, it is necessary to check it. To do this, check the electrolyte level in the wells. It should be the same everywhere. In this case, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the normal level of electrolyte in the battery must be observed for its effective operation. In the summer, it can evaporate a little, so if necessary, top up the distillate.
A significant difference in electrolyte levels in banks may indicate a crack in the housing. It is better to replace such a battery, as it may fail at the most inopportune moment. In addition, electrolyte entering the body can cause metal corrosion. In some cases, the crack can be sealed, but this is a temporary solution.
What should be the level of electrolyte
We already figured out a little how to check the level. But it is far from always possible to understand whether it is necessary to top up or not. I would like to note that the level of electrolyte in the battery in the winter is usually maintained in its normal position. Normal is one that completely covers the plate. We also allow a 0.5 cm overflow. A drop in level requires the addition of distilled water.
If everything is in order, then tighten the plugs and carry out the next check after 3 months of operation. For a more accurate level check, you need to use a flashlight and determine the overflow (meniscus).
How to increase the density of the electrolyte in the battery
Before increasing the density, it is necessary to adjust the level. To do this, alternately add distilled water to the banks to the desired level. If the battery is discharged, then add it to the bottom of the neck and put on charge. Since the electrolyte expands when heated, it can get on the body and partially leak.
Further, a correction element is used - an increased density electrolyte. It must be added to the banks to obtain the desired result. Since increasing the density of the electrolyte in the battery is quite simple, there should be no problems with this procedure. After topping up, check the level and density, if everything is in order, put the battery back on the car.
About battery voltage measurements
This article presents a table of electrolyte density, which can be used during adjustment. Before charging, it is desirable that the level is normal. We take a multimeter and connect to the "-" and "+" of the battery. It is necessary to achieve 12.6-12.9 volts. In this case, the battery can be considered fully charged and ready for use. Remember that driving on a discharged battery will contribute to its gradual destruction. This is especially true for calcium batteries. Now you know a little about how do-it-yourself car battery maintenance is done. The electrolyte level must always be observed and adjusted if necessary. Sometimes the density of the electrolyte is too high. In this case, you need to dilute it with distilled water. Having achieved the required value, the battery can be used.
Personal protective equipment
How to check the electrolyte level in the battery, we figured out. It is worth saying a few words that you will work with acid. Therefore, it is advisable to use rubber gloves, as well as special glasses. Acid contact with the eyes is very dangerous, so have clean water at hand, which you can use if necessary.
Of course, in emergency cases you can do without protective equipment, but you should be extremely careful. In general, you always need to keep the normal level of electrolyte in the battery, do not drive on a discharged battery, and do not use a battery with a destroyed case. Regular maintenance and inspection are key to the long and uninterrupted operation of the battery. There are maintenance-free batteries, they, as the name implies, are completely not intended for outside interference. Such a battery is completely sealed, and if it fails, then nothing but a replacement will help.