Any, even a novice motorist knows that the timely maintenance of the car is very important for its comfortable operation. Therefore, checking its basic parts, devices and sensors before the trip is a mandatory ritual of the driver. Another important condition is the periodic inspection and repair of vehicles by qualified craftsmen at car service stations . But many car owners in the process of increasing their driving experience begin to independently understand the main parts and mechanisms of their vehicle. Therefore, in most cases, they are able to carry out repairs and maintenance of its devices on their own.
These main parts in the vehicle should include a battery. In a normal scenario, such a battery is charged while the car is running. But there are often cases when, in the event of a malfunction of other devices in the car, it must be charged using a special device. Such operating conditions affect the rapid wear of the device. In addition, it must be refilled from time to time. Many are often confused about what to add to the battery: water or electrolyte. What functions this device performs, how to determine the level in it, how and how to properly fill it, we will understand in this article.
Battery concept
This is a special mechanism that is used in the vehicle directly for its launch and further work. In addition, such a device is designed to optimize the operation of voltage peaks at the time of starting the vehicle.
Electrolyte concept
For effective battery performance, an electrolyte must be used. It is a solution of hydrochloric acid and distilled water. No third-party impurities should be used here. Otherwise, it will change its density. For proper performance, the electrolyte level in the battery is also important. If it is below the norm, then in the future it will inevitably lead to unstable operation of the auxiliary source of electric power of the vehicle, and the owner will not be able to start the car normally. In this case, the internal plates dry, and the battery power is significantly reduced. Also, do not exceed a sufficient level of fluid in the system. Otherwise, in the future, this will lead to complete or partial breakdown of this mechanism. The battery will run out faster. Therefore, the electrolyte level in the battery must be stable. This will ensure the normal operation of the vehicle.
When is it time to charge the battery?
According to many experts, the car battery is not subject to maintenance. Therefore, the question of what to add to the battery: water or electrolyte - some masters consider irrelevant. But this is if it is used under normal conditions. If the car owner likes to travel long distances on his vehicle, then he must take this parameter into account. The composition of the electrolyte must be used water mass. During the operation of the device, it may evaporate. The liquid can begin to actively transition to a vapor state in the event of a complete and partial malfunction of the relay controller. The main points of a malfunction of the mechanism must include:
- The appearance of strong steam from the filler holes.
- The appearance of electrolyte drops on the battery case.
- High battery heat during vehicle operation.
It is also worth considering the type of battery. They are serviced and unattended. In the first case, the evaporation will be more, therefore the question of what to add to the battery: water or electrolyte is actual for them. In maintenance free batteries, the fluid is sealed. Therefore, during operation, the liquid still rises, but does not go beyond the boundaries of the housing, and subsequently again falls down, precipitating. In such devices, the cycle is closed. Such batteries do not require checking fluid in them.
Methods for checking electrolyte levels
As noted earlier, only serviced batteries require this verification. The first method of verification must include a visual inspection. As a rule, the battery case of the device is made transparent. Different marks are put here. They indicate fluid level. Therefore, visually, you can track the amount of electrolyte in the system.
But not all models of serviced batteries are made with a transparent case. In this case, the car owner can use a special transparent tube, which has a diameter of 5 mm.
To check:
- need to unscrew the battery cover;
- release the tube into the fluid until it stops;
- tightly clamp the outer hole with your finger;
- get the phone.
The electrolyte level should correspond to the level of its column in such a tube.
What to do if the electrolyte level does not match
The car owner should know that the level of the liquid height in the tube should be within 15 mm. If this norm is exceeded, then the excess solution should be removed. To do this, you need a rubber bulb or syringe.
With a low electrolyte index, water can be added to the solution. Is electrolyte added to the battery? The answer to this question can be obtained by analyzing the composition of the solution in the battery. As already noted, this is water and a solution of hydrochloric acid. During operation, only water evaporates, which is why it is added during maintenance. But if the density of the solution is too low, then acid is added to increase it. Therefore, when answering the question of what to add to the battery: water or electrolyte - you must first measure the density of the solution. You can do it yourself.
Electrolyte Density Check
The car owner must also know that, in addition to the level of electrolyte, it is necessary to check its density. Therefore, before adding distilled water to the battery, it is worth checking the density of the solution.
This can be done with a special device called a "hydrometer". It has the shape of a float. It has an appropriate scale, graduated in units of density. Above is a cylinder. It is in it that the solution enters. The liquid level should ensure the normal movement of the float in an upright position. The electrolyte density in the battery should remain in the range 1.25-1.3 g / cu. see. When the level deviates upwards, distilled water is used. If this level is deviated downward, then a special corrective electrolyte is used. It significantly increases the density of the fluid used in the system.
How to add distilled water to a battery
If the density is higher than normal, this indicates the evaporation of the liquid that must be added. How much water should I add to the battery? The solution level in the battery must be maintained 1-1.5 cm above the level of the plates. Do not add distilled water above the permitted rate. After refueling, be sure to re-check the density of the liquid, pre-charging the battery.
Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, it is necessary to conclude that in order to ensure normal operation of the vehicle, the owner must necessarily monitor the level of electrolyte in the vehicle’s battery. Otherwise, the driver simply will not start his vehicle. The level should not deviate up or down. In the future, this will necessarily lead to malfunctions in the system. In addition to monitoring the electrolyte level, one must carefully monitor its density. If the set indicator deviates, you need to perform certain actions to increase or decrease the density level in the system. Can I add water to the battery? Yes, but only if the density of the solution in the battery is higher than normal.