Summary:
Topping off your car battery with water used to be a standard maintenance task, especially for older vehicles with lead-acid batteries. While many modern car batteries are maintenance-free, some still require periodic watering to maintain the correct electrolyte balance. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your car battery with water.
Identifying if Your Car Battery Needs Water
To determine if your battery needs water:
- Look for removable water caps.
- Check for an indicator; it should glow green when the battery is sufficiently watered and go dark when it needs more.
Not all lead-acid batteries have these indicators. If there’s no cap or indicator, the battery likely doesn’t require user-serviced water.
Why Lead-Acid Batteries Need Water
Lead-acid batteries convert water into hydrogen and oxygen gases during operation, decreasing the water level over time. Topping off the water helps maintain the battery’s function.
Cleaning Your Car Battery
Before checking water levels:
- Ensure the battery is fully charged and the engine is off.
- Clean the battery to prevent debris from entering the cells. Use ammonia-based window cleaner or a baking soda solution.
- Avoid using cola or any sugary sodas, as they can damage the battery.
Checking and Refilling Water Levels
After cleaning:
- Pop open the water caps carefully, using non-metal tools.
- Ensure the water covers the lead plates, leaving 1/8 to 1/4 inch of space below the filler hole.
- Use distilled water to refill the battery, avoiding tap water or mineral water to prevent contamination.
When to Replace Your Battery
Watering extends a battery’s life, but it won’t last forever. Replace the battery if:
- Electronics are malfunctioning (dim lights, weak speakers).
- The battery is misshapen or leaking.
- It reaches its expiration date (typically 3-5 years).
- There’s corrosion or significant build-up around the terminals.
For disposal, check local regulations or visit a hazardous waste facility to ensure safe and legal disposal.
Hot Cars
Read the Full Article
