22 Years' Battery Customization
Oct 12, 2022 Pageview：754
Modern car batteries are dry. This means they don't have water inside but solid-state electrolytes and are maintenance free. However, if you have batteries that use water or wet batteries, you need to understand when to change the water.
In this guide, we will discuss the water level in a car battery. We want to see how much water these batteries need and what to do when it runs low.
How Full Should Car Battery Cells Be?
Most car batteries today are sealed for life. Thus, you don't need to check water levels. Also, the batteries have a vent hole that allows gas to escape easily. You don't need to worry about topping up such batteries.
For other batteries, you must check fluid levels at least once every month. If the level is low, you should top it up as soon as possible.
The biggest question, however, is how full the battery cells should be. Understand that you don't want to overfill your battery with water and don't want the water to be too low.
The best level is to have the water just above the battery plates. Most batteries will have a mark and a clear indication of where they should be.
Here are things you should know:
Always ensure the water only reaches just above the tops of the battery plates. Overfilling may lead to leaking through the cell-cap vents when charging the battery, which will corrode other parts of the car.
Never use tap water. It contains minerals that will damage the battery. Always use purified water or specified battery fluid.
The electrolyte is a mixture of sulphuric acid and distilled water. Do not allow it to splash on your skin when checking and filling the battery water. If this happens by accident, wash it thoroughly using running water. Or if it splashes on your car, hose it off well.
We have talked about over-filling the cells. What about under-filling? If the level falls below the plates, your battery will start losing its efficiency.
If you leave the cells exposed, they can be damaged through corrosion, which in turn will ruin the battery. Your battery needs the cells in the best condition to function properly and retain its electrical charge, which delivers the power required. In that case, the battery should be replaced as soon as possible.
How to Check Water Level in Deep Cycle Battery
Checking the electrolyte level of your car battery is a crucial aspect of maintenance. You need to do this at least several times per year.
Why is this important? First, it's important because the electrolyte naturally evaporates, which could make the battery lose its performance. Secondly, a low amount of electrolyzes makes hydrogen and oxygen when the battery charges. And that is why you need to check and replace it as soon as possible.
Follow these steps:
Clean the battery and open the ports.
First, locate the battery. Most cars have their batteries under the hood. Some batteries may be found lower in the engine compartment. If you own a BMW or a Mercedes Benz, check the trunk in an isolated compartment, and you will find the battery. Some cars have their batteries under the rear seat.
Before you look at the water levels, clean any dirt or debris that could be on the battery and its terminals. The goal is to keep any foreign materials from entering the battery cells as you open them to add water. This is very crucial because it can stop any corrosion.
You can use ammonia-based window cleaners to remove road grime and mirror corrosion. Or, if you have heavy corrosion, try using baking soda and water. Take time to ensure the battery is well-cleaned to keep it safe.
Open the covers used on the battery. Some batteries have six individual round covers, while others may have four. But before opening, ensure your battery is labeled for maintenance.
Once the port covers are removed, continue cleaning if necessary. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth carefully, ensuring no dirt falls into the water.
Check the Existing Fluid Levels.
Check the fluid level in each cell, taking note of the exact position. You can do this by looking down through each port. The electrolyte must cover each cell in equal measure.
If you notice some cells have more water than others, perhaps due to accidental overfilling, you can simply rectify it during normal service. If the fluid is low, it could be that your battery has a leakage.
Low fluid can be identified where parts of the plates are exposed to air. It will take only a few days for the exposed area to be ruined. Where the electrolyte is about ? an inch below the plates, adding in water can make the battery suitable for use again.
Normal levels are when the electrolyte is about 1/8-inch below the cover of the battery and ?-inch above the tops of the plates. A safe level is when the fluid is just touching the bottom of the filler tubes. You can check these levels from the fluid meniscus.
Adjust the fluid level appropriately as long as the cells are still in good condition. If the plates have been left exposed for too long and there is a clear sign of corrosion, the best solution would be to replace the battery.
How Much Water Does a Battery Hold?
Battery manufacturers clearly indicated proper maintenance of their products. This will include the exact electrolyte levels. Follow this advice in case you find something conflicting here.
The right fluid level is when it extends about ? inch above the plates or 1/8-inch below the filler tubes. You can use the batteries safely without filling them at this position.
The maximum fluid level, which is considered maximum safe, is when the battery water is just touching the bottom of the filler tubes. When touching the filler tubes, check if the meniscus has a distinct eye shape. This is a sign that you need to stop filling as your battery is now in good shape.
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