How to check the electrolyte level in the battery? Maintenance of car batteries

Thanks to the battery, we have the ability to start the motor. At present, there is a huge amount of batteries of various brands, capacities and quality. But we will touch on the topic of service, since this is the main uninterrupted operation of the product. Nevertheless, not everyone knows how to check the electrolyte level in the battery. Although it is very simple to do this and now we will consider how.

Location of the battery under the hood of the car

Before you go directly to the case, you need to find a battery under the hood. Different brands of cars assume the placement of the battery in different places. In most cases, it is on the left side of the engine, near the air filter. Also there is an option of installation under the front left wing (American cars). The same brands as "Mercedes", "BMW" or "Volvo" install the battery in special compartments in the trunk.

In any scenario, before you check the electrolyte level in the battery, you need to find it. Then you can proceed to the next step.

Thorough cleaning of the battery

Before testing it is desirable to completely clean the battery from road dust, dirt, and corrosion. This is necessary to ensure that the "banks" of the battery is not garbage. In addition, a clean casing will stop corrosion.

If the latter is available, then it must be deleted. For this purpose, suitable as a special rust solvent, sold in auto shops or a solution of soda with water.

Of course, it is more convenient to carry out maintenance by preliminary dismantling the battery, but this can and does not do, it all depends on the situation. If the terminals are strongly acidified and rusted, they must be dipped into boiling water and thoroughly cleaned. Just before you put them back, you need to dry them.

How to check the electrolyte level in the battery?

There are several types of fillings on the battery. They can be 2 rectangular or 6 round. The essence of this does not change. Rectangular plugs are pinched by a flat object and are dismantled, and round caps are twisted by a wide flat screwdriver counter-clockwise.

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 saw dirt under the plugs, then it must be removed. Take care that nothing gets inside. If this procedure is carried out regularly, it will be possible to slow the corrosion process inside the battery and keep the plates in a normal state.

Inspection and maintenance

Before increasing the density of the electrolyte in the battery, if it is required, it is necessary to check it. To do this, we check the electrolyte level in the wells. It should be the same everywhere. At the same time I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the normal level of electrolyte in the battery must be observed for its efficient operation. In the summer, it can evaporate slightly, so, if necessary, top up the distillate.

A significant difference in the electrolyte level in the banks may indicate a crack in the hull. Such a battery is better to replace, since at the most inopportune moment it can refuse. In addition, the electrolyte that enters the body can cause corrosion of the metal. In some cases, the crack can be sealed, but this is a temporary solution.

What should be the electrolyte level

We have already sorted out a little how to check the level. But you can not always understand whether you need to top up or not. I would like to note that the level of electrolyte in a battery in winter is usually maintained in its normal position. Normal is the one that completely covers the plates. Also, a 0.5 cm overflow is permissible. A drop in the level requires replenishing distilled water.

If everything is in order, then tighten the plugs and perform the next check after 3 months of operation. For a more accurate level check, use a flashlight and determine the overflow (meniscus).

How to increase the density of electrolyte in the battery

Before you increase the density, you need to adjust the level. To do this, alternately in the banks, add distilled water to the desired level. If the battery is discharged, then add it to the bottom of the neck and put it on charging. Since the electrolyte expands when heated, it is possible that it hits the body and partially escapes.

Next in the course is a correction element - an electrolyte of increased density. It must be added to the cans until the desired result is obtained. Since increasing the density of the electrolyte in the battery is fairly simple, then with this procedure, problems should not arise. After refilling we 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 that can be used during the adjustment. Before charging, it is desirable that the level is normal. Take the multimeter and connect it to the "-" and "+" 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 riding a discharged battery contributes to its gradual destruction. This is especially true for calcium batteries. Now you know a little about how the car battery is handled by yourself. The electrolyte level must always be observed and, if necessary, corrected. Sometimes the density of the electrolyte is too high. In this case, it must be diluted with distilled water. Having reached the required value, the battery can be used.

Individual protection means

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 desirable to use rubber gloves, as well as special glasses. Acid in the eyes is very dangerous, so keep clean water on hand, which in case you can use.

Of course, in emergency cases, you can do without the means of protection, but you should be extremely cautious. In general, it is always necessary to keep the normal level of electrolyte in the battery, do not drive on a discharged battery and do not use the battery with a damaged case. Regular maintenance and inspection are the key to a long and trouble-free operation of the battery. There are also maintenance-free batteries, they are, as the name implies, absolutely not provided for outside interference. Such a battery is completely sealed, and if it fails, then nothing but replacement will not help.