What kind of water do you use to charge a car battery?
What kind of water do you use to charge a car battery?
Use only distilled water to fill the cells. Distilled water can be purchased at most grocery stores. If the electrolyte levels in the cells are low (plates are exposed), fill each cell to just cover the plates. Then use a battery charger to recharge the battery, or just drive the car for a few days in normal service.
What should the fluid level be on a car battery?
The normal fluid level is about 1/2 inch (1 cm) above the tops of the plates or about 1/8 inch (3 mm) below the bottoms of the filler tubes that extend down from the port openings. If this is the case it may not be worth the effort to fill the battery at this time.
What happens when you fill a battery with water?
When your battery’s electrolyte is observed to be low, filling the battery with water will keep the battery healthy and safe for use. While a battery is charging, the density of the electrolyte solution will increase.
Why does lead battery need to be vented outside?
Water is key part of how a lead battery functions. Additionally, during the recharging process as electricity flows through the water portion of the electrolyte, water is converted into its original elements, hydrogen and oxygen. These gasses are very flammable and the reason your RV or marine batteries must be vented outside.
The normal fluid level is about 1/2 inch (1 cm) above the tops of the plates or about 1/8 inch (3 mm) below the bottoms of the filler tubes that extend down from the port openings. If this is the case it may not be worth the effort to fill the battery at this time.
Use only distilled water to fill the cells. Distilled water can be purchased at most grocery stores. If the electrolyte levels in the cells are low (plates are exposed), fill each cell to just cover the plates. Then use a battery charger to recharge the battery, or just drive the car for a few days in normal service.
Can you put water in a battery if it is maintenance free?
If the battery is labeled as “maintenance free,” it is not designed to be opened. Manufacturers advise that water cannot be added to these batteries, they simply need to be replaced if they stop working well. Continue cleaning if necessary. Removing the port covers may reveal more dirt on the top of the battery.
