Batteries with very high electrolyte levels when heavily charged (long trip) may boil. A very low electrolyte level will severely shorten battery life.
Electrolyte Density Check
The density of the electrolyte, together with the measurement of voltage, allows us to draw a conclusion about the degree of charge of the battery. A hydrometer is used to check the density. The higher the density, the more the float floats. On the scale, you can determine the value of the density in g / mm3 or degrees (+°Be). Should be the following values.
Cleaning the battery terminals
When regularly inspecting the car, you should also clean the poles and connecting terminals of the battery and lubricate them with special grease (acid-resistant).
Caution: An unused battery will discharge on its own.
If the battery is not checked and recharged in time, the plates may be permanently damaged. If the car is stationary for a long time, the battery must be discharged and charged every month.
Battery test under load
Connect a voltmeter to the car's poles.
Start the engine and read the voltmeter reading.
When starting the engine, the voltage with a fully charged battery should not drop below 10 V (electrolyte temperature ~20°C).
If the voltage immediately drops and the banks have different electrolyte densities, then we can conclude that the battery is faulty.
The total voltage can be measured with a battery tester.
Caution: A freshly charged, maintenance-free battery must be free of surface charge. To do this, load the battery with a current of 300 A for 15 seconds. Before the second test, let the battery rest for 15 seconds. If during this measurement the voltage drops below the specified value, then the battery is either discharged or defective.
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