DIY car battery maintenance

Do-it-yourself car battery maintenance

Do-it-yourself car battery maintenance, done with high quality, makes it possible to increase its service life by 2–2.5 times, saving money and time.

The need for maintenance is determined by the following factors:

Over time, charge parameters deteriorate.
Idle transport with the engine running contributes to the discharge of the car battery.
Poor quality, untimely care leads to irreversible processes. A failed battery cannot be serviced.

What determines the service life of a battery?

Studying the factors affecting the period of use of batteries allows you to maintain the device in working condition.

Charge level

Frequently discharging the car battery helps reduce the time of use. Experts recommend constantly charging serviced car batteries and replenishing lost charge.

But when moving around the city, it is difficult to achieve such a result. After all, the engine periodically starts and turns off. In this case, you can use a mains charger.

It is easy to charge the power supply using it.

Temperature

The main influence of temperature is on starting power. To obtain maximum capacity, a temperature of 15 degrees is required. Capacity is lost when the set temperature decreases.

During winter, battery maintenance is performed more frequently. Indeed, when the battery freezes completely or partially, the quality of the electrolyte deteriorates.

Watch a video about battery maintenance in cold weather.

On-board system performance

The condition of car batteries depends on the condition of the electrical network. Therefore, the generator and regulator must be maintained in working order. Otherwise, it will be difficult to operate the battery.

Applying excessively high voltage leads to boiling and overcharging. The electrolyte level gradually decreases. And to increase it you need to add distilled water.

Corrosion processes

It is not difficult to stop corrosion processes. For this purpose, additives and alloying impurities are used. To minimize the likelihood of corrosion, a higher quality electrolyte is required. Refill it if necessary.

Sulfation

Its intensity is reduced if the car battery is charged and serviced in a timely manner.

Sulfation is established using equipment and research.

Battery maintenance frequency

Maintenance is divided into periodic and diagnostic. Most processes are carried out at home.

In order to understand how to properly service the battery, you need to study all the intricacies.

Periodic maintenance

Operation of network charging. Before winter, charging is carried out quarterly, at negative temperatures - monthly. Mains charging is used when the power source is completely discharged.
Use of a load fork to assess general condition.
Establishing the density of the electrolytic composition. The operation of the battery depends on this.
Calculation of leakage current. The performance of the power source and the condition of the electrical components depend on this characteristic.
Desulfation process.

Diagnostics

Measuring the voltage level after disconnecting the source from the power supply.
Measuring voltage while the engine is running.
Assessing the condition of the battery at home.

Diagnostics related to checking characteristics, electrolytic fluid and oil levels are performed regularly.

Such processes help maintain batteries in working condition.

Car battery maintenance rules

The performance of vehicles depends on the state of the power source. Therefore, battery maintenance must be carried out in stages.

Visual assessment

The battery is inspected 2-3 times a month if the vehicle is actively used. Salt, oil stains and electrolyte leaks are removed from the body. For cleaning, you can use a solution that includes baking soda.

Electrolytic composition leaks contribute to the formation of a film that facilitates current conduction and rapid self-discharge. Terminals and terminals are treated with anti-corrosion mixtures. Before processing, any remaining rust, dust and contaminants are removed from these elements.

Voltage level measurements

The degree of charge is established using a multimeter with a closed and open circuit. Polarity must be observed when placing terminals. European and domestic devices differ in the placement of negative and positive terminals.

The voltage of a fully charged battery is 12.6 V. You cannot operate or maintain a battery that is not fully charged. After all, the sulfation process will proceed faster.

The voltage is also measured with the engine on, the stove connected and the on-board network connected. This mode implies a voltage of 13–14 V.

Such measurements are necessary to establish the condition of the generator. Charging the battery depends on its performance. If the voltage is too low, the charge will not be fully replenished.

Lack of voltage contributes to the rapid consumption of distilled water. In order to correct the situation, you need to test and repair the car's electrical system.

Electrolyte

You can evaluate the level of electrolytic composition without dismantling the battery. The procedure is carried out after the device is fully charged.

Serviced battery. To determine the electrolyte level, holes located on the cans are first opened. A plastic tube is lowered into the hole until its edge touches the plates. The resulting parameter must be at least 10 mm. In this case, it is very important to know how to top up the electrolytic composition.
Maintenance free battery. To check the electrolyte in the battery, appropriate marks are used. For more information on how to maintain a maintenance-free battery, contact a professional.

Additionally, the degree of density of the electrolyte is assessed. A hydrometer is used for measurements. To adjust the density level, distilled water and a new electrolyte are used. Before pouring the composition, the degree of density is measured.

Leakage current

Excessively high leakage current prevents constant charge restoration and contributes to rapid discharge of the battery. This parameter can be measured using a multimeter. After such a check, battery maintenance will be simplified.

Charging the battery

Constant voltage charging is performed quarterly. In winter, care and maintenance are performed more often. After all, the battery is exposed to negative temperatures.

When the power supply is completely discharged, an emergency charge is required. Such situations arise due to:

Headlights on.
Listening to music for a long time.
Long downtime.

The battery should only be charged at constant current.

Assessing the condition of the battery

For these purposes, a load fork is used, with the help of which the maximum load is simulated when the engine is running. Activities like this are easy to do on your own.

Periodic battery training

Twice a year there is a need to train the battery. Timely training cycles reduce the speed of the sulfation process. But the maximum effect is achieved with minimal sulfation rates. In more advanced cases, other measures are taken.

Proper training of the power supply allows you to establish the actual capacity.

How to maintain maintenance-free batteries?

A maintenance-free battery requires care. Maintenance of such a battery is simple.

Inspection of the hull. During the process, the general condition is monitored, defects, damage, and leaks of the electrolytic mixture are identified.
Inspection and repair of drainage channels. They are cleaned of dirt and dust.
Visual inspection.
Detection of leakage of electrolytic composition.
Neutralization of acidic and alkaline environments.
Treatment of inputs and contacts with lubricant. Such actions help extend the service life and prevent destruction.
Testing the functionality of the terminals. The level of charge received from the generator depends on the results.

Features of caring for serviced batteries

Maintenance includes the following procedures:

Assessment of the degree of fastening reliability. If necessary, bolts and nuts are fixed.
Terminals and clamps are cleaned of oxides and rust. To prevent the formation of corrosion, parts are treated with lubricants.
Visual and instrumental check of the level of electrolytic composition. For testing, improvised means and special tubes are used. When the electrolyte level decreases, the jars are filled with distilled water and the prepared electrolyte. You can buy them in stores.
Determination of electrolyte density. The charge level also depends on this indicator. Excessively low readings indicate a poor charge.
Checking battery performance using a load fork.

Filling with electrolyte is carried out only if there are smudges. This procedure includes a number of processes. The performance of the on-board system, main components and the car depends on the correctness of their implementation.

Security measures

Maintenance of car batteries is carried out in accordance with some recommendations and safety measures:

Before carrying out work, prepare glasses and gloves made of durable material.
All events are held in premises equipped with ventilation systems and communications.
When working with acids and alkalis, precautions must be taken.
Batteries should be placed on a clean and dry surface.
Contact between the skin and the electrolytic composition should be avoided.

The functioning of all mechanisms and systems of the vehicle depends on the performance of the battery. The energy generated by the power source is used to start the engine, recharge electronic components and the on-board network.

It is not difficult to prevent rapid battery failure. This requires maintenance of the power supply.

Video on battery maintenance

Source: https://akbzona.ru/stati/obsluzhivanie-akkumulyatora-avtomobilya-svoimi-rukami

How to maintain and restore a car battery

Modern cars are equipped with fairly reliable batteries with significant service life.

Nevertheless, regular maintenance of a car battery with your own hands will significantly increase its service life with minimal investment of time and money.

The need for routine maintenance of this kind is determined by the following factors:

During vehicle operation, deviations in charge parameters are possible due to generator malfunctions.
Leaving a vehicle for a long period of time with the battery connected leads to a gradual loss of charge.
Failure to properly care for the battery can cause it to malfunction and cause irreversible processes that will make it impossible to continue using it.

Modern car batteries come in two types: serviced and maintenance-free (GOST 53165-2008, valid from 07/01/2009).

Video - how to maintain a car battery:

The first type of batteries requires routine maintenance in accordance with the recommendations developed by the manufacturer. The second type of battery, despite the name, also requires periodic maintenance. The difference between them in this regard lies mainly in the volume of operations performed.

How to maintain a car battery: routine maintenance

Good quality lead-acid batteries from well-known manufacturers have a service life of at least five years, subject to careful and timely care. It is possible to organize sufficiently qualified servicing of a car battery on your own without the involvement of specialists or going to a service station.

The scope of routine maintenance for each type of battery varies significantly.

Caring for a maintenance-free battery during operation

Batteries of this type are becoming increasingly widespread and are popular among car enthusiasts. Caring for a maintenance-free battery comes down to fairly simple steps and involves the following:

Inspect the housing for leaks.
Cleaning the drainage holes of other battery parts from dirt.
Timely elimination of electrolyte leaks and neutralization of acid with soda.
If there is a built-in hydrometer, the density of the liquid in the housing is constantly monitored.
Regularly lubricate the battery contacts to prevent damage.
Periodically check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running.

The last procedure allows you to evaluate the level of charge provided by the generator. If the voltage is between 12.5 and 14.5 V, this means that the unit is working properly.

Deviations from the specified parameters indicate wear of the generator and it is necessary to diagnose and eliminate the malfunction.

After repair, repeat control measures in different operating modes, including with headlights and other consumers on.

Maintenance-free batteries do not have technological holes with plugs for monitoring the level and topping up the electrolyte to the required level. In the event of a critical drop in the liquid level or a decrease in density, the battery must be replaced with a working one. If the car will not be used for a long time, then it is necessary to disconnect the mass. This action will avoid self-discharge.

Video - how to check a car battery:

A battery that is not used for a long time must be recharged periodically. For these purposes, special devices are used that lower the voltage to the required level and then switch to battery charging mode. Modern chargers are mostly automatic and do not require human supervision during their use.

Caring for a serviced battery

Devices of this type have holes for filling electrolyte, tightly closed with plugs. Maintenance of a car battery of this type is carried out in the same order as for a maintenance-free one, but it has a number of features.

It is periodically necessary to monitor the electrolyte level in the jars and determine its density using a hydrometer. The device has a number of floats with different specific gravity and a bulb for filling the body.

Video - how to check the density of the electrolyte in the battery:

Maintenance of a car battery of this type includes the following operations:

Check the reliability of the battery fastening, tightening the nuts or bolts if necessary.
Removing oxides between battery terminals and wire clamps, treating them with grease to prevent corrosion processes.
Check the electrolyte level visually or using a special measuring tube. If the level drops, distilled water is added to the jars, which can be purchased at an auto parts store or pharmacy.
The density of the electrolyte is checked with a hydrometer and the charge level is estimated from it; a decrease in this indicator by 0.01 g/cm3 indicates a decrease in charge by 6%.
The serviceability of the battery is checked with a special device - a load fork. The battery is considered working if the voltage does not drop for at least 5 seconds.

Adding electrolyte to the jars is allowed only if obvious signs of leakage are detected. Typically, stores offer already charged batteries, which allows you to immediately use them in your car.

Video - do-it-yourself car battery maintenance:

If you purchase a dry-charged battery, it must be filled with electrolyte with a density of 1.27 g/cm3 to the specified level. No earlier than 20 minutes and no later than two hours, a hydrometer test is carried out.

If the density drop does not exceed 0.03 g/cm3, the battery can be installed on a car for operation. Otherwise, you need to connect the charger.

The charge current should not exceed 10% of the nominal value; the procedure is carried out until abundant gas emission appears in the banks.

After this, the density and level are re-monitored, and if necessary, distilled water is added to the jars.

After this, the charger is reconnected for half an hour to evenly distribute the electrolyte throughout the entire volume of the cans.

The battery is now ready for use and can be installed in the vehicle for use.

Particular attention is paid to the condition of the battery in winter. A decrease in air temperature leads to a drop in the electrolyte density and a charge level, which may not be enough to reliably start the engine.

How to restore a car battery

A car battery that has not been used for a long time will lose its charge. If the voltage at the terminals drops below 10.5 V, this is not enough to start the engine and the battery must be charged.

Restoring a car battery is carried out in several ways:

Charge with low current for a long time. If at the end of the process the density begins to increase, then there is hope for a positive result. As the charge continues, it may increase to an acceptable level.
If the battery plates are in working condition, it is allowed to increase the density of the electrolyte by adding sulfuric acid with a specific indicator of 1.4 g/cm3.
Resuscitation of a completely discharged battery can be performed in a specialized workshop. Here, special charging techniques are used in distilled water.

Video - restoring a car battery after a deep discharge:

High-quality restoration of a car battery after a deep discharge will save quite a lot of money, equal to the cost of purchasing a new battery.

It should be remembered that the resource of such a battery is insignificant and failure can occur at any time - especially during winter operation.

Extremely low temperatures with low electrolyte density can cause it to freeze and destroy the plates.

Regular battery care will extend its service life and avoid sulfation of the plates or their mechanical destruction. Proper use of the battery significantly increases its service life, which makes it possible to reduce the cost of operating the car.

Video - how to restore a maintenance-free BOSCH car battery:

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Source: http://voditeliauto.ru/poleznaya-informaciya/avtoustrojstva/akb/obsluzhivanie-akkumulyatora-avtomobilya.html

Do-it-yourself car battery maintenance

DIY car battery maintenance

Car batteries are designed to perform several basic functions.

First of all, the battery is responsible for starting the engine starter and provides power to the entire “on-board system” of the car: the operation of headlights, alarms, and music. It also supports the generator under load.

Therefore, the battery should always be the first object to which motorists should constantly pay their attention, carrying out timely battery maintenance.

Servicing a car battery with your own hands is a skill necessary for every owner, because the viability of the car depends on the battery. Proper and timely maintenance can significantly extend the life of any battery. And then you won’t find yourself in a situation where you need to look for a way to charge the battery without a charger somewhere on the highway.

General recommendations

Beginning motorists should understand that standard car batteries are not currently available in retail sales. They are all different: in the type of electrolyte, in appearance and in the duration of use.

Once upon a time, cars from the Soviet era were equipped with standard batteries that could be fully serviced by literally disassembling them piece by piece.

Jars with electrolyte were placed in a strong black ebonite case and filled with mastic.

Now, due to the fact that there are so many different manufacturers on the market, car batteries are not produced according to any specific standard. You should take care of them, being aware of some of their features, the essence of which is not so difficult to understand.

For example, if batteries cannot be topped up with distilled water, chargers that maintain voltage automatically should be used. If this is not done, then the battery can be “dead” ahead of time.

Since one of the reasonable goals of every car owner is to become a motorist who will service it himself, you need to learn to carefully and in detail study the instructions that come with the battery model that is installed in the car. If there is a shortage of electrolyte, the electrolyte should be topped up exclusively with distilled water. Under no circumstances should the electrolyte itself be poured into the battery.

Routine care

Car battery care should be carried out regularly, taking into account the intensity of use of the car and the conditions it encounters during the journey.

Thus, the external condition of the battery should be checked as often as possible if the motorist is in poor or extreme road conditions : inspect the place in the car where the battery is installed, in order to prevent serious damage to the case and electrolyte leakage, which is possible during shaking or collision with another object. By the way, this is the main reason why battery terminals oxidize. It is also necessary to check whether the fastening has become loose.

Simple regular inspections can be carried out without removing the battery from the vehicle. But if the battery needs to be charged, it should be removed from the car.

The case is carefully inspected so as not to miss a possible electrolyte leak. The drainage holes are checked and if they are dirty, they should be cleaned.

In the same way, all external battery openings that can be seen on the outside of the batteries should be cleaned regularly.

If an electrolyte leaks, it must be neutralized using ordinary soda: as is known, an alkaline solution neutralizes the effect of acid.

The terminals must be lubricated and cleaned with the same soda solution and the voltage level on them must be checked from time to time when the car engine is running.

Normally, the voltage in a charged car battery should be between 12 and 14.5 V.

In winter and after the cold season, more careful maintenance of batteries should be carried out. Carrying out regular technical inspection of the battery without removing it from the car is acceptable. But, nevertheless, it is very advisable to remove the battery more often when servicing it, since you can inspect the place where it is installed.

For example, when electrolyte boils away at high temperatures, it often flows into different parts of the machine, and the acid can corrode its interior. The area under the battery needs to be washed, cleaned, lubricated with a rust converter, or even painted.

How to check electrolyte density

Experienced motorists have long come up with their own classification of batteries, especially highlighting the “low-maintenance” battery with open access to banks.

In this case, it is possible to check the electrolyte level in the jar, add water and charge it.

By the way, if the battery boils when charging at the very beginning of the process, most likely the electrolyte level was initially too low.

If there are no holes in the battery at all, then it is completely devoid of maintenance, and such a car battery can only be helped by charging it periodically.

In the case when you have to deal with a “classic” example of a battery, and not with maintenance-free batteries, you will have to learn how to independently determine the density of the electrolyte inside the battery.

To determine the density of a battery, there is a special device called a hydrometer. The test is carried out at room temperature about +20°C. Before this, the battery is removed from the car and thoroughly cleaned so that during manipulations dirt and dust do not get inside it.

During the entire operating time of a car engine, as well as with temperature changes, there is a constant change in the level of electrolyte density. With a normal charge-discharge cycle, these changes are reversible. However, when the electrolyte boils or water evaporates, its density changes irreversibly, increasing if a similar process is repeated.

If the electrolyte density is higher than normal, this adversely affects the battery capacity and reduces its productive life. At low density, the voltage level becomes lower, making it difficult for the starter to operate and start the engine.

The electrolyte density is determined as follows. The tip of a hydrometer is individually immersed in each battery jar, and part of the liquid is removed from the jar with a rubber bulb.

In the process of collecting liquid, you need to ensure that the float of the device floats up in the tube body and does not touch its walls.

Readings are taken when the float stops moving, with reference to a special scale that is clearly visible along the liquid line.

Correction of the electrolyte density is carried out either with a correction fluid (at a lower density level - for example, in winter, to avoid the risk of freezing), or, if the density is high, the electrolyte is simply diluted with distilled water.

After this, the battery is charged with a low current of 1.5-2 A. Read about how much to charge the battery here →

Maintenance-free battery care

If the battery is maintenance-free, this does not mean that it does not require care and monitoring of its operation. Although maintenance of this type of battery is very simple, it must also be carried out regularly.

The housing of maintenance-free batteries is also carefully inspected for possible external damage and electrolyte leakage. The drainage holes are checked and if they are dirty they should be cleaned. In the same way, you should regularly clean all parts of a maintenance-free battery, remembering to remove the upper false covers and wipe them, if any.

Practical advice for motorists

Sometimes the battery says that it is maintenance-free, but strangely enough, there is access to the banks. In this case, you can carefully add distilled water into the holes.

Perhaps, by writing the word “maintenance free” on the battery case, the manufacturers expected that the amount of electrolyte would be enough for the entire service life of the battery. But this is not always the case.

False covers, when unscrewed, may turn out to be real ones, so it is recommended to check them more carefully.

After charging the battery, the electrolyte should be allowed to cool slightly before taking its density readings, because hot electrolyte may give inaccurate readings.

In winter, when the temperature is especially low, you need to try to make the process of operating the starter and starting the engine as easy as possible. According to the rules, the starter should not operate for more than 15 seconds during startup.

If you fail to start the car in the first attempt, you must take a 1- or better 2-minute pause and try starting again.

It is also possible to “boost” the battery by turning on the high beam headlights for 10 seconds, and for a faster start, fully depress the clutch.

By following simple but necessary tips for car maintenance, you can increase their service life, and then you won’t have to send your car in for repairs often. Proper and regular care of not only the car, but also its battery will help the driver get maximum pleasure and benefit when operating one of the most important means of transportation.

Source: https://batteryk.com/obsluzhivanie-akkumulyatora

Car battery maintenance - what to do to make it last long?

The battery is the vehicle's source of electricity. It ensures that the engine starts and the equipment operates if the machine is not moving. Successful starting of the engine depends on the state of charge of the battery, so it is necessary to monitor its condition and perform regular maintenance.

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There are two types of batteries installed in cars: serviced and maintenance-free. Their service life is on average up to 5 years. With proper care, batteries can last longer.

Maintenance work for alkaline and acid batteries depends on their type. For serviceable batteries, they are specified in the operating instructions included with the device.

Maintenance-free batteries, despite the name, also need to be serviced periodically, but the range of operations is slightly smaller.

Many drivers prefer maintenance-free batteries, as they are easier to care for. First of all, you need to monitor the external condition of the battery. A visual inspection of the housing should not reveal any damage or defects. If an electrolyte leak is detected, it must be repaired. You can neutralize the acid using baking soda. A damaged battery must be replaced.

Inspect the drainage holes: if there is dirt, remove it. Periodically check the voltage at the battery outputs and, if necessary, charge using a wall charger. After inspection, it is advisable to lubricate the contacts to protect them from destruction.

The final operation carried out on a maintenance-free battery is to check the voltage provided by the generator. With working equipment, the voltage should be 12.5-14.5 V.

If the readings are not normal, diagnose the generator, identify and repair the problem. In unattended banks, you have no access to banks.

Therefore, if the level and density of the electrolyte do not meet the standards, they are considered faulty and must be replaced.

They will protect the chassis and save you money, increasing ground clearance by 3 cm.

Serviceable batteries can be identified by the presence of special holes closed with plugs. The device is maintained through these technological openings.

If necessary, the plugs are unscrewed and liquid is added.

Maintenance operations are the same as for a maintenance-free battery, but there are differences: in serviced batteries it is possible to control and adjust the density and level of the electrolyte.

To properly maintain a battery, you need to know about the factors that affect its service life. By paying attention to them, you can extend the life of your battery.

Firstly, this is the degree of charge. Ideally, the battery should always be in a charged state. It loses some of its charge when the engine starts, but a running generator recharges the battery to the required level.

Modern cars are equipped with a large number of devices, and the generator does not have time to replenish the battery charge, or it is faulty. Driving on city roads, constant stops at traffic lights, and sitting in traffic jams contribute to relaxation.

If the battery is constantly in a state of discharge, its service life is reduced, so it must be recharged periodically using a charger.

Secondly, climatic conditions. The battery is sensitive to high and low temperatures. In severe frosts, the electrodes may fail, its capacity decreases, and the housing may be damaged.

High temperatures increase the rate of corrosion processes, promote rapid evaporation of the electrolyte, expose the electrodes, and reduce their service life.

In winter, the permissible battery discharge rate is 25%, in summer - no more than 50%.

Thirdly, corrosion processes. To combat them, manufacturers use various alloying additives, such as antimony, but this increases water consumption. It is difficult to find the optimal balance between water consumption and rust control. To reduce corrosion, use high-quality electrolyte and distilled water when topping up.

Fourthly, the serviceability of the on-board electrical network. How long the battery will last depends on its condition. If the alternator or voltage regulator is broken, even with proper maintenance, the battery will not last long.

If the voltage in the on-board network is too high, this leads to overcharging of the battery and its boiling, in addition, the electrodes will wear out faster.

If the voltage is less than normal, the battery will always be in a discharged state; the negative effects of discharge were discussed above.

And fifthly, this is sulfation. During this process, lead sulfate settles on the plates, an increase in temperature and an increase in the density of the electrolyte are observed. Regular maintenance helps reduce the intensity of sulfation.

Battery care work can be divided into two types: diagnostics and service. You can do both types of work yourself or contact a service station. It is better to perform diagnostics yourself, and as often as possible, in order to find out what condition the battery is in.

During diagnostics we perform the following operations:

We first check the voltage at the terminals with the battery disconnected from the vehicle's on-board network.
We connect the battery to the network and check the voltage at the terminals again.
With the battery removed from the car, check the electrolyte level.
We perform a visual external inspection for damage and contamination.

Diagnostics must be carried out without waiting for problems with the battery to arise. The check can be performed during the next car maintenance: changing the oil, checking fluid levels, tire pressure, etc.

Battery maintenance consists of the following steps:

checking and tightening fasteners;
cleaning terminals and wires from dirt and oxidation products;
checking the electrolyte density and adjusting it;
charging the battery with a charger, it can be carried out periodically or as needed;
testing the battery using a load fork;
checking for possible current leakage;
carrying out preventive work on desulfation.

If you perform these operations regularly, you can significantly extend the life of your battery.

To carry out diagnostics and service, prepare the following tools, materials and devices:

a set of keys;
voltmeter (multimeter);
Charger;
hydrometer;
load fork;
glass or plastic tube;
electrolyte;
distilled water;
gloves;
protective glasses.

To check the electrolyte level, unscrew the caps on the cans or remove the cover from the battery if it is solid. We check the level using a glass or plastic tube.

We lower it into the electrolyte until it touches the plates, close the upper end with a finger and pull out the tube. The height of the liquid in the tube should be 10-15 mm.

Car battery maintenance: measuring the level and density of the electrolyte

The majority of vehicles, regardless of model, year of manufacture and manufacturer, are equipped with such a necessary part as a battery. This is one of the varieties of a conventional electric battery. The main function of this device is to provide electric current to all systems and mechanisms of a car or motorcycle when the on-board generator is not working.

The battery is used in the following cases:

supplying power to the ignition system when the engine is first started;
supplying electric current to the on-board systems of a car or motorcycle when the power unit is not working;
providing additional power supply for automotive devices when the generator is running.

The principle of operation of a battery in a car

The basic principle of battery operation, according to the laws of physics, is the process of creating voltage between contact plates placed in a special solution. Initially, battery contacts were made of copper and zinc, but they were short-lived and quickly decomposed during operation.

The honor of creating this scheme, which has survived to this day in a slightly modified form, belongs to a Frenchman named Plant. He first demonstrated a working prototype back in 1859.

A modern battery for powering a car's electrical network consists of many different elements placed in a high-strength housing made of polypropylene.

Inside, the housing is divided into several cells filled with electrolyte.

Lead plates of different polarities are placed in each of the battery cells, which are coated with a special chemical reagent necessary for the generation of electric current. In order to prevent short circuits, the plates must be insulated from each other with special material.

For ease of use and maintenance, some minor changes and improvements may be made to the basic battery design.

Types of batteries

There are the following types of car batteries:

serviced;
poorly maintained;
hybrid;
not serviced.

Serviced . This type of car battery is almost out of service and is extremely rare in retail sales. Typically, these are models from domestic manufacturers. They are distinguished from other types of batteries (especially foreign ones) by a large number of disadvantages that affect ease of use.

The disadvantages of serviced batteries include a fragile, unprotected case (most often made of ebonite), which was coated for insulation with a special substance that loses its properties with sharp fluctuations in ambient temperature. This is the reason for the sharp drop in battery charge in winter. This was also the reason for the drop in the liquid level in the containers, which required its constant replenishment.

Low maintenance . Most often found in modern cars. Typically, such batteries are characterized by a very durable casing made of various types of plastic. During operation, they require monitoring the level of electrolytic fluid and replenishing it approximately once every 30 thousand kilometers. The advantages include their fairly moderate cost.
Hybrid. Hybrid car batteries are one of the modifications of the previous type of batteries. But they have a significant difference: the contact groups in the cells consist of different metals, which makes it possible to achieve certain advantages, namely:
1. high current level during engine starting;
2. low fluid consumption in the battery;
3. long lifespan and unpretentiousness.

Hybrid car batteries are rare and not in great demand due to their high price.

Maintenance free . The design of such batteries does not provide for monitoring and restoring the water level in the cells, and therefore the necessary holes are missing on the body. However, for the correct use of maintenance-free car batteries, it is necessary to monitor other components and mechanisms of the car that are part of the electrical system. It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the belts, monitor the serviceability of the generator and all electrical wiring of the machine. The combination of convenience and low cost makes them an ideal choice for a car owner if he is confident in the technical condition of his iron horse.

Car battery maintenance

Long and high-quality operation of a car depends on the technical serviceability of all its parts, assemblies and mechanisms. The same applies to the battery. The battery requires careful attention and timely maintenance.

Electrolyte level measurement

If your car has a battery that requires maintenance, then to extend its service life you need to regularly measure the level of electrolytic fluid in the battery compartments.

To do this, just check the marks on the body indicating the maximum and minimum fluid levels.

If they are unavailable, you can use a special glass tube of the required size. For this:

open the battery cell cap;
insert the tube into the appropriate hole;
close the upper section of the tube with your finger and remove it out;
set the liquid level in the tube.

The liquid level in the tube must be at least 12 mm and not exceed 15 mm. If necessary, you can restore the required amount by adding distilled water.

Electrolyte density measurement

For the correct flow of chemical processes to generate electric current in the battery, it is important to control the density of the electrolyte in the battery. It must correspond to the value specified in the battery specifications.

For this purpose, a special device is used - a hydrometer. It is a glass flask with a rubber bulb at the end, inside of which a float is placed.

To determine the density of the solution, you need to carry out the following sequence of actions:

open the battery cell plugs;
release the air from the flask by squeezing the bulb at its end;
immersing the tip of the flask into the hole on the battery, release the bulb, as a result of which the hydrometer will fill with electrolyte;
obtain the density of the liquid in the battery, which is indicated on the float divisions
check the resulting value with the battery specified in the documentation.

The density of the electrolyte in the battery depends on the model and manufacturer, but is usually 1.24 kg/l. When operating the device in harsh climatic conditions, the density may be slightly increased.

If the numbers obtained as a result of your measurements are lower than necessary, you should add the required amount of distilled water and charge the battery.

The voltage of a fully charged car battery should be 12.6 Volts. This indicates the correct operation of the battery and its readiness to perform the intended functions of powering the vehicle’s on-board system.

Safety precautions during maintenance

Working with batteries is a rather dangerous procedure and requires compliance with certain safety measures:

use of protective gloves and glasses;
work in well-ventilated rooms;
adherence to strict procedures for working with acids and alkalis;
compliance with fire safety measures.

Long and high-quality battery life is a guarantee of proper operation of all systems and mechanisms of the car. The electricity produced by the battery is needed to start the engine, power electronic components, and many other purposes.

Using the tips given above, any car enthusiast will be able to independently carry out maintenance work on the battery, which guarantees its trouble-free service for a long time.

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Source: http://enjoy-cars.ru/masterskaia/soderzhanie-i-uhod/obsluzhivanie-akkumulyatora-avtomobilya.html