A battery that operates without the right amount of electrolyte may not use its full potential, and in some cases may even fail. It is crucial to understand how to avoid such situations and answer the question: do we have access to cells in every battery?
We can find two main types of batteries on the market:
- Servicing batteries – these models have access to the plugs, allowing you to refill the electrolyte as needed.
- Maintenance-free batteries – these models are divided into:
- Tightly sealed, where we have no way to check or refill the electrolyte level.
- With access to plugs to refill electrolyte if necessary.
Manufacturers of maintenance-free batteries assure us that there is no need to add water to them, but what happens in the event of a failure, such as an alternator? With a sealed battery, we have to expect to have to buy a new battery. In contrast, with a battery with access to the cells, we still have a chance to “rescue” the battery.
This, however, raises the question: how to properly replenish the battery’s electrolyte deficiencies?
Never top up the electrolyte to the maximum level in the battery, especially when you plan to charge it (because the electrolyte level rises during charging). However, if the electrolyte level is below the top of the separators, top it up with distilled or deionized water so that the separators are covered.
Keep in mind that if you top up the battery with a significant amount of distilled water, the battery should be overcharged. Never overfill the battery, as electrolyte can spill out during charging and operation through the degassing holes.
Note: Use only distilled or deionized water to refill the battery. Sulfuric acid can be used only for the first priming of a dry battery. Do not use bottled mineral water, as impurities in the water increase the conductivity of the water and accelerate the self-discharge of the battery.
During the operation of the battery, the electrolyte level should be checked regularly and topped up if necessary, unless you are dealing with a sealed battery. For batteries marked with a maximum level line on the side of the case, replenish to this level.
In a situation where there is no marked maximum level line, but filling tubes protrude from the bottom of the cover, the electrolyte should be topped up to the bottom of these tubes. If there is no marked maximum level line or filling tubes, in batteries with polypropylene housing, the electrolyte should be topped up to a level of 7 mm below the bottom edge of the cover rim. For batteries in ebonite housing that do not have filling tubes, the electrolyte should be topped up to a level of 5 mm above the top edge of the separators.
Keep in mind that proper operation and maintenance of a battery significantly extends its life and allows you to take full advantage of its capabilities. First of all, read the manufacturer’s manual for the battery in question.
