To service a battery, you will need eye and hand protection, baking soda, petroleum jelly, a battery terminal wire remover, and a wire and terminal cleaning tool. If the battery has caps in the jars, a hydrometer will be required to measure the density of the electrolyte.
The vehicle may be equipped with a maintenance-free battery, the maintenance of which is limited to keeping the housing and terminals clean. These batteries do not contain antimony, which has a harmful effect on the plates, and a separator is installed in the casing cover that absorbs electrolyte vapor and then returns it to the battery jars, thereby eliminating the evaporation of water, which leads to a decrease in the electrolyte level. By maintaining a stable electrolyte level, the battery life is significantly increased.
If you are using a maintenance-free battery, the battery condition can only be checked with a voltmeter.
Warning. Hydrogen is released in small quantities from the side ventilation openings of a maintenance-free battery, so do not keep the battery near open flames or sparks, and do not smoke.
It is necessary to periodically check the condition of the battery case or cover for damage.
Check that the battery terminal clamps are securely fastened to ensure good contact, and check all wires for cracks or fraying.
If there are obvious signs of corrosion in the form of white deposits, then you need to remove the wire clamps from the terminals, clean them along with the battery terminals and reinstall them. Corrosion can be minimized by applying a layer of thick oil or grease to the wire clamps and terminals after they are installed.
Check that the protective rubber cap on the positive terminal is not damaged (if there is one). The cap must completely cover the terminal.
Make sure the battery holder is in good condition and the clamp bolts are securely tightened. If the battery is removed from the holder, make sure there are no foreign objects on the base of the holder when installing it. When tightening the clamp bolts, do not overtighten them.
Corroded areas of the holder, battery case, and surrounding surfaces should be treated with a soda water solution, but be careful not to let the solution come into contact with your eyes, skin, or clothing. Be sure to use protective gloves. Rinse all treated areas with clean water.
All metal surfaces of the vehicle that are damaged by corrosion must be coated with a zinc-based primer and then painted.
Caution! It is necessary to periodically check the electrolyte density in the battery to determine the battery's load capacity. Remove the plugs from the battery jars. Fill the hydrometer with enough electrolyte to allow the measuring float to float freely in it. Use the scale on the float to determine the density. The numbers on the scale mean the following:
- 1.260 g/cm³ - the battery is fully charged;
- 1.160 g/cm³ - the battery is half charged;
- 1.060 g/cm³ - the battery is discharged.
If the electrolyte density in all cells of the battery is equally low, charge the battery. If only one battery cell is discharged, the battery is faulty – have it checked at a workshop.