A battery is a device for storing energy in chemical form, which can later be used as electricity.
The battery works due to the fact that two different metals, being in an acidic solution, create a potential difference, as a result of which an electric current is generated.
1. Maintenance-free batteries are installed on cars.
2. The battery does not need to be topped up with distilled water.
3. The battery is completely sealed except for small ventilation holes in the cover.
Battery Inspection
1. Turn off the ignition and all consumers of electrical energy.
2. Disconnect the wires from the battery terminals. The negative wire must be disconnected first and connected last.
3. Remove the battery from the vehicle.
Warning! If the battery case is damaged, remove the battery while wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin from the electrolyte.
4. Check the battery fastening elements, as they may be damaged by the electrolyte that has fallen on them. If necessary, clean them with warm soda solution.
5. Use the same solution to clean the top of the battery.
6. Inspect the battery for cracks. If there are cracks, replace the battery.
7. Clean the battery terminals.
8. Clear an internal surface of clips of the wires connected to plugs of the storage battery.
9. Install the battery in the car.
10.. Connect the wires to the battery terminals.
11. Securely tighten the wire clamps to the battery terminals.
12. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the battery terminals.
Warning! When batteries are charged, an explosive mixture of gases is released.
Warning! When working with wires and electrical appliances, it is forbidden to use fire, sparking devices, open flammable light devices and smoking. Sparks should be avoided when handling wires and electrical devices.
Warning! Never short the battery terminals directly - there is a great risk of injury due to strong sparks.
Battery Testing
Checking the Specific Gravity of the Electrolyte
The specific gravity of the battery electrolyte changes with temperature. An increase in temperature leads to a decrease in specific gravity and vice versa.
The specific gravity of the electrolyte of a fully charged battery should be between 1.260 and 1.280, at a temperature of 26.7°C.
The specific gravity adjustment should be made by adding 0.04 points for every 5.56°C above 26.7°C or subtracting 0.04 points for every 5.56°C below 26.7°C.
Example: Hydrometer reads 1.280 at 5.56°C. According to the temperature difference, it is necessary to correct the specific gravity by 0.028 points. The true specific gravity is 1.252.
1,280–0,028=1,252
Do not measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte immediately after topping up with distilled water.
Warning! A difference in electrolyte specific gravity of 50 points or more between battery cells indicates that the battery is defective and needs to be replaced.
Charging the battery
Specific gravity | Charging method | |
Slow charging (5A) | fast charging (20A) | |
Less than 1,000 | 14 h | 4 h |
1,000–1,300 | 12 h | 3 h |
1,300–1,600 | 10 h | 2.5 h |
1,600–1,900 | 8 h | 2.0 h |
1,900–1,220 | 6 h | 1.5 h |
Over 1,220 | 4 h | 1.0 h |