Contents: Battery inspection ⇓ Battery testing ⇓ Checking the specific gravity of the…⇓ Charging the battery ⇓
A battery is a device for storing energy in chemical form, which can then be used as electricity.
A battery works because two different metals, when placed in an acidic solution, create a potential difference, resulting in the generation of an electric current.
1. Maintenance-free batteries are installed on vehicles.
2. There is no need to add distilled water to the battery.
3. The battery is completely sealed except for small ventilation holes in the cover.
Battery inspection
1. Turn off the ignition and all electrical consumers.
2. Disconnect the wires from the battery terminals. The negative wire should be disconnected first and reconnected last.
3. Remove the battery from the vehicle.
Warning: If the battery case is damaged, remove the battery wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin from the electrolyte.
4. Check the battery mounting elements as they may be damaged by electrolyte that has come into contact with them. If necessary, clean them with a warm soda solution.
5. Clean the top of the battery with the same solution.
6. Inspect the battery for cracks. If there are cracks, replace the battery.
7. Clean the battery terminals.
8. Clean the inside surface of the wire clamps connected to the battery terminals.
9. Install the battery into the vehicle.
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 charging batteries, an explosive gas mixture is released.
Warning! When working with wires and electrical devices, it is prohibited to use fire, sparking devices, open fire-hazardous lighting devices, and smoking. Avoid sparking when handling wires and electrical devices.
Warning: Never short-circuit the battery terminals directly - there is a high risk of injury due to strong sparking.
Battery testing
Checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte
The specific gravity of 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 shall be made by adding 0.04 points for every 5.56°C above 26.7°C or by subtracting 0.04 points for every 5.56°C below 26.7°C.
Example: The hydrometer reading is 1.280 at a temperature of 5.56°C. In accordance with 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 adding distilled water.
Warning! A difference in the specific gravity of the electrolyte of 50 or more points between the cells of the battery indicates that the battery is faulty and must 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 |