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Monthly Battery Maintenance
Read the section “Personal Precautions When Working With Batteries” on
page vii prior to working on batteries.
❐ Check electrolyte levels in flooded (or wet) batteries.
Flooded (or wet), lead-acid batteries require periodic water refills in each
battery cell. Check the level of the electrolyte in each battery cell at least once
a month. The level should be above the top of the plates, but not completely
full. (Most batteries have a plastic cup that just touches the electrolyte when
the cell is full.)
Refill the batteries with distilled water only. “Spring” water and regular tap
water may have high mineral levels which can poison the battery chemistry
and reduce battery life.
When filling the battery, clean the surface first to prevent dirt from entering
the cell. Fill the cell to just above the plates.
Don’t overfill the batteries, or the electrolyte will leak out when the batteries
are being charged.
Check the water level in the batteries frequently when performing an equalize
charge and add water if necessary.
❐ Check battery connections for good contact with the terminals. See “Checking
battery connections” on page 50.
❐ Maintain battery terminals. See “Reducing corrosion on battery terminals” on
page 51.
❐ Check specific gravity with hydrometer.
Make sure readings are in accordance with the battery manufacturer’s
specifications.
WARNING: Risk of acid burns
Wear appropriate clothing, eye protection, and rubber gloves when carrying out
battery maintenance activities
WARNING: Risk of fire, explosions, burns
Use caution when wearing jewellery or working with metal tools around
batteries. Do not allow any metal object to contact both battery terminals at the
same time. Battery explosion or failure can occur.