Battery Care Rules

If you are going to keep the battery working for as long as possible, observe the following rules.

Turn off all electrical appliances in the vehicle when the engine is not running.

Disconnecting the battery from the car's mains, start with a negative wire.

Every 15-20 days (after 2,500 km of run) Wipe dirt off the battery to prevent self-discharge. For the same purpose, it is necessary to eliminate electrolyte streaks and isolate the mounting frame from the housing.

The battery must be securely attached to the vehicle. Make sure that the wire terminals are firmly attached to the battery terminals, otherwise an explosion may occur.

The battery can continuously work in starter mode for no more than 15 seconds; the break between cycles must be at least 60 seconds.

Periodically check the voltage generated by the relay-regulator with a voltmeter. Readings must be taken directly at the battery terminals with a running, warm engine. The voltage value should be in the range from 13.8 to 14.5 volts.

On serviced batteries, it is advisable to check the level and density of the electrolyte every 3,000 km. The electrolyte level is checked by a special mark on transparent cases or using a special glass tube in opaque cases. The electrolyte should cover the upper edge of the plates by 10–15 mm. The density of the electrolyte is checked using a hydrometer. If the density falls below 1.23 g/cm³ in winter and 1.19 g/cm³ in the summer, it needs to be recharged.

Even if the generator and voltage regulator are in good order, and the electrolyte level is normal, recharging with a charger is necessary once a month in winter and every 6 months at other times of the year.


A battery filled with electrolyte can only be stored fully charged, and the density of the electrolyte should be checked once a month.

Some Tips

The battery is charged with a current that is exactly 0.1 of the rated capacity. For example, a battery with a capacity of 50 A / h must be charged with a current of 5 A, with the filler plugs unscrewed.

Do not fill the battery with electrolyte with a specific gravity of more than 1.28 g/cm³. Trying to increase the starting current in this way, you will damage the battery in a short period of time. For the same reason, it is possible to bring the electrolyte level to normal only with distilled water.

In an opaque serviceable battery, the electrolyte level can be measured using a hollow glass tube, covering one end with a finger. In taken "sample" the height of the liquid column inside the tube will correspond to the height of the excess of the electrolyte level above the upper edge of the plates.

It is necessary to remove electrolyte streaks or neutralize the possibility of electrolyte exposure to surrounding objects; this can be done with a 10% solution of ammonia or soda.

Do not operate a discharged battery, especially in winter.

In a discharged battery, the percentage of water in the electrolyte is too high. The electrolyte can freeze and damage the battery case. Do not try to charge a frozen battery with a large current or start the car from an external source. Let the battery thaw, and then try to restore it by charging it with a small current, and it can still serve.

A crack in the bank of a serviced battery is not always the reason for its replacement. Pour out the electrolyte, dry and wash the crack with gasoline, then file it. Mix sawdust formed when cutting a crack with epoxy glue or putty. Carefully cover the crack with the resulting composition. After this procedure, fill in the electrolyte no earlier than 24 hours later.