Battery Care Rules

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

• when the engine is not running, turn off all electrical appliances in the car;
• disconnecting the battery from the car network, 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 body;
• The battery must be securely attached to the vehicle. Make sure that the wire terminals are firmly fixed to the battery terminals, otherwise an explosion is possible;
• 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 must be within 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 summer, recharging is needed;
• 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;
• the battery filled with electrolyte can only be stored fully charged, while the density of the electrolyte should be checked once a month;
• 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 Ah 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 serviced 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.