If you find the battery fluid level low, what should you do? Should you just fill it with water straight from the tap? The answer is no, according to an auto electrician. The best way to fill a battery is with deionised, demineralised or distilled water. This water is sold by gallon jugs at most shops. Tap water has containments, which build up in the battery, like minerals, which will build up over the battery plates clogging the pores. If you are in dire need of water, you can use rainwater if available. As an emergency, use tap water, but be aware it will eventually clog up the plates and pores, causing the need for a replacement.
If tap water is used in the battery it will cause it to work even harder and become hotter, causing it to wear out faster. It may be helpful to have some distilled water in the trunk for such emergencies. The minerals in the tap water coats the plates and fills the pores, so they are no longer in contact with water, but with the minerals, which causes the over working of the battery. Prevent the need for tap water usage by checking the battery often. Ideally, most batteries are able to stay sealed and keep the water intact.
Another option is to install a completely maintenance-free battery. These batteries stay completely sealed and because of that, they never lose the water. They have an indicator on top that is green indicating the battery is good and when it turns black it indicates the battery needs replacing. However, if it battery is one that has square caps, it is one in which you can add distilled water. To check this, remove the caps and see if the battery plates are exposed to air. If they are, you need to add water, if they are not; they are good you can replace the caps.
When you have to work on the battery, it is wise to have a qualified auto electrician do the work. Today’s vehicles are different from the vehicles your parents drove. With the intricate electrical system that runs from the battery and the computers, it takes a skilled electrician to know what all to check when working with the battery. Ace Mobile Mechanics provides auto electricians to help service battery issues. The next time you have your vehicle serviced; ask them to check the battery too to make sure it is in good running condition, fully charged so you will not have to worry with battery problems.
