How to Add Water to Auto Battery Cells
A car auto battery is necessary for operating many of the vehicle's electrical components. The battery needs both water and sulfuric acid to create an electrolyte solution, which is necessary for the battery to work. Maintaining a proper water height inside of the battery cells will help to keep it performing at top levels and will increase its lifespan.
Items Needed:
- safety goggles
- distilled water
- clean rag
- hydrometer
- Put on safety glasses to protect the eyes from sulfuric acid that may leak from the battery when it is open. The sulfuric acid is capable of causing blindness if contact is made with the eyes. Do not touch the eyes while working on the battery, since residual acid may be on the hands and can transfer to the eyes.
- Make sure that the car engine is turned off completely before checking the water level in the cells of the battery. Use a clean rag to remove any dirt or grime from the outside of the battery before opening it. This will keep debris from getting inside of the battery.
- Carefully remove the caps from the cells in the battery. Never open them if the engine has been recently running. The battery should only be checked when the engine has had time to cool off. Once the tops are off, look inside to see if any water needs to be added. If the battery is a sealed unit, water cannot be added to the battery.
- Fill the hydrometer with distilled water. Tap water and spring water contain dissolved solids which can damage the battery over time and shorten its lifespan. Those waters can short out the battery cells, which will result in needing to replace the battery. Add distilled water until it just reaches the bottom of the cells. The water level should not touch the cell tops. Replace the tops and and make sure that they are securely tightened. Never overfill the battery cells as this can cause damage to them as well.