State of charge.A hydrometer is required to monitor the state of charge. To control, open both bars and insert the end of the hydrometer into the opened hole. If necessary, tilt the battery slightly. Using a rubber bulb, suck in enough electrolyte so that the float floats freely. Depending on the state of charge, the electrolyte has a different specific density, which is determined by the immersion of the float in the electrolyte. When the indication is 1.28 the battery is fully charged, when 1.12 the battery is completely discharged. Intermediate values characterize the corresponding degree of charge. The hydrometer indication is given in "kg/l"
Accumulator charging. A severely discharged battery can be topped up with distilled water only after charging. When charging, the electrolyte level rises and for this reason a normally filled battery may "boil away". At the beginning, the charging current should not exceed 10% of the battery capacity. Depending on the design of the charger used, the charging current is gradually automatically reduced. The battery is fully charged if the electrolyte density does not change over the next two hours. Typically, the battery plugs should be unscrewed and resting loosely on the filler holes. Thanks to this, the detonating gas, consisting of oxygen and hydrogen, can freely evaporate. Since electrolyte splashing is inevitable during intensive charging, the surroundings of the battery should be protected with newspapers or the like. If charging is done indoors, it should be well ventilated. Never illuminate the battery hole with an open flame. When using a home charger, the battery does not need to be removed from the car. The wires also do not need to be disconnected. The situation is different when using a fast charger. To avoid damage to the diodes of the alternator, electronic control units, car radio, etc., disconnect the wires from the battery.
Removal and installation.
The battery is located in the engine compartment and mounted on the console. Before removing, disconnect both wires from the battery poles. Be sure to disconnect the negative wire first. When installing a new battery, clean the poles and lubricate them with pole grease. Connect the positive wire first.Starting the engine with a discharged battery. The simplest is to use wires "light your cigarette", which must have a large cross-section and powerful terminals to connect one battery to another. When purchasing such wires, it is better not to spare money and buy copper wires. Aluminum wires, although cheaper, get so hot that the insulation melts and you can burn your fingers when disconnecting the terminals. First connect the positive wire to both positive terminals, and then connect the negative wire. The donor car engine must operate at medium speeds so that the generator produces sufficient voltage. If the battery is low» but strong, you need to drive through quite a pain» great distance. This will charge the battery enough to start the engine. Pushing and towing are known methods of starting the engine when the battery is dead.