- when the engine is not running, turn off all electrical devices in the car;
- when disconnecting the battery from the car's network, start with the negative wire;
- every 15-20 days (after 2,500 km of running) wipe the battery clean to avoid self-discharge. For the same purpose, remove electrolyte leaks and isolate the mounting frame from the case;
- 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 operate continuously in starter mode for no more than 15 seconds; the break between cycles should be at least 60 seconds;
- periodically check the voltage generated by the relay-regulator with a voltmeter. The readings must be taken directly at the battery terminals with the engine running and warmed up. The voltage value must be within the range of 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 using 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 has fallen below 1.23 g/cm³ in winter and 1.19 g/cm³ in summer, recharging is necessary;
- even if the generator and voltage regulator are in good working 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 must be checked once a month.
Some tips
- the battery is charged with a current of exactly 0.1 of the nominal 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;
- you should 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 quickly disable the battery. For the same reason, you can only bring the electrolyte level up to the norm with distilled water;
- in an opaque serviced battery, the electrolyte level can be measured using a hollow glass tube, closing one end of it with a finger. In the taken "sample" the height of the liquid column inside the tube will correspond to the height of the excess of the electrolyte level over the upper edge of the plates;
- it is necessary to remove electrolyte leaks or neutralize the possibility of electrolyte exposure to surrounding objects; this can be done using a 10% solution of ammonia or soda.
Do not use a discharged battery, especially in winter.
A discharged battery has too high a percentage of water in the electrolyte. The electrolyte can freeze and damage the battery case. Do not try to charge a frozen battery with a high current or jump start the car. Let the battery thaw, and then try to restore it by charging it with a low current, and it may still serve.
A crack in the can of a serviced battery is not always a reason for replacing it. Pour out the electrolyte, dry and wash the crack with gasoline, then process it with a file. Mix the sawdust formed when cutting the crack with epoxy glue or putty. Carefully cover the crack with the resulting composition. After this procedure, pour in the electrolyte no earlier than 24 hours later.