WARNING:
• As the electrolyte solution is corrosive acid and has toxicity, be careful of handling the fluid.
• Do not let battery fluid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Especially at contact with eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention.
• Do not let battery fluid contact with the painted surface of vehicle.
• As batteries produce explosive gases, be careful of handling batteries.
• Do not bring an open flame close to the battery.
• In case of an explosion, wear eye protection etc. to shield your eyes when working near any battery. Never lean over a battery.
• Ventilate when using or charging the battery in a closed environment.
• Remove rings, wrist watches and other metal belongings before starting to work.
• When getting in contact with a metallic portion of the vehicle, never allow metallic tools to come into contact with the battery positive terminal or have any hardware attached to the terminal.
Check the battery case, top cover, vent plugs, and terminal posts for dirt or cracks. If necessary, clean with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Apply a thin coat of grease on the terminal posts to prevent corrosion.
Check the electrolyte level in each cell. If the level is below MIN level, bring the level to MAX level by pouring distilled water into the battery cell. Do not fill beyond MAX level.
3. SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF ELECTROLYTE
1. Measure specific gravity of electrolyte using a hydrometer and a thermometer.
Specific gravity varies with temperature of electrolyte so that it must be corrected at 20°C (68°F) using the following calculation:
S20 = St + 0.0007 × (t − 20)
S20: Specific gravity corrected at electrolyte temperature of 20°C
St: Measured specific gravity
t: Measured temperature (°C)
Judge whether or not the battery requires charging according to corrected specific gravity.
Standard specific gravity: 1.220 — 1.290 [at 20°C (68°F)]
2. Measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the battery will disclose the state of charge of the battery. The relation between specific gravity and state of charge is as shown in the figure.
