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The Electrical System:
Is your battery maintenance free?
Not knowing the answer can cost you money!
There are two types of batteries, those that require owners to add water and those that don't. Failure to know which kind you have can damage your battery and result in costly replacement. Many of today's batteries don’t require owners to add water, these are known as maintenance free batteries. They can be identified by the lack of removable caps on top of the battery. If your battery has removable caps, you’ll need to monitor the fluid levels and periodically add water.
The problem
Today many motorists take their vehicles to fast lube facilities to get their oil changed. As part of the service, technicians will frequently check and top off fluids. However, this may not include the battery. Be sure to ask the service technician or service assistant. Over time, your battery fluid can evaporate and leave your fluid level dangerously low. If your fluids get too low your battery can become permanently damaged and not longer hold a charge.
Open the caps and look inside
If a check of the battery fluids is not included with your oil change, be sure to check the fluid levels yourself. You’ll need to check the level about every 6months or so. If the liquid inside does not reach the top of the plates, add water until it covers them. Distilled water or water with a low mineral content works best because it is less likely to cause mineral deposits inside the battery that can interfere with the operation of the battery, but any water will do. |
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1. Electrical System
2. The Battery
3. The Starter
4. The Alternator
6. Lighting
7. Lighting System Basics
8. Interior Lights
9. Voltage
10. Turn Signals and Hazard Lights
11. The Horn
12. Windshield Wipers
13. The Defroster
14. Electrical Symbols
15. Types Of Electrical Circuits
16. Electrical Circuit Defects
17. Introduction To Automotive Batteries
18. Battery Construction
19. Battery Operation
20. Specific Gravity
21. Voltage And Capacity
22. Battery Ratings
23. Testing Automotive Batteries
24. Preventive Maintenance Of Batteries
25. Optical Battery & Antifreeze Tester
26. Measuring Specific Gravity With The Optical Battery Tester
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