A lead-acid battery with accessible cell caps permits water top-ups under its manufacturer’s instructions. What maintenance should be carried out according to those instructions?

Correct answer

Check the level of the liquid (electrolyte) in the cells and clean the terminals.

Check the electrolyte level and keep terminals and connections clean, following the manufacturer’s procedure. If water is needed, use the specified water, normally distilled, rather than tap water or acid. Keep vent holes unobstructed; do not block them with grease. Suitable terminal protection helps prevent corrosion; it does not prevent all internal battery sulfation. Do not open sealed batteries that do not permit this maintenance.