[AReU] Electrolyte

[Bob Haynes]

I used to avoid ‘Maintenance Free’ batteries for automotive use, preferring the ones with removable caps so I could periodically check the site tubes to see if the electrolyte touched the ring at the bottom of each tube, and I have added only distilled water as needed.  
Now that all batteries are labeled ‘Maintenance Free’, I will only buy the ones with two bars of three cell caps, and a few times each year, I check the fluid level.  
Checking the coach and engine batteries this way is an item on the checklist for each trip I take in my motor home.  

WHAT THE “EXPERTS" SAY:

I recently talked with a service advisor at a large local dealership, and he told me that I should never add fluid to a battery.  

Today I talked with someone who works in a big-brand store that gives a free battery test (that’s why I was there), and also sells new batteries.
This man told me that no one should ever add water to a battery unless the top of the plates was visible, because if fluid were added to a car battery, the alternator would very soon boil it all off.
And if I did see the plates, I should add battery acid.  

As for me, I plan to do exactly what I have been doing for the 54 years I have been licensed to drive, as stated in my first paragraph above.  
I always buy blemished brand new batteries, and these typically last 5 to 7 years.  I usually pay around $40 for a blemished new battery, and that includes installation and disposal.  

Just some thoughts from someone who hates to get caught with his amps down.  


73,
Bob WB4AKA