put water in car battery

As a car owner, you may have heard of the suggestion to put water in your car battery. While it might seem like a quick fix for a low battery, adding water is not always the best solution and can actually do more harm than good.

 

Firstly, it’s important to understand the makeup of a car battery. A typical lead-acid car battery consists of six cells, each filled with a solution of water and sulfuric acid. When the battery is in use, the sulfuric acid breaks down the lead plates in the cells, releasing electrons and generating electricity. Over time, the water in the solution evaporates, leaving behind a higher concentration of acid. This causes the lead plates to corrode and reduces the battery’s capacity to hold a charge.

 

Adding water to the battery can help to dilute the acid and restore the battery’s ability to hold a charge. However, it’s crucial to add the right amount of water and to use distilled water only. Tap water contains minerals and impurities that can react with the sulfuric acid and further damage the battery.

 

To add water to the battery, first, remove the caps on the top of the battery. There should be six caps, one for each cell. Using a funnel, slowly pour distilled water into each cell until the water level reaches the bottom of the fill hole. It’s essential not to overfill the cells as this can cause the water to spill out and damage the battery.

 

After adding water, it’s vital to check the battery’s voltage to ensure it’s still within the acceptable range. A fully charged battery should have a voltage of around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is lower, it may be an indication of a deeper problem, and adding water alone is unlikely to fix it.

 

 

 

 

It’s also worth noting that adding water to a battery won’t fix the underlying issue of why the battery was low in the first place. If the battery is consistently low, it may be a sign that the alternator or charging system is not functioning correctly. In this case, it’s best to have the car inspected by a professional mechanic.

 

In conclusion, adding water to your car battery can be a temporary solution to a low battery, but it’s not always the best option. It’s crucial to use distilled water and add the correct amount to avoid further damage to the battery. If the battery is consistently low, it’s best to have the car inspected by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix any underlying issues.