Table of contents: Standard and low maintenance… ↓ Maintenance free batteries ↓
Standard and low maintenance batteries
1. If the car is used infrequently, it is necessary to check the density of the electrolyte once every three months to determine the state of charge of the battery. Use a hydrometer for measurements and compare the results with those in the table. Please note that the measurements are given for an electrolyte temperature of 15°C. For every 10°C below this temperature, subtract 0.007 from the table results. For every 10°C above 15°C, add 0.007 density.
Air temperature +25°C
| Below | Higher | |
| Loaded | 1.270...1.290 | 1.210...1.230 |
| 70% charge | 1.230...1.250 | 1.170...1.190 |
| Discharged | 1.110...1.130 | 1.050...1.070 |
2. If the battery condition is suspicious, first check the electrolyte content in all the cans. A difference of 0.040 or more between the cans indicates a lack of electrolyte or destruction of the plates.
3. If the difference in specific gravity between the cells exceeds 0.040, the battery should be replaced. If the specific gravity of the electrolyte is satisfactory but the battery is discharged, it should be charged as described later in this chapter.
Maintenance free batteries
4. If a sealed maintenance-free battery is installed, replenishing the electrolyte and checking its density is impossible. Therefore, the battery condition can only be checked using a load fork or a voltmeter.
5. Specific models may be equipped with batteries with built-in charge indicators. The indicator is located on top of the battery and the charge status is determined by the color of the indicator. If the indicator is green, the battery is charged; if the color darkens to black, the battery requires charging as described below. If the indicator is yellow, the electrolyte level is low and the battery needs to be replaced. Do not attempt to charge, load, or jump start a vehicle with a foreign battery if the indicator is yellow.
6. If you use a voltmeter for checking, compare the results obtained with the values given in Specifications. The results will be valid if the battery has not been charged for the previous six hours. If not, turn on the headlights for 3D seconds, then wait for about five minutes. When measuring the voltage, all doors must be closed and all current consumers must be turned off.
7. If the measured voltage is less than 12.2 volts, the battery is discharged. Voltage of 12.2...12.4 volts indicates a half-charged battery.
8. If you need to charge the battery, you must remove it from the car (paragraph 4) and charge as described later in this chapter.