How to put distilled water in car battery

If you own a car, you know that there are certain maintenance tasks that you must perform periodically. One of the most important of these is to make sure that your car’s battery stays topped up with distilled water. This may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in the lifespan and performance of your battery.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of putting distilled water in your car battery. We will explain why it’s important to use distilled water, show you the tools and materials you’ll need, and give you step-by-step instructions for filling your battery with water safely and efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a novice car owner, by the end of this article you’ll have all the information you need to keep your battery in tip-top condition.

How to Put Distilled Water in Car Battery

Step 1: Safety First

It is important to remember that working with car batteries can be dangerous. Always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask. Ensure that proper ventilation is available and avoid smoking or any other sources of ignition nearby.

Step 2: Check the Battery

Before adding distilled water to your car battery, check whether it needs topping up.

• Check the water level: The water level in the battery should be just above the top of the battery plates.
• Inspect the battery case: If you see a buildup of battery acid or corrosion, do not attempt to add water and seek professional help.
• Check the battery’s age: If the battery is more than three years old or is showing signs of wear and tear, consider replacing it instead of adding water.

Step 3: Add the Distilled Water

If you have determined that the battery requires topping up, the steps to follow are:

1. Locate the battery: Some batteries are located under the hood, while others are located in the trunk or under the back seat.
2. Remove the caps: Carefully remove the caps from the top of the battery, making sure not to let any dirt or debris fall into the battery.
3. Fill the cells: Fill each battery cell with distilled water until the water level reaches just above the top of the battery plates.
4. Replace the caps: Carefully replace the caps on each cell, making sure they are tight and secure.

Step 4: Recharge the Battery

Once you have added distilled water to your car battery, recharge the battery fully before using the car. Ensure that the battery is properly secured in the car and all connections are tight.

Do Not:	Do:
Use tap water or any other type of water because it can damage the battery.	Use only distilled or deionized water.
Add water to a battery that needs to be replaced.	Replace an old or damaged battery rather than topping it up with water.
Touch the battery with bare hands or tools without wearing protective gear.	Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when working with car batteries.

Why Distilled Water is Important for Car Battery Maintenance

Prevents Damage

Distilled water is important for car battery maintenance because it prevents damage to the battery and its components. Tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can harm the battery, leading to decreased performance and a shorter lifespan. These impurities can also cause buildup on the internal plates of the battery, reducing its ability to hold a charge and ultimately leading to failure.

Improves Performance

Using distilled water in your car battery can improve its performance by maintaining the proper electrolyte balance. The electrolyte is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water, and adding distilled water will ensure that the concentration is correct. If the electrolyte becomes too diluted or too concentrated, the battery’s performance will be affected.

Extends Battery Life

By using distilled water, you can extend the life of your car battery. The buildup of minerals and chemicals in standard tap water can shorten the battery’s lifespan and lead to failure. Regularly topping off your battery with distilled water can help ensure that it performs optimally and lasts for as long as possible. In addition, it’s important to regularly check the water level in your car battery and keep it topped off to prevent damage.

Conclusion

Although it may seem like a small detail, using distilled water in your car battery can make a big difference in its performance, lifespan, and overall maintenance. By preventing damage, improving performance, and extending the battery’s life, distilled water is a crucial component of car battery maintenance.

Steps to Put Distilled Water in Car Battery

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Materials

Before adding distilled water to your car battery, ensure you have the required materials such as the distilled water, safety glasses, a funnel, a pair of gloves, and a cloth. Safety glasses and gloves protect your eyes and hands from the battery acid.

Step 2: Open the Battery

Using the right size wrench, carefully remove the caps located on the battery depending on the type of battery. Some batteries come with screw-on or snap-on caps like sealed batteries, while others have cell caps.

Step 3: Check the Water Level in the Battery

Once you open the battery cap, check the water level inside the cells. Ensure the water level is above the plate; if it’s below the plate, that means the battery needs water to function optimally.

Step 4: Add Distilled Water to the Battery

Using the funnel, pour distilled water into each cell carefully. Take care not to overfill the cells with water, as that can cause the battery to overflow and cause electrolyte leakage.

Step 5: Close the Battery

Once you have added distilled water to the battery, use the wrench to screw-on or snap-on the battery caps carefully. Always ensure that the caps are tight, but not too tight to prevent any gas leakage.

Step 6: Clean Up

After adding distilled water to the battery, clean up any spills using a clean cloth, and dispose of the material appropriately. Ensure you dispose of the water filter properly to avoid harm to the environment.

Step 7: Recharge the Battery

After adding distilled water to the battery, recharge the battery, and let it run to its maximum capacity to optimize its performance.

Step 8: Repeat the Process

It is advisable to add distilled water to the battery regularly to ensure the battery remains in good condition. Depending on the battery, you may need to add distilled water every three months or every six months.

Conclusion

Adding distilled water to your car battery is essential for its performance. By following the above steps, you can regularly add distilled water to your car battery, keeping it in good condition and avoiding any related problems such as corrosion, leakage or damage.

Tips for Maintaining Your Car Battery

1. Check the battery’s water level regularly

Car batteries rely on distilled water to function properly. Therefore, it is important to check the water level in your car battery at least once a month. If the water level is low, add distilled water to the battery cells until the level is just below the bottom of the refill hole.

2. Clean the battery terminals

Dirty or corroded terminals can cause your car battery to not work properly. Inspect and clean the battery terminals and connectors with a wire brush or corrosion cleaner. Make sure not to touch the terminals with bare hands as oil from your skin can corrode them further.

3. Test your car battery

Battery testing is a great way to check if your car battery is functioning. You can use a battery tester or multimeter to check your battery’s voltage. If the voltage is below 12.4 V, it may be time for a new battery.

4. Keep your battery charged

A battery can lose its charge over time if it is not used regularly. If you are not using your car, start the engine and let it run for at least 15 minutes once a week to keep the battery charged. Invest in a battery charger if you are not using the car for an extended period of time.

5. Store your battery properly when not in use

If you are not using your car for an extended period of time, it is best to remove the battery and store it in a dry place. Charge the battery to a fully charged state before storing it. Make sure to check on the battery regularly and recharge it if necessary.

6. Avoid overcharging or undercharging the battery

Overcharging and undercharging the battery can shorten its lifespan. Make sure to check the charging system and voltage regulators regularly to avoid this issue. Replace the battery if it is over five years old or if it is showing signs of wear and tear.

7. Always use distilled water to refill your battery

Never use tap water or any other type of water besides distilled water to refill your battery. Tap water can have minerals and chemicals that can harm your battery cells, shorten its lifespan, and reduce its performance.

Don’t	Do
Use tap water	Use distilled water
Ignore signs of wear and tear	Replace the battery if it’s over 5yrs old or showing signs of wear and tear
Touch the terminals with bare hands	Clean the terminals and connectors with a wire brush or corrosion cleaner