Car Battery Water Fill Level

Using anything other then distilled water will cause permanent failure of your battery.

Car battery water fill level. Pour distilled water carefully into each cell until the fluid level reaches the maximum fill indicator. After charging add enough water to bring the level to the bottom of the vent about below the top of the cell. Tap water contains minerals that can diminish the performance of the battery and can increase the rate at which they self discharge. When your car battery is fully charged the water level should be level to the bottom of the tube.

Distilled water can be purchased at most grocery stores. Use only distilled water to fill the cells. Add water to the battery to bring the level to just below the bottom of the cell inspection hole. In an older battery that is not in good shape the water should cover the electrodes only.

In a new fully charged battery the water levels can be filled up to the bottom of the filler tube. Then use a battery charger to recharge the battery or just drive the car for a few days in normal service. While a battery should only be filled after it is completely charged you should check the water level before charging. Before charging make sure there is just enough water to cover any exposed plates.

In a old or dying battery the water should only be filled enough to cover the electrodes. Add the appropriate amount of distilled water according to the condition of your battery. Remove the caps from the cells and make a visual inspection of the water level. Do not over fill the water level.

Use only distilled water when filling a car battery. The proper fill level according to battery manufacturers is approximately 1 4 inch below the fill well bottom. Screw or push the battery caps back onto each cell to complete the task. It is important to make sure the level covers the plates inside the cell.

In a fully charged battery that is relatively new the level can be filled up to the bottom of the filler tube. Test your battery with a hydrometer and or a voltmeter to ensure the battery is fully charged. Fill the cells with distilled water. When adding more water make sure you use distilled water.

If the electrolyte levels in the cells are low plates are exposed fill each cell to just cover the plates. Visual inspection in the individual cells. If needed add distilled water and charge. This can cause the acid water mixture to leak.

Check the water level and state of charge every 45 60 days. The proper method recommended by most battery manufacturers is to add enough water so that the cell plates are completely submerged but not so much that the water is up to the battery case cell cap vents.