WARNING: Never disconnect the battery while the engine is running or the ignition is on. This can cause serious and costly damage to the onboard computer. After turning off the ignition and pulling out the key for reliability, disconnect, first of all, the negative (-) battery terminal and connect it last.
When the battery is disconnected, various semiconductor devices in the vehicle may lose data in their memory. Get ready to re-program your radio and watch.
Check the battery cables for fraying and wear, and replace any that are damaged. Cables are easy to clean: accumulated white powder and corrosion can be cleaned from the top of the battery with an old toothbrush and a solution of baking soda and water.
Make sure the vent holes in each cover are not clogged with grease or dirt. These holes allow the hydrogen produced by the chemical reaction in the battery to escape.
Check the battery electrolyte level at least once a month, or more frequently in hot weather or during periods of heavy vehicle use. The level must be maintained between the top and bottom markings on the battery case, or along the bottom edge of the round hole in each cell. If the level is low, top up the battery with distilled water. Avoid using tap water; the mineral salts it contains will shorten battery life by reacting with the metal plates inside the battery. Each battery cell is completely independent of the others, so keep this in mind when pouring distillate. To avoid splashing of the electrolyte during filling, it is convenient to use a pear.
Vehicles that are regularly driven at high speeds and over long distances require more frequent battery maintenance, as the constant recharging causes water to evaporate.
At least once a year, check the condition of the electrolyte. For this you need a hydrometer. The result it will show at room temperature should be between 1.22 and 1.28 g/cm3. If it shows 1.00 g/cm3 or slightly higher, this means that the electrical process has stopped, i.e. The battery contains only water. In such cases, you need to buy a new battery. You can't just add acid to an old battery. If water is added in cold weather, you will need to drive several miles for the water to mix with the electrolyte and not freeze.
If the electrolyte sloshes out of the battery while adding water, the mixture of baking soda and water will be able to neutralize the acid. Traces of electrolyte should be washed off with cold water after making sure the cell caps are screwed on. Battery fluid is particularly hazardous to painted surfaces, so be careful when handling to avoid dripping on the guard and other painted parts.
If recharging is required and the battery is in the car, then disconnect the terminals, first of all the negative one. If you have removed the battery from the car, make sure it is not on bare ground or concrete while charging. A block of wood or a small stack of newspapers will prevent the battery from getting cold during the charging process.
When replacing the battery, it is necessary that the new one has output parameters equal to or even greater than that of the one being replaced. Do not confuse physical dimensions with electrical capacity. Stronger battery (capable of delivering more power) does not have to be larger than the original. The size and capacity of the batteries is indicated by a two-digit code on the label or case.
CAUTION: Keep the battery away from sparks or flames as it gives off explosive hydrogen. The battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid and if it accidentally comes into contact with your skin or eyes, rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water.
Most Accord and Prelude vehicles come with low maintenance batteries. But this does not mean at all that the battery does not need to be periodically inspected and cleaned.
The liquid level on such batteries can be observed through a plastic window embedded in the side wall of the case. The body has UPPER and LOWER markers embossed into the plastic; fluid should be between the pins. With a lack of liquid, you can drink it. Moreover, some batteries have a peephole or a built-in hydrometer. By visual observation through the peephole, you can judge the condition of the battery. If the eye is green, there is some charge in the battery, but it is not. necessarily complete (may need to be recharged). When the battery is low, it has a black eye, in which case the battery needs to be recharged.
CAUTION: If the eye is yellow or cloudy yellow-white, do not attempt to recharge the battery. Replace it with a new one.