B10-Wednesday, February 20, 1980 - North Shore News The British Columbia Automobile Association has found that 50 per cent of their Emergency Road Service calls in 1979 were due to neglected batteries, even those that are low- maintenance or service-free. Leaving lights on as well as loose or defective alternator belts and battery cables are the main causes of battery failure for all types of batteries. Winter, with its bad weather and low temperatures, creates more demands on your car’s battery. To make sure you get a charge out of your battery, the BCAA reminds you to follow a _ regular maintenance schedule that includes battery care. Keep your battery in shape way to lose the sulfuric acid portion is by spillage or leakage, so make sure your battery hold-down clamps are neither too loose — which could allow the battery to shift, or too tight — which could crack the battery case. The water portion of the solution in conventional batteries, however is subject to normal evaporation. So, at least once a month, check the level of the electrolyte in the battery and if low, add water (distilled is best, but O.K. to use Clean tap water.) Before starting your check, remember that the electrolyte solution as well as the gases it produces, auto A battery that does not crank the engine over does not necessarily mean a battery that has to be replaced. In winter, not only will a battery require more energy for starting, but with cold, foggy days and early darkness, operating the heater and lights will create an additional drain of energy. A lot of stalled cars with low battery voltage. however. require only a simple battery recharging at a relatively low cost. In addition cold weather causes the battery's” ef- ficiency to arop. INSPECT LEVELS If a fully-charged battery operates at top efficiency at 25 degrees Celcius, it would only operate at aboul 65 per cent efficiency at 0 degrees. These are some of the reasons why it is even more crucial in winter to inspect fluid level regularly, keep the battery free of acid corrosion build-up. and make sure cable connections and hold-down clamps are ught and clean. One of the main causes of conventional battery failure is not adding water when needed Battery fluid consists of a solution of sulfumc acid and water called electrolyte. The only which extend outside the battery case, are highly combustible. Don't bring sparks or open flames, lighted cigarettes, or any other fire source near the battery. Also, be extremely careful with watches or jewellery, such as bracelets, rings, etc., near the battery; they are all capable of shorting out and could cause injury. Safety glasses are also recom- mended by the auto club. TURN ENGINE OFF To check the fluid level, bring the car to a_ well ventilated area and turn the engine off. Remove the battery vent caps (con- ventional battery) and examine each of the cells separately. The fluid should be filled just above the tops of the plates, but not to the brim. If the = electrolyte (hquid) in a cell is low, fill to the “ring” of its filler well, but no further. with distilled FREE JUNK CAR PICK-UP LIVINGSTON‘S 24 HOUR 437-3063 FREE BRAKE INSPECTION PREVENT EXPENSIVE _ BRAKE REPAIRS STOP SHOP GET A FREE BRAKE» INSPECTION TODAY!!! WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL *14.95 STOP SHOP. ALSO IN VANCOUVER 986-1161 1350 Marine Dr. N.Van. | Open Saturdays BURNABY. - RICHMOND - COQUITLAM water or clean lap water. Be careful not to spl&sh the electrolyte containing acid on to your skin or clothing. Should this hap- pen, immediately wash off the liquid with a solution of two ounces of baking soda to one litre of water. Always wash your hands thoroughly after working around a car battery before touching anything. Should the electrolyte get in your eyes. DO NOT rub the eyes. Flush the eyes immediately with generous amounts of water, then a one-percent solution of baking soda and water, and cali your doctor. Overfilling a battery can cause the electrolyte to bubble over. Since the fluid is very corrosive, it will cause white acid deposits around the terminals. Remember that the elec- trolyte can corrode metal parts and also affect your car's finish — so be extra careful when working with the battery. Many new batteries have side posts designed for less maintenance. These types Should still be inspected regularly. Whether you have this type or the more con- ventional variety, if corrosion is built up on the battery case, tray, or hold- down clamps, clean them thoroughly. This can be done with a mixture of four tablespoons of baking soda in a litre of water. Use this solution to clean the battery case, tray, and hold-down clamps. Be sure to avoid any possibility of getting any of this washing solution in the cells by sealing off the holes in the battery caps. Replace any mussing or damaged caps. Clean off norma! dirt and grease with detergent RINSE WELL Afterwards. rinse the battery with water and dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. If necessary, paint tray and clamps with acid- resistant paint (do not paint . the terminals). It is also a good idea to make sure you are getting the maximum charge by cleaning and inspecting the cables. Remove the ground cable (negative) first, then the positive one ‘use a battery cable puller don't prv or hit), and clean each post and terminal with a_ batterv brush. Then reconnect first the positive cable. then the negalive one they are tight If the cables have worn insulation, broken wire strands, or loose or damaged connectors, replace them After tghtening, cover the posts and terminals with petroleum jelly. or a special conductive grease. Be sure the batterv hold-down clamps are snug Check battery fluid level at least monthly and keep the battery free from acid corrosion build up. 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