What should be the density in the battery? How to check the density of the battery? How to increase the density of the battery?

Many car owners certainly had to deal with the problem of battery malfunction. It happens that the car has stood for 24 hours, and it becomes impossible to start it after that. In this case, even prolonged charging of the battery does not help. Similar symptoms indicate a decrease in the density of the electrolyte. About what should be the density in the battery, why it falls, and how to raise it to the desired level, we'll talk in this article.

Electrolyte and its density

Electrolyte is a solution consisting of sulfuric acid and distilled water. These components are contained in approximately equal parts: water - 1 part, sulfuric acid - 1.25 parts. Indicator 1.25 - this is the density of the car battery. The performance of the battery is directly dependent on this indicator - the higher it is,
The lower its freezing temperature, and it itself is in a satisfactory working condition. Knowing what should be the density in the battery, you can judge the actual state of your device.

Battery density measurement

Before you check the density of the battery, you should get a special device called a hydrometer. It is a device consisting of several rubber and glass elements.

Because Electrolyte is a dangerous chemical compound, before measuring its density, care must be taken to take precautionary measures, namely work to be carried out in rubber gloves, avoiding liquid contact with skin and clothing. It is strictly forbidden to smoke!

Open the jar of the jar, insert the tip of the device into it and use a pear to collect some electrolyte so that the float of the hydrometer floats freely in the body, without touching the bottom, side walls and top. Wait until the liquid in the device calms down, and keeping it at eye level, visually read the readings. Pass this procedure with all banks. If the density difference exceeds 0.01 g per cubic meter. Cm, then necessarily add distilled water or put the battery on the leveling charge. With a decrease in density to 1.24 g per cubic meter. Cm or less, the battery should be recharged.

Additional recommendations

It is important to know not only how to check the density of the battery with a hydrometer,
But also the rules for making corrections to the indication of the instrument in specific temperature conditions. The optimum temperature of the electrolyte for measuring its density is +15 - + 25 ° C, but if it is necessary to perform this procedure at a higher or lower temperature, then the readings need to be corrected.

Do not find out what is the density in the battery, after there recently
There was a lot of water, or after repeated attempts to start the starter. After completing all procedures, thoroughly rinse the hydrometer with water.

How to raise the density in the battery?

The simplest way to maintain the required level of electrolyte in the battery is to top up the distilled water. However, most car owners forget or do not know that periodically it is necessary to measure the density of the battery. Water over time boils out, and with it an electrolyte, which leads to a decrease in density, sometimes to a critical level. When the battery is at all
Refuses to work, then immediately there is a burning question: "How to raise the density in the battery?"

Using the instructions below, you can independently extend the life of the battery. However, remember that this procedure requires special attention and accuracy.

Precautionary measures

• Use extreme caution when working with electrolyte: all actions should be carried out in goggles and rubber gloves.
• If you dilute the electrolyte yourself, you should add acid to the water, but not vice versa! These fluids have different densities, and serious burns can result from the error.
• Do not turn the battery upside down. As a result, the active surface of the plates can fall off and cause a short circuit.
• Prepare in advance the containers for draining the old electrolyte and preparing the new mixture.
• Pre-check the plastic that will be used to seal the holes, the resistance to electrolyte.
• Remember that a charged battery will have a high density.

Preparatory stage

In order to raise the density of the electrolyte battery, you will need:
• hydrometer;
• Measuring capacity;
• an enema-pear;
• soldering iron;
• Drill;
• electrolyte;
• battery acid;
• distilled water.

How to increase the density of electrolyte in the battery: detailed instructions

We measure the density of electrolyte in each bank. Remembering what should be
Density in the battery, we compare our real indicators. So, if the density is 1.25-1.28, and the spread of values in each bank does not exceed 0.01, then the battery is fully functional, and it does not need any procedures. If the indicators vary at the level of 1,18-1,20, the only option is to top up the electrolyte with a density of 1.27.

• From one bank, use the enema-pear to pump out the maximum amount of old electrolyte and measure its volume.
• Add a fresh solution in an amount equal to half of the suction.
• Actively, but gently shake the battery to mix fluids.
• Measure the density. If the value is not what the density in the battery should be, add another ½ of the electrolyte from the remaining amount. The operation should be repeated until the required indicators are obtained.
• Pour out the rest with distilled water.

What to do with a critical density level

If the density index is lower than 1.18, then it is impossible to solve this problem by topping up the electrolyte. In this case, you need battery acid, which has a significantly higher density. This process is similar to the electrolyte addition scheme. If the desired results were not achieved once, repeat the procedure the required number of times.
If the battery density is even lower than 1.18, then it is necessary to resort to the procedure of complete replacement of the electrolyte. For this, the maximum amount of solution must be pumped out with a pear immediately. Then, on the battery banks, tightly close the air vents of the plugs. Place the battery on its side and drill 3-3.5mm holes in the bottom of each can one by one. Before making another hole, drain the remaining electrolyte from the previous one.

Next, rinse the battery thoroughly with distilled water. After that, seal the drilled holes with acid-resistant plastic (for example, you can use plugs with an unnecessary battery for this).
Having done all the preparatory procedures, you can start pouring fresh electrolyte. In this case, it is recommended to use a solution prepared independently, the density of which will be slightly higher than that provided for your climatic zone. It should be noted that even a complete replacement of the electrolyte in the old battery will not be able to provide the same lifetime as the new battery.

Tip: if you want the battery to serve you as long as possible, do not forget to load it in time and check its density periodically.