If you’re like most people you probably don’t think too much about your car battery. You know it’s there it starts your car and that’s about it. However if you’re not careful you can end up doing some serious damage to your battery – and your car.
One of the most common questions we get asked here at Battery Solutions is whether or not it’s safe to use distilled water in a car battery. The short answer is no it’s not safe. The long answer is a little more complicated.
Here’s the deal: car batteries are filled with a mixture of water and sulphuric acid. This mixture is what allows the battery to create the electrical charge that starts your car. When you use distilled water in your battery you’re diluting the sulphuric acid which reduces the battery’s ability to create a charge.
In addition distilled water has a lower freezing point than regular water which means it can actually damage your battery if the temperature gets too low. So if you live in an area with cold winters using distilled water in your battery is a particularly bad idea.
If you’re worried about your battery’s water level it’s best to check it regularly and top it up with distilled water if necessary. However if you do need to add water to your battery make sure you use distilled water – and not regular tap water.
While it’s not safe to use distilled water in your car battery there are other ways to keep your battery healthy and working properly. If you have any questions about car batteries or battery maintenance feel free to contact us – we’re always happy to help!
Is it okay to put distilled water in my car battery?
Answer: Yes it is perfectly fine to use distilled water to top off your car battery.
How often should I check my battery’s water level?
Answer: You should check your battery’s water level at least once a month.
What are the signs that my car battery needs water?
Answer: The signs that your car battery needs water are corrosion on the battery terminals a slow engine cranking sound or the battery light on your dashboard coming on.
What happens if I don’t add water to my car battery?
Answer: If you don’t add water to your car battery it will eventually overheat and cause the battery to fail.
Can I use distilled water from the grocery store?
Answer: Yes you can use distilled water from the grocery store to top off your car battery.
What is the best way to clean my car battery terminals?
Answer: The best way to clean your car battery terminals is to use a mixture of baking soda and water.
What happens if I use tap water instead of distilled water?
Answer: If you use tap water instead of distilled water the minerals in the water can cause corrosion on the battery terminals.
Can I add water to my car battery while it’s running?
Answer: No you should not add water to your car battery while it’s running.
What is the proper way to add water to my car battery?
Answer: The proper way to add water to your car battery is to remove the battery cap and slowly pour the water into the battery until it reaches the fill line.
Is it necessary to add water to my car battery if it’s new?
Answer: No it’s not necessary to add water to a new car battery.
Will adding water to my car battery cause it to leak?
Answer: No adding water to your car battery will not cause it to leak.
What is the shelf life of a car battery?
Answer: The shelf life of a car battery is typically three to five years.
Can I extend the life of my car battery?
Answer: Yes you can extend the life of your car battery by regularly checking the water level and keeping the terminals clean.
What are some tips for storing a car battery?
Answer: Some tips for storing a car battery are to keep it in a cool dry place and to make sure the terminals are covered.
How can I tell if my car battery is bad?
Answer: Some signs that your car battery is bad are if it won’t hold a charge if it leaks or if it emits a sulphuric smell.
