do they last as long as the maintainance free ones?are they worth the "hassle"?heard that only need to top up water once a year.if it's true it should be ok.anyone have any good recommendations for a non-maintainance free battery?thanks!
2007-03-09 10:44:07 · 6 answers · asked by ABKT 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The serviceable batteries usually last longer than the maintenance free ones. About once a season, pop off the caps and fill each cell as necessary. The main reason for maintenance free's going bad is because of low fluid. Since there is no way of filling them, they have to be replaced. On the serviceable ones, if you keep them filled, along with keeping the terminals and the battery case clean, it will last you a long time.
2007-03-09 10:50:52 · answer #1 · answered by shopteacher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep your eye on the electrolyte level, and when it is time to add water use distilled water available at the supermarket. The amount of water consumed depends on the ''charging'' the battery will be subjected to. This in turn is determined by your battery usage. So if you do a lot of night time driving using lights etc. or if you start your vehicle many times during the day, your battery will charge more often and thus more water. But as you have heard, you don't need to add very often. Give it a look every 6 months and that should do. In case you are wondering where the ''water goes'' as a battery charges or discharges the electrolyte (acid) releases hydrogen gas. The hydrogen in water replaces the hydrogen that vented as gas.
2007-03-09 10:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like everything anymore the idea of "maintenance free" is supposed to be better. Its a gimmick and a selling point but in batteries it means very little. From my experience a battery with caps that you can check the electrolyte level is very little hassle and they do seem to last longer. Just check the level when you change your oil and top it off with good quality water up the the little indicator in each cell.
2007-03-09 12:32:27 · answer #3 · answered by lwjksu89 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regular batteries that require maintenance (adding distilled water) are fine. In fact all my cars have them (2006 Toyota, 2005 Scion and 2001 and 2004 Infinity). I would rather have them and check the water a few times a year and know its good then wonder about them. I sold my 1996 toyota a few months back with the original battery!
2007-03-09 10:53:34 · answer #4 · answered by mark t 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The construction of both types is exactly the same. The only difference is that if you accidentally run you maintainance free battery down to nothing a couple of times, there is no way to refill the lost water. Something to think about...
2007-03-09 10:49:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never done a scientific study on the subject, but they're fine. I'd check the water more than once a year. I never actually did it by the calendar, but once a month isn't excessive to check all your levels, not just the battery.
2007-03-09 10:56:29 · answer #6 · answered by The Bird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋