There are many different factors that prevent a car engine from starting. One of them is battery discharge. But not everyone knows that battery charging can be judged by the density of its electrolyte. How can this density be determined?
It is necessary
Acid meter, hydrometer, battery, tester
Instructions
Step 1
Measurement of the density of the electrolyte of the battery should be carried out only if at least 6 hours have passed since its charge. First you need to unscrew all the battery cell plugs.
Step 2
We take a measuring device called an acid meter and lower it, holding it vertically in the battery cell. The device is a glass flask, inside of which there is a float - a hydrometer with a scale of divisions, and at the end of the device there is a rubber "pear" serving for electrolyte selection. With its help, we collect the required amount of acid, allowing the hydrometer to float freely. We look at the scale of the device, take readings. With a high density electrolyte, the float will float higher. The unit of measure for density is kilogram per cubic decimeter, liter.
Step 3
We compare our readings with the data from the table, already previously calculated by specialists. If the battery was operated in areas with normal climatic conditions, its density should be at least 1.24 kilograms per liter. The difference in measurements in other battery cells is no more than 0.03 kilograms per liter. If the density is low, the battery needs to be charged.
Step 4
Upon receipt of satisfactory readings, tighten the plugs. It is necessary to use plugs that are native to your battery, which should have gaskets.
Step 5
If the readings of the device have not reached the nominal values, we change the battery.
After checking the density of the electrolyte, the battery is checked with a load on a tester. Its readings allow you to judge the condition of the battery.
