BATTERY CARE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXX, Issue 13622, 21 April 1942, Page 3

BATTERY CARE

USE A lIYDROMETEK

WARNING OF CONDITION'S THAT MEAN TROUBLE As a measure against sudden battery failure in these days of shorter and more infrequent runs to provide charging, motorists should make regular use of the siphon hydrometer. It, instead 01" waiting for the usual signs of battery deterioration, the owner would make a regular practice of taking specific gravity readings of the electrolyte in his battery. he would be aware, well in advance of impending exhaustion, that his battery needed an independent charge. He would thus not only save himself a few pounds and much inconvenience, but would, incidentally, greatly contribute to the war effort. It is unnecessary to stress the present shortage of batteries just now—batteries are needed for nearly every machine of war. Readings on the hydrometer should be taken every three to four weeks to guard against a gradual deterioration due to undercharging. If the car Is to be laid up for more than one month the battery should be taken off and put into the care of a service station for periodic freshening charges. The siphon hydrometer is easy to use. It is inserted in the battery cell and filled with electrolyte; a reading is then given on the specific gravity scale, which looks rather like a clinical thermometer. If the specimen of electrolyte gives a reading thirty points below the manufacturers' stated specific gravity or below the specific gravity at which the battery is known to be fully charged, the battery needs an independent charge. It is important to note that the level of the electrolyte should never be allowed to fall lower than about an eighth of an inch above the plates of the battery. The addition of distilled water to maintain this approximate height is important, in taking an accurate hydrometer reading.