1. Safety First:
- Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent any accidents or injuries.
- Ensure the vehicle engine is turned off and has cooled down.
- Never smoke, use an open flame, or create sparks near the battery area.
2. Identify Battery Type:
- Determine what type of battery your vehicle has (lead-acid, AGM, or gel), and refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the correct type of battery acid.
3. Open the Battery:
- Locate the battery terminals (usually marked with "+" and "-").
- Remove the caps or vent plugs from the battery cells to allow access to the battery acid.
4. Check Acid Levels:
- Inspect the battery cells and observe the acid levels.
- If the acid level is significantly below the recommended level indicated on the battery case or the plates are exposed, you may need to add acid.
5. Add Acid Carefully:
- Use a funnel to slowly pour the battery acid into each cell.
- Do not overfill the cells. The liquid should cover the battery plates without completely submerging them.
6. Reinstall Caps/Plugs:
- Once you've added the appropriate amount of acid, securely replace the caps or vent plugs on the battery cells.
7. Clean Up:
- If you spilled any acid during the process, clean it up immediately with a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse thoroughly with water.
8. Initial Charging:
- After adding acid, it's recommended to let the battery sit for a few minutes to allow the acid to mix thoroughly.
- Then, you should charge the battery according to the manufacturer's guidelines to bring it to a full charge.
Remember that adding battery acid can be potentially hazardous, so it's advisable to consult the battery manufacturer's manual or seek professional help if you're not confident in performing the task.
