When Should You Add Extra Sulfuric Acid to Your Battery?

Sulfuric acid and distilled water are combined to make battery fluid. This solution is referred to as an electrolyte. Adding electrolytes to a car battery is a complicated matter, so before you attempt to service your own battery, we suggest you understand when you need to add extra water and sulfuric acid to your battery.

A fully charged battery’s electrolyte is made up of around 40% sulfuric acid and 60% water. The positive and negative electrodes of the battery convert into lead sulfate as the battery drains. During this process, the electrolyte loses a significant amount of its sulfuric acid content, resulting in a relatively mild solution.

Batteries use water rather than sulfuric acid during typical operations. When the electrolyte in the battery becomes low, it’s a good idea to top it out with water. If electrolytes leak out for any cause, the car battery should be refilled with acid to replenish itself. 

Sulfuric acid is present in both non-maintenance-free and maintenance-free batteries.  When a non-maintenance-free battery drains and recharges, the battery fluid transforms into a gas and evaporates. This needs periodic refilling of the battery fluid. Not topping it off can lead to the battery dying prematurely. 

How to know when you need to add extra sulfuric acid?

• Some batteries have a visible battery indication. If it is yellow, it typically indicates that the battery fluid level has dropped or that the battery is faulty. 
• Having trouble starting due to low crank, dimmer lights,  and other electrical issues.
• Non-maintenance-free batteries can be examined by removing the fill caps on the top of the cell.

Maintenance-free batteries, on the other hand, are designed to keep battery fluid levels stable without the need for replenishing and cannot be monitored even if you want to.

It is critical that owners do not add extra sulfuric acid to the battery on their own. It can cause serious burns if not handled carefully. We suggest you take assistance from professionals in case your battery needs replacement battery acid.