Batteries can be dangerous to work with and handle; always follow the battery safety tips shown below.

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Battery Safety Tips

• Battery acid is highly corrosive and will severely injure eyes or any skin it comes into contact with. Always wear eye protection and gloves when working with batteries, and never tip or drain the battery.
• If any acid is splashed in the eyes, rinse immediately for several minutes with water and consult a doctor immediately. Acid splashed onto skin or clothes may be neutralised with baking soda or soap suds and rinsed with plenty of water.
• Always be careful not to cause a short circuit between connection cables, or the frame with the battery terminals, even momentary short circuits with metal tools.
• NEVER dispose of old batteries as domestic waste; both the acid and the lead are highly toxic and must be treated as hazardous waste. Dispose only at an approved battery disposal site.
• When batteries are charged, they release a highly explosive oxyhydrogen gas mixture, which may the battery to explode if it comes into contact with sparks or naked flames.
• Keep children away from batteries.

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Checking the Battery

1. Lift and secure the bonnet.
2. Most batteries have a indicator to show their condition; this is usually situated in a window on the top.
3. Lift battery cover and check the indicator; in general the condition of the battery is indicated by the following colours:
   • Blue - good
   • Red - add distilled water
   • White - charging necessary
   Some batteries may use a different indication system; check the explanatory label on the battery for further information.
4. If the battery indicates that it needs more fluid (and is the type that may be filled), prise out the vent-plugs and slowly add distilled water (never tap water or filtered water) until the level reaches the top of the battery grids. Do not overfill.
5. Make sure that the battery terminals are not loose; if necessary, tighten them up with a wrench, taking care not to make contact between the two terminals.

Maintaining the Battery

If the battery terminals or clamps are corroded, they may need to be cleaned. However, before starting work, make sure that you have the codes needed to re-programme the stereo and other systems that will be affected if you disconnect the battery.

1. Using a wrench, loosen and remove the cables from the terminals. Always remove the black negative (-) connection first, followed by the red positive (+).
2. Mix together some baking soda with a little water, and pour this solution over the terminals. The mixture will fizz and turn brown; when it stops reacting, wash it away with water.
3. Dry the battery with a paper towel and then reconnect the terminals; add the positive (+) connection first, followed by the negative (-).
4. Coat the terminals with grease to prevent any further corrosion.

Charging the Battery

If your car battery needs charging, you may be able to do this by simply taking the car out on an hour's drive that includes plenty of open-roads. However, if the battery is flat or almost so, you can charge it using a specialist battery charger. Before starting, make sure that you have the codes necessary to re-programme any systems that will be affected when you disconnect the battery.

1. Disconnect the battery by removing the black negative (-) connection first, followed by the red positive (+).
2. Remove the battery from the vehicle and set it next to the battery charger in a well ventilated area.
3. Connect the red positive (+) connection of the battery to the positive output of the charger, then the black negative (-) connection to the negative.
4. Connect the charger to the mains and switch on. A light should come on to indicate that the charger is working. If not; unplug the charger from the mains and check that the leads are correctly attached to the battery.
5. Once the charging cycle has completed, a second light or other indication will show,
6. Disconnect the charger from the mains.
7. Remove the black negative (-) connection first, followed by the red positive (+).
8. Reinstall the battery into the vehicle, making sure that the red positive lead is connected first.

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