Answer
Oct 13, 2025 - 05:32 PM
Actually, if you have a vehicle manufactured in the last 10 years, you most likely have a maintenance-free battery that does not require water.
So Maintenance-free/sealed (AGM, gel, and modern flooded): you do not add water. Stop here.
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Serviceable flooded lead-acid batteries mainly found in golf carts, RVs, larger boats, and agricultural equipment (removable caps): you can add distilled water.
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How often to check
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Normal use: every 30–45 days.
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Hot weather, heavy use, or frequent charging (short trips, lots of idling): every 2–4 weeks.
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After any deep discharge or long charging session: check once it cools.
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When to add water
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Only after the battery is fully charged (electrolyte level rises during charge).
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Pop the caps. The plates must be fully covered. If low, top up to just below the split ring/level indicator—about 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm) below the bottom of the fill tube. Don’t overfill.
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What water to use
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Distilled water only. No tap, filtered, or bottled spring water (minerals = shorter life).
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Safety & technique
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Wear eye protection and gloves. Acid burns.
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Use a squeeze bottle so you control the flow.
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If electrolyte is below plate tops, add just enough distilled water to cover plates, charge fully, then re-check and finish topping to the correct level.
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Red flags (time to test/replace)
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Needing to add a lot of water frequently → overcharging or failing battery/alternator.
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Crusty white/green corrosion, rotten-egg smell, or a hot battery after charging → get it load-tested and charging system checked.
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One cell is repeatedly low while others are fine → internal fault; plan on replacement.
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