Can a Water-Added Battery Be Charged Immediately?
1 Answers
After adding water (distilled or purified water) to a battery, it should not be charged immediately. Allow it to rest for 1-2 hours before charging. This is because the newly added water needs to fully mix with the original battery fluid (dilute sulfuric acid) to ensure the quality of the charging process. Of course, for some new batteries that already contain the original fluid, they can be charged immediately since the solution inside does not need to fuse. Precautions for charging a water-added battery: When removing the positive and negative terminals, always follow the sequence of "negative terminal first, then positive terminal" (the opposite of the installation sequence). This is because after connecting the negative terminal, a circuit is effectively formed in the vehicle. If the positive terminal is connected last, there is a risk that the wrench (which is conductive) might accidentally touch the car's metal parts, effectively connecting the battery's positive and negative terminals. This can not only cause a short circuit in the car battery but may also lead to "sparking" in severe cases. Additionally, it is best to avoid overcharging the battery. Although the current generated during charging is not very high, prolonged boiling of the electrolyte can cause fine particles on the surface of the active material to detach easily. In severe cases, it may also oxidize the grid, leading to the loosening and separation of the active material from the grid.