How to Check/Refill the Battery Electrolyte in a Nissan Altima

If you own a Nissan Altima, you know you have a reliable car with high fuel ratings. Though you need to have regular tune-ups and maintenance to ensure your Altima's performance, some things, such as checking the battery electrolyte, are easy to do at home with just a few tools.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver

Checking a Maintenance-Free Battery

1. Park your Nissan Altima and turn the engine off. Open the hood and locate the battery.

2. Use the hydrometer outside the battery to check the electrolyte fluid levels if you have a sealed battery. A green eye indicates that the battery is charged and has electrolyte fluid. A dark eye indicates that the battery has enough fluid but the charge isn't significant. A yellow eye indicates that the battery does not have enough charge or fluid.

3. Replace your maintenance-free battery if the yellow eye shows on the hydrometer.

Checking and Filling a Traditional Cell Battery

4. Pry the caps off each cell on the battery with a screwdriver.

5. Look at each of the fluid levels. There will be an indicator line on the outside of each cell.

6. Add distilled water to any of the cells with fluid below the indicator line.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your battery's fluid level once a month or more often during hot summer months.
• Don't add regular drinking water to your battery. There are chemicals that can ruin your car's battery.
• If you add distilled water during cold temperatures be sure to drive your car for several miles. The water will mix with the electrolyte and your battery won't freeze.
• Battery electrolyte fluid is sulfuric acid and is hazardous if you get it on your skin. Wash with cold water immediately if you do it spill on your skin. Work around the battery with care and precaution. Wear protective eye glasses and gloves.
• Don't add regular drinking water to your battery. The chemicals in it can ruin your car's battery.

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