Saab 2001 9-3 - Manual (Page 202)

202 Car care
The liquid level in the car battery must be
checked at regular intervals.
Tap water contains salts and minerals that
accelerate the corrosion of the battery elec-
trodes, which can shorten the life of the bat-
tery.
The charge level should be checked with a
battery-acid tester. The specific gravity of
the acid in a fully charged battery should be
1.28. A specific gravity of 1.18 roughly indi-
cates a 50% charge.
If frequent short journeys are made in cold
weather, the battery may need to be given a
booster charge. This can be done either
using a battery charger or by taking the car
for a long drive.
A car with standard equipment and a fully
charged battery can be left for up to 40 days
and still have a sufficient charge for starting.
If extra equipment is fitted, such as a mobile
telephone, the time may be reduced to
about 15 days.
Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the battery and
the negative (blue) cable to its negative (-)
terminal. Always disconnect both battery
leads when boost charging the battery.
NOTE
Never use tap water to top up the battery.
Use distilled or boiled water.
NOTE
A discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from frost.
NOTE
• Don’t connect the battery terminals
+ and – the wrong way around.
• Serious damage can occur to the car’s
electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the
engine is running.
IB897
Taking out the battery
IB1
173
Correct fluid level in the battery