Subaru 2004 Legacy - Manual (Page 459)

11-58
2Maintenance and service
Battery
y Before beginning work on or near any bat-
tery, be sure to extinguish all cigarettes, match-
es, and lighters. Never expose a battery to an
open flame or electric sparks. Batteries give off
a gas which is highly flammable and explosive.
y
For safety, in case an explosion does occur,
wear eye protection or shield your eyes when
working near any battery. Never lean over a bat-
tery.
y
Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin,
fabrics, or paint because battery fluid is a cor-
rosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or
in your eyes, immediately flush the area with
water thoroughly. Seek medical help immedi-
ately if acid has entered the eyes.
If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, imme-
diately drink a large amount of milk or water,
and seek medical attention immediately.
y
To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings,
metal watchbands, and other metal jewelry.
Never allow metal tools to contact the positive
battery terminal and anything connected to it
WHILE you are at the same time in contact with
any other metallic portion of the vehicle be-
cause a short circuit will result.
y
Keep everyone including children away from
the battery.
y
Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
y Battery posts terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-
cals known to the State of California to case
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands af-
ter handling.
Never use more than 10 amperes when charg-
ing the battery because it will shorten battery
life.
It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery fluid
level or periodically refill with distilled water.