Battery water levels very low - should I top up?

VolvoRob38 · Aug 19th, 2019, 11:44

Just a quick one.

Just checked my battery (distilled water levels) and all are very low. Should I top these up as a matter of urgency?

Thanks

IainG · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:02

Hi
If all the cell levels are low I would be tempted to top us so the plates are covered + 1/4 ". I would then be tempted to check the charge voltage of the alternator/battery. Normally if cells go dry it can be an indication of over voltage/charging.
If you have a hydrometer might be worth checking SG of each cell after topping up and charging.

Iain

edinburger · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:05

batteries are so cheap now a days, and cars are funny when it comes to weak battery, i would just buy new one.

IainG · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:07

Hi

Quote:

Originally Posted by edinburger

batteries are so cheap now a days, and cars are funny when it comes to weak battery, i would just buy new one.

But if the alternator is overcharging it will trash the new battery as well.

Worth checking the charging is correct before changing the battery

Iain

VolvoRob38 · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:23

Hi, thanks for the quick response.

Looking on Halfords website a new battery for this car is between £100-£157, that's not that cheap in my eyes lol. Not when my little Corsa was only £45.

I'll go and get some distilled water from Halfords now and top up the cells. I've only had the car about 3 weeks so maybe (hopefully) it's just down to limited maintenance by the previous owner. Although it has got FSH.

I haven't got any tools to check the charge of the battery/alternator, but could I just top up, drive the car for a while and check the levels again in a few days/week to look for any change?

If it was to be an issue with the alternator over charging, what would cause that? An electrical glitch somewhere or the alternator on its way out??

Thanks for your help guys

edinburger · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainG

Hi

But if the alternator is overcharging it will trash the new battery as well.

Worth checking the charging is correct before changing the battery

Iain

good point

edinburger · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by VolvoRob38

Hi, thanks for the quick response.

Looking on Halfords website a new battery for this car is between £100-£157, that's not that cheap in my eyes lol. Not when my little Corsa was only £45.

I'll go and get some distilled water from Halfords now and top up the cells. I've only had the car about 3 weeks so maybe (hopefully) it's just down to limited maintenance by the previous owner. Although it has got FSH.

I haven't got any tools to check the charge of the battery/alternator, but could I just top up, drive the car for a while and check the levels again in a few days/week to look for any change?

If it was to be an issue with the alternator over charging, what would cause that? An electrical glitch somewhere or the alternator on its way out??

Thanks for your help guys

check

https://www.tayna.co.uk/

i bought few from them, good next day delivery.

FunkyMelon · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by VolvoRob38

Looking on Halfords website a new battery for this car is between £100-£157, that's not that cheap in my eyes lol. Not when my little Corsa was only £45.

Ring Volvo for a price, they are by far the best batteries and last a long time. It's one of the few items from Volvo that isn't day light robbery.

Paid under £100 for mine.

Clan · Aug 19th, 2019, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by VolvoRob38

Hi, thanks for the quick response.

Looking on Halfords website a new battery for this car is between £100-£157, that's not that cheap in my eyes lol. Not when my little Corsa was only £45.

I'll go and get some distilled water from Halfords now and top up the cells. I've only had the car about 3 weeks so maybe (hopefully) it's just down to limited maintenance by the previous owner. Although it has got FSH.

I haven't got any tools to check the charge of the battery/alternator, but could I just top up, drive the car for a while and check the levels again in a few days/week to look for any change?

If it was to be an issue with the alternator over charging, what would cause that? An electrical glitch somewhere or the alternator on its way out??

Thanks for your help guys

you never check Halfords for Battery prices !!, your volvo dealer has the correct one and probably the cheapest yet best quality you will find ...

VolvoRob38 · Aug 19th, 2019, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by edinburger

check

https://www.tayna.co.uk/

i bought few from them, good next day delivery.

Still £117 with delivery. The car is only £30 per year to tax but they get you in other ways anyway lol.

Aug 19th, 2019, 11:44	#1
VolvoRob38 Senior Member Last Online: Jan 26th, 2024 17:19 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester	Battery water levels very low - should I top up? Just a quick one. Just checked my battery (distilled water levels) and all are very low. Should I top these up as a matter of urgency? Thanks

Aug 19th, 2019, 12:02	#2
IainG Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 20:38 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Plymouth	Hi If all the cell levels are low I would be tempted to top us so the plates are covered + 1/4 ". I would then be tempted to check the charge voltage of the alternator/battery. Normally if cells go dry it can be an indication of over voltage/charging. If you have a hydrometer might be worth checking SG of each cell after topping up and charging. Iain

Aug 19th, 2019, 12:05	#3
edinburger New Member Last Online: Jan 10th, 2020 10:58 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Edinburgh	batteries are so cheap now a days, and cars are funny when it comes to weak battery, i would just buy new one.

Aug 19th, 2019, 12:23	#5
VolvoRob38 Senior Member Last Online: Jan 26th, 2024 17:19 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester	Hi, thanks for the quick response. Looking on Halfords website a new battery for this car is between £100-£157, that's not that cheap in my eyes lol. Not when my little Corsa was only £45. I'll go and get some distilled water from Halfords now and top up the cells. I've only had the car about 3 weeks so maybe (hopefully) it's just down to limited maintenance by the previous owner. Although it has got FSH. I haven't got any tools to check the charge of the battery/alternator, but could I just top up, drive the car for a while and check the levels again in a few days/week to look for any change? If it was to be an issue with the alternator over charging, what would cause that? An electrical glitch somewhere or the alternator on its way out?? Thanks for your help guys

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