keep below tools with you at home
1) Hydrometer (cheap)
2) AC/DC Clamp type Multi meter. you can use this for a LOT of work around the house. (i got mastech brand, its chinese, reasonable priced and good quality. if you want the best, go for Uni-T or Fluke, Sanwa is also good)
3) Separate 10 Amp Battery charger. (get a chinese one, its cheap around 1000 Pkr and works)
4) a good set of pliers with soft grip.
5) A multi tip Screw driver set. ratcheting screw driver with interchangeable tips. Milwaukee or Black and Decker.
signs of a discharged battery, bad specific gravity, measure with hydrometer, reading should be 12.5 to 12.7 for good charge good electrolyte battery. and thing less and battery needs charging. too less could mean bad electrolyte.
if too high, like 13, you need to dilute with Distilled water only. I have found AGS battery tonic to be proper distilled water. tested it with TDS meter.
bad battery signs: rapid discharge, fully charged battery should be showing about 13.8 volts, while charging it should show 14.4 volts. when you stop the car and check battery voltages, and find it dropping to 12 and below, it means the battery is bad.
on the average, i have found batteries to last about 1.5 years in pakistan.
keep the water topped up. DONOT let the battery run dry. once dry, its good as dead.
