The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-08-18
STORAGE BATTERY
 NEEDS ATTENTION
Should Be Examined Ere quently to Ensure Satis-
 factory Service.

Storage batteries are 11tted on prac- tically all of the modern automobiles being provided as regular equipment in conjunction with the electric start ing and lighting system. There is nothing about the makeup of a mo- tor car that demands more care and attention. Batteries are for the most part neglected needlessly. The saf- est course when one Is in doubt is to consult, an expert, which costs noth- ing. Any of the local battery stations will gladly inspect battery to see if it is in good working order. For the benefit of those who do not find it convenient to consult the battery ex- perts, the following instructions is- sued by the electrical equipment di- vision of the Society of Automobile Engineers are given. Close observ- ance of what is hereinafter set forth will result in uniformity of service. It need hardly be suggested that this information was compiled by men prominent in the electrical field ia- solar as it relates to the automobile problems.
 1-Batteries must be properly in- stalled.
 Keep battery securely fastened in place.
 Battery must be accessible to fa- cilitate regular adding of water to, and occasional testing of. solution. Battery compartment must be venti- lated, and drained, must keep out wa ter, oil and dirt and must not afford opportunity for, anything to be laid on top of battery. Battery should have free air space on all sides, should rest on cleats rather an on a solid bottom and holding devices should grip case or case handles. A cover, cleat or bar pressing down on the cells or, terminafs must not be used.
 2-Keep battery and interior of battery compartment wiped clean and dry.
 Do not permit an open flame near the battery.
 Keep all small articles, especially of metal, out of and away from the battery. Keep terminals and connec- tions coated with vase1ine or grease. If solution has stopped or spilled, wipe off with waste wet with ammonia wa ter.
 3-Pure water must be aoded to all cells regularly and at sufficient fre- quent intervals to keep the solution at the proper height.
 The proper height for the Solution is usually given on the instruction or name-plate on the battery. In all cases the solution must cover the bat tery plates
 The frequency with which water must be added depends largely upon the battery, the system with which 1t is used and the condition of opera ton. Once every two weeks is rec commended as good practice in cool weather; once every week in hot weather.
 Plugs must be removed to add water; then replaced and screwed home after filling.
 Do not use acid or e1ectrolyte, only pure water.
 Do not use any water known to contain even small quantities of salts of any kind. Distilled water, melted artificial ice or fresh rain water are recommended.
 Use only clean non-metallic ves- sell
 Add water regularly. although the battery may seem to work all right without 1t.
 41The best way to ascertain the condition of the battery is to test the specific gravity (density) of the solution in each cell with a hydro- meter.
 This should be done regularly.
 A convenient time is when adding water. but the reading should be taken before, rather than after. ad- ding the water.
 A reliable specific gravity test ean-i not be made after adding water and before it has been mixed by charging the battery or by running the car,
 Use an hydremstsr syringe te test the specific gravity of the electrefyts, To take a reading. insert the end of the rubber tube in tfa cell, Squeeze and then slowly release tha rubber bulb, drawing Up e1eetrs1yte from ths cell until the hydFemeter floats. The reading on the graduated stem of the hydrometer at the point where it emerges from the solution is the spe cific gravity of the electrolyte. After testing, the electrolyte must always be returned to the cell from which if was drawn.
 The gravity reading is expressed in points: thus the difference be- tween 1,250 and 1.275 is 25 points.
 5-When all cells are in good or der the gravity will test about the same (within 25 points, in all.
 Gravity above 1900 indicates bat tery more than half charged.
 Gravity be1ow 200 but ahoua