Mazda 2009 Mazda3 4-Door Owner's Manual page 320

Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
NOTE
Remove the battery cover before performing
battery maintenance.
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
Keep it securely mounted.
l
Keep the top clean and dry.
l
Keep terminals and connections clean,
l
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
Rinse off spilled electrolyte
l
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
If the vehicle will not be used for an
l
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
8-34
Battery cover
qInspecting Electrolyte Level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause
the battery to discharge quickly.
Upper level
Lower level
Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a
week. If it's low, remove the caps and add
enough distilled water to bring the level
between the upper and lower level
(illustration).
Don't overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the
electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially
during cold weather. If it's low, recharge
the battery.