Operation In Winter - KODA Citigo Owner's Manual

Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Checking the battery electrolyte level

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 127.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
›
High outside temperatures.
›
Long daily drives
›
After each charge » page 129.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 110, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
›
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
›
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Fig. 110
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
 ■
the inspection service.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description "AGM", the electrolyte
■
level cannot be checked.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
■
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.

Operation in winter


First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 127.
At low temperatures, the vehicle battery only has part of the initial power output
that it has at normal temperatures.
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0
°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a specialist ga-
rage before the start of winter, and recharged if necessary.
Charging a vehicle battery

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 127.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only for "quick-charging": Disconnect both battery cables (first of all "negative",
then "positive").
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = "posi-
tive", black = "negative").
›
Only now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the device.
›
When charging is completed: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery, if necessary (first of all "positive", then
"negative").
129
Inspecting and replenishing

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