Ford 1997 Aspire Manual page 165

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top
of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain
the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal(s)
and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize
the acid with a solution of baking soda and
water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of
grease to the top of each battery terminal to help
prevent corrosion.
Battery Replacement
If your original equipment battery requires
replacement while under warranty, it will be
replaced with a Motorcraft service battery,
identical in design technology. Like the original
equipment battery, it should not require water
addition during its normal life of service;
however, for severe service usage or in high
temperature climates, check your battery
electrolyte level, at least every 24 months or
24,000 miles (40,000 km). Do not overfill the
battery cells.
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make
sure it is re-installed after the battery
is replaced.
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low,
you ca add plain tap water to the battery, as
long as you do not use hard water (water with a
high mineral or alkali content). If possible,
however, try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked.
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