Checking The Battery Electrolyte Level - Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual

Checking the battery electrolyte level

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First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 224.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 188, 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.
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Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
›
High external temperatures.
›
Longer day trips.
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After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
226
General Maintenance
Fig. 188
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
CAUTION
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description "AGM", the electrolyte lev-
el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 224.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a "quick-charge", 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").
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all "positive", then "negative").
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve-
hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, so-called "quick-charging".
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
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