(51714 mi) A Public Blogging...and I deserve it. Topic: Batteries

Modern batteries still need distilled water.  Oh yes, they do.  In the 1970's (or so the Internet tells me), auto battery manufacturers added calcium to the plates of the ordinary battery, reducing the outgassing which required the car owner to replenish the battery with distilled water.  Having seen only one, maybe two, occasions in which my father or family member added water to his battery, I never considered outgassing to be a problem.

However, in especially dry climates and especially warm engine compartments, the problem of outgassing becomes especially important.  In the cold, cold Midwest, we could never expect the heat to last very long in the summer, though the humidity could always be expected.  In the winter, the air may be dry but the problem of heat is not existent.  Removing myself from the arctic tundra and entering into eternal sunshine, I have learned more of what is necessary and not necessary.  For instance, the car heater is not necessary.  Refilling  the battery with distilled water is absolutely necessary, unless you like shorting out the battery and being stranded in the Ralph's parking lot.

Let's review:
(1) Check water levels in battery and replenish as necessary........YES
(2) Turn on the car heater in winter weather of Los Angeles........NO.

For those of you who have no experience in these matters, please reference the 1951 Chrysler Shop Manual, p.217, bottom of the page: