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Owner maintenance – Mazda 2008 SPEED3 User Manual

Page 302

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Black plate (302,1)

NOTE

Remove the battery cover before performing
battery maintenance.

Battery cover

qBattery Maintenance

To get the best service from a battery:

l

Keep it securely mounted.

l

Keep the top clean and dry.

l

Keep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.

l

Rinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.

l

If the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.

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.

8-34

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

Mazda3_8X41-EA-07F_Edition1 Page302
Wednesday, April 25 2007 1:7 PM

Form No.8X41-EA-07F