Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 54, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1918 — CARE FOR STORAGE BATTERY [ARTICLE]

CARE FOR STORAGE BATTERY

During Winter Season It Should Ba Kept Fully Charged to Stand Low Temperature. The storage battery should be kept fully charged during the winter, according to E. V. Collins, Instructor in steam and gas engineering in the agricultural college. “The charged battery,” said Mr. Collins, “will stand very low temperatures while a discharged battery will freeze at 20 degrees above zero. Freezing will burst jars, and as a result the battery must be rebuilt ‘Tn cold weather the starting battery is especially likely to become discharged. The engine is difficult to crank because the oil is cold. It must also be cranked longer each time it is started because the gasoline does not vaporize readily in cold weather. Long trips are few and the charging periods are shorter. The lights which are needed earlier in the evening help in discharging the battery.

“The battery should be tested with a hydrometer at intervals of two weeks or less. If it is found to be discharged; it should be charged as soon as possible either by driving the car or from an outside source. “The conditions under which cars operate vary, and there are so many starting systems, that no set rules can be given for the care of the storage battery.' If the starter turns the engine with difficulty, the motor should be cranked by hand when starting on a cold morning. The engine may be made to start more easily by priming it through the priming cups or by pulling the choker when it is stopped. The lights should be turned on only when necessary and in many cases the dimmers may be used to save the current.”