Electrolyte vs. Distilled - Dumb Question

[jeffrey2]

I just bought a new battery - dry of course; I went to the local parts store and they told me I need distilled water, not electrolyte (which they didn't carry); so I bought a gallon of distilled for batteries.

I didn't 'feel' good about that purchase, not sure why, so I went to a different auto store and they had electrolyte; I bought one kit, however; I'm certain it won't be enough to fill up my battery.

QUESTIONS:
- Can I mix the distilled with the electrolyte when filling up for the first time? (maybe half/half - or all the electrolyte and distilled to bring it to the top).
- Which should I use?

I know I need to let it set for a few hours after adding, then put on the trickle for a day or so before installing.

Thanks to all who can help!!

[djpateman]

I'm not sure why you bought a dry battery, the store should have at least provided the fluid to fill it. You should at least find out what the battery supplier would fill it with. It depends on the state of the plates as it was shipped.
I would think that a dry battery needs to be filled with electrolyte. Distilled water can be used for topping up a battery that is low on fluid, but I doubt strongly that is used for filling a dry battery. My experience as a shop manager is 25 years ago, and it was an acid fill at that time.
You will also need to charge it for at least 10 hours I'd guess. Find that out from the supplier as well.

[T77911S]

call batteries plus if you have one.
i think i bought a battery one time that came dry but had electrolyte with it, been a long time.

[cgarr]

Originally Posted by T77911S

call batteries plus if you have one.
i think i bought a battery one time that came dry but had electrolyte with it, been a long time.

Thats right, batteries are shipped dry with a sealed separate container of electrolyte, the only time you add regular water is when the battery gets low because of use and charging, if you were to spill a battery then you would have to add back electrolyte.

[jeffrey2]

Bought it dry...a Porsche (by name) battery, just wanted that 'extra' good looks. it needs to be shipped dry.

I'll put 100% electrolyte in it, will most likely need a second 'kit'.

Thanks to everyone for your input...man this forum is priceless!

[Barrpete]

Battery electrolyte should be 35% sulfuric acid & 65% water. Don't dilute your electrolyte with distilled water. The reason that you top off your batter with DI water is that the acid doesn't evaporate with the water so that's all you need to replace.

As far as know, a new dry battery needs electrolyte not water only.