Battery question: distilled water or premix electrolyte when adding ?

[Grit dog]

This subject goes back to when batteries were shipped dry. I worked at gas stations. All batteries were filled at time of sale. Adding additional acid after initial fill was never recommended. And to be honest nowhere I worked at had distilled water available for topping off. Batteries back then lasted about the same as today 4-5 years. Only difference is the need to watch electrolyte more closely.

I understand that, hence it’s lack of relevance now or for the last 50+? years.

 

[fast 99]

People knew stations had acid in back and were always asking us to add acid instead of water.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

[Ricko1966]

@fast 99 You realize most people don't even know that gas stations used to have 2 service bays. They could change your water pump at the gas station. Sell you a battery or new tires.

 

[fast 99]

@fast 99 You realize most people don't even know that gas stations used to have 2 service bays. They could change your water pump at the gas station. Sell you a battery or new tires

Yes, actually there weren't many repair only shops, new car dealers and gas stations. Cars were very simple. A lot more DIY repairs than today.