A. The Ford Starting System uses a 6-volt 13-plate “Exide” battery, type 3-XC-13-1. The care of the battery in service is summed up in the following rules:
1. Add nothing but pure water to the cells and do it often enough to keep the plates covered at all times. Distilled water, melted artificial ice or rain water collected in clean receptacles is recommended. In cold weather add water only just before running the engine so that the charging may mix the water and the electrolyte and freezing of the water be avoided.
2. Take frequent hydrometer readings to make sure that the generator is keeping the battery charged. To take reading remove filler cap of cell, insert end of hydrometer syringe in filler opening, squeeze bulb, and release, drawing up enough liquid to float hydrometer bulb free in the liquid. The reading of the scale at the surface of the liquid when hydrometer is floating in the specific gravity (density) of the electrolyte. A fully charged battery will show a reading of 1.275 to 1.300. A battery half charged will show a reading of 1.225 to 1.250. A completely discharged battery will show a reading of 1.200 or less. When taking hydrometer readings remove the filler cap from only one cell at a time and be sure to return electrolyte to the cell from which it was taken. Then replace and tighten the filler cap. Hydrometer tests taken immediately after filling with water and before water has become thoroughly mixed with the electrolyte will not show the true condition of the battery.
3. If hydrometer reading shows battery less than half charged it should be taken to the nearest Exide Battery Service Station for recharging. Continued operation in a less than half charged condition is injurious to the battery, just as running in a soft or deflated condition is injurious to the tires.
4. Keep the filler caps in place and screwed tight,—a half turn tightens them. Keep battery connections tight and clean. A coating of heavy oil or vaseline will protect the connectors from corrosion. Keep battery firmly secured in place. If hold-downs are loose battery will shift about in compartment and result in loose connections, broken cells or other trouble.
5. Exide Battery Stations are maintained in principal cities and towns throughout the country to assist you to obtain good service from your battery. Do not entrust your battery to the care of a novice.
Q. What about battery guarantee?
A. The Exide batteries are guaranteed by the manufacturers (The Electric Storage Battery Company, Philadelphia, Pa.) to be free from defects in material and workmanship.
At any time within three months from date of delivery to the purchaser any battery which may prove to be defective or incapable, when fully charged, of giving its rated capacity, will be repaired or replaced free of expense upon receipt, transportation charges prepaid, at any Exide Battery Depot or authorized Exide Battery Service Station. This guarantee does not cover the free charging of batteries nor the making good of damage resulting from continued lack of filling the cells from time to time with pure water. No claims on account of alleged defects can be allowed unless made within three months of date of delivery of battery to purchaser, and the right is reserved to refuse to consider claims in the case of batteries opened by other than authorized Exide Battery Service Stations.
Purchasers of cars equipped with the “Exide” batteries are earnestly urged to coöperate with the battery manufacturers to taking their cars, as promptly as possible after receipt, by the nearest Exide Battery Service Station in order that the battery may be tested and its condition and installation checked. No charge is made for this inspection.