2002 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 196

196 Car care A car with standard equipment and a fully charged battery can be left for up to 40 days and still have a sufficient charge for starting. If extra equipment is fitted, such as a mobile telephone, the time may be reduced to about 15 days. Always connect the positive (red) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the battery and the negative (blue) cable to its negative (-) terminal. Always disconnect both battery leads when boost charging the battery. IB1173 IB897 NOTE • Don't connect the battery terminals + and - the wrong way around. • Serious damage can occur to the car's electrical system if a battery or alternator lead is disconnected while the engine is running. Correct fluid level in the battery The liquid level in the car battery must be checked at regular intervals. Taking out the battery NOTE A discharged battery can freeze and fracture. Batteries should therefore always be stored away from frost. If frequent short journeys are made in cold weather, the battery may need to be given a booster charge. This can be done either using a battery charger or by taking the car for a long drive. NOTE Never use tap water to top up the battery. Use distilled or boiled water. Tap water contains salts and minerals that accelerate the corrosion of the battery electrodes, which can shorten the life of the battery. The charge level should be checked with a battery-acid tester. The specific gravity of the acid in a fully charged battery should be 1.28. A specific gravity of 1.18 roughly indicates a 50% charge.