6 - Maintenance and Care | Owner Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
* Keep it securely mounted.
* Keep the top clean and dry.
* Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated
with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
* Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of
water and baking soda.
* If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time,
disconnect the battery leads and charge the battery every
six weeks.
Inspecting Electrolyte Level *
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause the battery to discharge quickly.
Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a week.
If it is low, remove the caps and add enough distilled water to bring the level between the upper and lower level (illustration).
Do not overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially during cold weather.
If it is low, recharge the battery.
Battery Recharging
NOTE
* Before performing maintenance or recharging the battery,
turn off all accessories and stop the engine.
* To disconnect the battery, remove the negative lead first.
Install it last when connecting the battery.
* Be sure to remove the caps before recharging the battery.
* (With i-stop system)
Do not quick-charge the battery.
* If the battery quickly discharges because, for example, the
lights were left on too long with the engine off, slow-charge
it as required by
battery size and charger capacity.
* If the battery gradually discharges because of high electric
load while the vehicle is being used, recharge it as required
by battery size and charger capacity.
Battery Replacement
Contact an Authorised Mazda Repairer for a battery replacement purchase.