Car Battery question

[Alex88]

I know this is a proper noob question, but I've just bought a new battery and it has some caps on the side of it; red and black. Do I take those off when I've fitted the battery?

There is also a small red vent tube that came with it.

Cheers

[Mito Man]

Depends on the car, if it’s inside the cabin or boot you’ll vent it out one of the sides and keep the opposite closed - just copy the old battery.
If it’s in the engine bay you open the bungs but don’t need to use the vent tube.

[Alex88]

Cheers. It's in the engine bay so I'm going to remove both of them.

[mik]

Yes - caps are just on to protect the terminals until you got it (and to reinforce which is which).

If your car has a vent tube there will be one fitted already to the current battery. Either reuse that, or replicate it’s path with the new one.

[Alex88]

Thanks Mik. Old battery had both vent plugs removed so I just whipped them off the new battery too. It hasn't exploded yet

[Gavin]

Yes - caps are just on to protect the terminals until you got it (and to reinforce which is which).

If your car has a vent tube there will be one fitted already to the current battery. Either reuse that, or replicate it’s path with the new one.

Different plugs, not the terminal caps. (I saw on FaceAche)

[Explosive Newt]

Follow on noob question -

Why does a battery need a vent tube?

[Jobbo]

The traditional lead acid batteries are not sealed because they give off gas. If you don’t allow them to vent they can explode. A vent tube is to make sure any acid in the gas emitted is routed to the exterior.

[scotta]

Fuck sake. This place has gone to the dogs. In days gone by nobody would have been this helpful. We would have actively encouraged the covers to be left on then took the piss when the car wouldn't start. I for one am disgusted. What a bunch of (helpful) cvnts.

[Barry]

Fuck sake. This place has gone to the dogs. In days gone by nobody would have been this helpful. We would have actively encouraged the covers to be left on then took the piss when the car wouldn't start. I for one am disgusted. What a bunch of (helpful) cvnts.

..and no one suggested laying it on its side to save weight.. disappoint.

[V8Granite]

This was clearly bubbling away in your mind, I'm glad you could get it out after all this time

Dave!

[Alex88]

I didn't explain myself very well in that post.. it sounded like I was asking if I should leave the battery terminal covers on

I was actually unsure about the vent tube caps

[scotta]

I didn't explain myself very well in that post.. it sounded like I was asking if I should leave the battery terminal covers on

I was actually unsure about the vent tube caps

Yeah yeah - so you fucking say!!!