Is my battery sealed for life?

[Peter W]

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question. I have a 2011 Gasoline Precedent that has its original battery which is black and has the numbers 525 and 630 on the top. The battery has what look like two recessed cell covers on the top with safety warnings moulded onto them. My owners manual tells me to check electrolyte levels from time to time but these two recessed covers look like the kind of sealed-for-life covers that I have on the leisure battery that I have in my caravan. I'm worried that, if I try to pry them up with a screwdriver and they are welded-in sealed-for-life covers, I may do some damage. Can anyone advise me, please?

[Peter W]

If it helps, here's a photo of the battery.

[lockman1]

No, they are not sealed for life, and yes the covers pop off with a small flat blade screw driver.

Make sure to check and clean the cracks around the caps before removing them,
and get the caps started, then cover the top of the battery with a rag to prevent splashing!

To be honest? I've never checked my battery... I just use it until I have to replace it.

[Peter W]

Thank you, Lockman. I'll do as you suggest.

[Shepard]

Modern batteries that are truly sealed are made with materials [antimony - lead and other metals] that do not vaporize the electrolyte like old lead acid batteries. Adding anything - water or acid will upset the balance of the electrolyte and shorten the batteries life over all. As long as the plates are covered -- all is well. The books that say check the battery levels were written in the dark ages. Some sealed batteries are made to hold a certain amount of pressure and prying them open will destroy them. Most of the big batteries I've seen in the electric carts are old school type and need the levels checked for them to survive. IMO if its sealed -- its that way for a reason, don't open it.