Distilled water is cheap and can even be drunk in an
emergency. Using tap water in a battery will introduce
whatever minerals are in the local water and that will
damage the chemical reaction in the cells.

A solidly mounted battery, isolated from heavy vibration,
not over charged and always kept a "full charge" will last a
long time. Having a battery adequate for the starter loads
and maintaining the electrical system so that excessive load
doesn't over-heat the plates and cause them to warp is
important.

If you fly day/VFR, a good battery is a luxury that lets you
get started. IFR and night makes the battery essential.
Even replacing the battery every year or two is cheaper than
a funeral.
--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.


"nrp" wrote in message
oups.com...
| I've gotten at least 9 years each on the last three Gill
batteries on
| my 172M. I make sure the plates never get exposed - even
filling with
| tap water or from a nearby mud puddle. Rarely a trickle
charger unless
| it has been or going to sit for a couple of months. I
always get
| starts in one or two revolutions. Cessna has a good
electrical system
| in my book.
|