We pour distilled water into batteries, especially lead-acid batteries, because it helps maintain the proper electrolyte level. Inside these batteries, there is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water, called the electrolyte, which allows the battery to function by facilitating the flow of ions between the positive and negative plates.
Over time, during the battery's charging and discharging cycles, some of the water in the electrolyte evaporates or breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases. This reduces the water level, which can damage the battery or cause it to stop working efficiently.
Distilled water is used instead of regular tap water because it is free from impurities, minerals, or chemicals that could interfere with the battery's performance or cause deposits to form inside the battery. Using distilled water ensures the battery continues to work smoothly and has a longer lifespan.