Went to check our backup generator before the incoming storm. No cranking love. Look things over and find that the starter battery has literally exploded. Blew the top cap off and cracked the case on one side. I can fill 5 out of the 6 cells. It did this once before a year ago, blowing the cap off but didn't crack the case. I refilled and recharged, everything seemed back to normal.

I checked it this spring when I did an oil change. Battery is dated 11/2013. This is the first battery I've had in decades that requires checking fluid levels. Seems odd for an emergency appliance. Part #51 72J, 625 cranking amps, if that means anything.

Would welcome advice on either a much better battery or what I need to do better. Don't think this storm will be an issue but I want to be ready for the next one.