How do you know when your trolling battery gives up its ghost?

[glassyeyedPaul]

[reply]A weak battery will discharge rapidly. As the above post said, you have to load test it.

Most batteries suffer from neglect. To get the max life out of your battery you need to keep the water levels filled, never letting the plates become exposed. .[/reply]

I'll be danged!!! I just followed your advice and ideas, and found that my battery plates were definitely exposed and rather dry. !@#%! So what does that mean for this to happen? I filled it with distilled water. Does this help at all or definitely have to buy a new battery?
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