in my experience, 'maintenance free' batteries are a waste of money. they go flat without warning. the glass indicator doesn't even change color when its flat.... they say the imported japanese 'maintenance free' batteries are better, but it will cost a lot and hard to find.

about the water type, better get those empty ones, and when u buy, they will fill in the water then plug into your car. for me, i prefer century and yokohama.