Final answer:
If the electrolyte from a lead-acid battery is spilled in the battery compartment, the correct procedure is to rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the electrolyte from a lead-acid battery is spilled in the battery compartment, the correct procedure to follow is to rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water. This helps to dilute and remove the sulfuric acid, which is the primary component of the electrolyte. Applying boric acid solution or sodium bicarbonate solution may react with the sulfuric acid and potentially cause further damage.