How to recondition a lead acid car battery

Lead acid car batteries are an essential part of the power system of a vehicle. Whether you own a car, a boat or a motorcycle, a properly functioning battery is a must. However, lead acid batteries are not immune to deterioration and have a limited lifespan. Over time, sulfation and corrosion will reduce their capacity, eventually leading to premature failure.

Fortunately, it is possible to prolong the life of your lead acid car battery by reconditioning it. This process involves removing the sulfation that has built up on the battery plates, allowing the battery to work at its full capacity again. Better yet, reconditioning can also save you money, as it is much cheaper to recondition a battery than to buy a new one.

In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to recondition a lead acid car battery. We will cover everything from checking if your battery is suitable for reconditioning to the actual reconditioning process. By the end, you will have all the knowledge you need to extend the lifespan of your lead acid car battery.

How to Recondition a Lead Acid Car Battery

Introduction

Lead acid car batteries can deteriorate over time, causing them to lose their ability to hold a charge. Instead of buying a new battery, you can recondition your existing one to extend its life and save money.

Materials

Before you get started, you’ll need a few basic materials:

• Epsom salt
• Distilled water
• A battery charger
• A hydrometer
• A small funnel

Steps

Follow these steps to recondition your lead acid car battery:

1. Remove the battery from your car and disconnect the cables.
2. Clean the top of the battery with a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse and let dry.
3. Remove the caps from the battery.
4. Unscrew the vent caps and fill each cell with distilled water using a small funnel. Be careful not to overfill the cells.
5. Add Epsom salt to each cell. Use one tablespoon per cell for small batteries and two tablespoons per cell for larger batteries.
6. Replace the caps and shake the battery to mix the solution.
7. Use a hydrometer to check the battery’s specific gravity. If it’s below 1.225, charge the battery with a battery charger.
8. Charge the battery until it reaches a specific gravity of 1.265.
9. Remove the charger and let the battery sit for a few hours.
10. Check the specific gravity again. It should be around 1.265.
11. If the battery still isn’t holding a charge, repeat the process a few more times.

Conclusion

Reconditioning your lead acid car battery can save you money and extend the life of the battery. Regular maintenance including cleaning and adding distilled water can prevent the need for reconditioning in the first place.

The Importance of Battery Maintenance

Extend the Life of Your Battery

Proper maintenance of your car battery is crucial to ensuring it operates at optimum performance. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your battery, allowing you to save on replacement costs in the long run. Regular maintenance includes keeping your battery clean, ensuring the connections are tight, and checking the electrolyte levels.

Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns

Regular battery maintenance can also prevent unexpected breakdowns. Having the battery die on you in the middle of nowhere is not only inconvenient, but it can also be detrimental to your safety. By performing regular maintenance, you can detect and prevent problems before they become larger issues.

Here are some battery maintenance tips:

• Check electrolyte levels every few months and top up with distilled water as needed.
• Keep the battery clean and free of dirt and debris.
• Ensure the battery connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free.
• Check the battery’s charge regularly to ensure it stays within the optimal range.
• If your car won’t be used for an extended period, disconnect the battery or use a battery tender to keep it charged.

Conclusion

Regular battery maintenance is crucial to ensuring your car starts every time and preventing unexpected breakdowns. By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your battery and save on costly replacements. Always remember to take safety precautions when performing maintenance on your battery and consult your car’s manual for specific instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reconditioning a Battery

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start the reconditioning process, make sure you are properly protected by wearing gloves and goggles. Next, gather all of the necessary tools including a battery charger, distilled water, a hydrometer, and a battery reconditioning solution.

Step 2: Opening the Battery

Using a screwdriver or pliers, remove the covers and caps from the battery cells. Once they are removed, use a flashlight to check the water level in each cell. If the cells are dry, add distilled water to cover the plates.

Step 3: Testing the Battery

Use a hydrometer to test the specific gravity of each cell. Record the readings and compare them to the manufacturer’s specifications. If the readings are low, it may be necessary to replace the battery.

Step 4: Charging the Battery

Connect the battery charger to the battery and set it to the lowest charge rate. Charge the battery for several hours or until the battery charger indicates that it is fully charged.

Step 5: Adding Reconditioning Solution

Add the recommended amount of battery reconditioning solution to each cell. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Equalizing Charge

Set the battery charger to the equalizing charge mode and let it run until the battery is fully charged, usually several hours. This mode will help distribute the reconditioning solution evenly throughout the cells.

Step 7: Finishing Up

Finally, re-test the specific gravity of each cell. If the readings have improved, the battery has been successfully reconditioned. Replace the covers and caps, and use the battery charger to fully charge the battery before use.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Car Battery

1. Maintain Proper Water Levels

Lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance, and one of the most important tasks is checking and maintaining the water level. Make sure to use distilled water and keep the water level just below the cell plates. Low water levels can cause the battery to overheat and damage the cells, while overfilling can lead to acid overflow and corrosion.

2. Keep Your Battery Clean

A clean battery is a healthy battery. Regularly cleaning your battery terminals and cables can help prevent corrosion and enhance the battery’s performance. Use a mixture of baking soda and water, and a wire brush or toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or corrosion.

3. Avoid Frequent Short Trips

Short trips can prevent your car’s battery from fully charging, which can reduce its lifespan. To ensure that your battery has enough time to charge fully, avoid frequent short trips and instead plan longer trips that allow your battery ample time to recharge.

4. Check Your Charging System

A faulty charging system can cause your battery to die prematurely. Regularly check your alternator and belts for any signs of wear and tear and have it tested by a professional if you suspect any issues.

5. Turn off Electrical Accessories when not in use

Electrical accessories like headlights, radios and air conditioners put additional strain on your car’s battery. Turn off these accessories when they’re not in use to reduce the load on your battery and help extend its life.

6. Use a Battery Charger or Maintainer

Using a battery charger or maintainer can help keep your battery charged and extend its life. These devices plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and provide a low-level charge that keeps your battery fully charged and ready to go.

7. Replace Your Battery When Necessary

No matter how well you maintain your battery, it will eventually reach the end of its lifespan. If you notice any signs of battery failure, such as a slow cranking engine or a clicking sound when you try to start your car, it’s time to replace your battery.