Internal combustion engine (ICE) cars are based on standard flooded lead-acid batteries, the familiar 12-volt black boxes. Hybrids add a larger nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (li-ion) battery to power a small electric motor, which helps ICE improve fuel economy. Then we have our plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, which are usually equipped with significant lithium-ion battery packs to provide a clean electric driving range.
Back to the dilemma of a dead battery. For this article, we're talking about 12-volt lead-acid batteries, and when one dead start or battery recharge is the obvious solution. With traditional batteries, it's also easy (but possibly expensive) to visit a local auto parts store or a big-box retailer to buy a replacement. But what if, instead of replacing the battery every time it died, you could just charge it to its full capacity-and do it multiple times?
What is Battery recovery?
By supplying power to a vehicle or device, a battery discharge process known as sulfation occurs. This chemical reaction leads to the accumulation of sulfate crystals in the battery plates. More crystals means longer charging times, less efficiency, and less load capacity. By restoring or restoring the battery, it purifies these sulfates, replenishes the electrolyte solution inside, and allows the battery to charge and operate as new.
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How to restore a car battery at home
The following will be specific to lead-acid batteries. While you don't have to wait until the battery runs out to restore it, install security first. A quick visual inspection will determine if the battery is fit for repair. Check for cracks, bumps, or broken parts of any type. If the battery is not in good physical shape, it is best to buy a new one.
The battery recovery process does not require an engineering degree, although it does require patience. Most of the items you will need, you will probably have at home. Below is the main list of consumables:
Equipment:
Protective clothing (e.g. safety glasses ,chemical resistant gloves, apron)
Brush
Steel wool or battery terminal cleaner
Flat Head Screwdriver
Funnel
Two large buckets
Ingredient:
1 gallon distilled water (no tap water due to added chemicals)
1 pound) baking soda
1 pound Epsom salt
Special items:
Battery Charger
Voltmeter
Step-by-step guide to Battery Recovery
Suit and space-it may not be rocket science, but it's still science. Things can get messy. Make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area.
Create a cleansing solution: Use a 2 to 1 ratio of baking soda with water to create a runny nose. This mixture will serve as a battery cleaner, as well as hiding the acid spill.
Cleaning the battery-If the battery terminals are corroded, apply a cleaning paste (or a special battery cleaner).) place on the posts and clean the build-up with a toothbrush. The foaming reaction means that the solution is working. Use steel wool for highly corroded batteries. Completely clean, clean and dry the terminals.
Check the voltage-connect the voltmeter. As the car starts, the red wire is connected to the positive terminal and the black wire is connected to the negative terminal. A standard car battery contains six cells, each of which produces about 2.1 volts. So a sound battery will read 12.6 V between 10V and 12.6 V will mean you can restore the battery. If the temperature is less than 10 V, replace the battery.
Emptying the battery cells – until now, it was not necessary to remove the battery from the car. For now, however, you should. Keep a bucket and half a pound of baking soda close by. Remove the battery cover and use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the battery covers underneath. One by one, slowly empty the contents of the cell into the bucket. You can add baking soda as you go along or after all the cells are empty. In any case, it neutralizes the battery's acidity for safe disposal at any facility, such as a recycling center, that accepts hazardous waste.
Clean the battery cells– using a funnel, pour the cleaning solution into each cell. Replace the cell covers and battery cover securely. Now shake the battery for at least one minute. Disconnect and discard the mixture in the existing old bucket with the remaining acid.
Replace the battery compartment solution: Mix 4 cups of water with 4 ounces of Epsom salt. Stir until the water is clear. Boiled water speeds up the process, but it is not necessary. Using a funnel, fill the cells with a new electrolyte solution. Cover and shake again to spread the salt evenly.
Charge the battery – like a good brisket, do this low and slow step. Set up in a safe and secure location. As an additional precaution, remove the battery covers again, as the electrolyte solution will heat up and may overflow during charging. Place the charger as far away from the battery as possible and connect it at a speed of 12 V / 2 amps. Allow the battery to charge for 36 hours.
Battery Test-Disconnect the charger and use the voltmeter to check the battery status. The normal reading is about 12.42 V. If yours is lower, charge it for another 12 hours. When you are ready to go, perform a charging test by resetting the battery and turning the car to the "On" position and turning on the road lights. After a few minutes, check the battery again while it is under charge. If the voltmeter reading shows 9.6 V, congratulations! You have successfully restored your car battery.
How long the restored battery will last in relation to its age and existing capacity. In theory, you should be able to repeat this process a few more times, which means extending the battery life beyond the typical three to five years.
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