All cars need a battery, whether they have internal combustion engines, hybrid or electric. But the battery is also one of the many things in our car that we take for granted until the car starts. Turn the key as many times as you like or press the ignition button several times, but a low battery is a low battery.
Cars with internal combustion engine (ICE) work on flooded standard lead- acid batteries—the well-known 12-volt blackboxes. Hybrids add a more powerful nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion battery (Li-ion) to power a small electric motor that helps the internal combustion engine to increase fuel consumption. Then we have our plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, which are usually equipped with large lithium-ion batteries that provide a net range in electric mode.
Back to the dilemma of the discharged battery. In this article we are talking about 12-volt lead-acid batteries, and if one of them is discharged, the obvious solution is to start or charge the battery. With traditional batteries, it's also easy (but potentially expensive) to visit your local auto parts store or big box retail chain to buy a replacement. But what if instead of replacing the battery every time it is discharged, you could just charge it at full capacity-and several times?
What is battery recovery?
When energy is supplied to the vehicle or device, a process of battery discharge occurs, which is called sulfation. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of sulfate crystals on the battery plates. A larger number of crystals means a longer charging time, less efficiency and less charging capacity. The recovery or retooling of the battery cleans it of these sulfates, replenishes the electrolyte solution inside and allows the battery to recharge and function like new.
Local offers and incentives
If you are in the market for a new car, we can help you find local offers and the latest discounts from dealers in your area.
Find the best deals
How to repair a car battery at home
The following applies specifically to lead-acid batteries. Although you don't have to wait until the battery runs out to restore it, put safety first. A quick visual inspection will determine whether the battery is suitable for repair. Check that there are no cracks, bulges or fragments. If the battery is in poor physical condition, it is better to buy a new one.
The process of battery recovery does not require technical training, but requires patience. Most of the items you need, you probably have at home. Here is the main list of consumables:
Material:
- Protective clothing (e.g. safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, apron)
- Toothbrush
- Steel wool cleaner or battery terminals
- Slotted screwdrivers
- Funnel
- Two large buckets
- Ingredient:
- 1 Gallon Distilled Water (No tap water due to the addition of chemicals)
- 1 Pound Baking Powder
- 1 Pound Epsom salt
Special items:
- Charger
- Voltmeter
Step-by-step instruction on how to restore the battery
Put on a spacesuit and go into space – this may not be rocket science, but science. Things can go wrong. Also be sure to work in a well-ventilated place.
Prepare a cleaning solution-use baking soda in a ratio of 2: 1 to water to get a liquid paste. This mixture is used as a means for cleaning batteries, as well as masking acid stains.
Clean the battery - if the battery terminals are rusted, apply a cleaning paste (or a special battery cleaner) to the terminals and wipe the plaque with a toothbrush. The foam reaction means that the solution is working. Use steel wool for heavily rusted batteries. Clean, wipe and dry the terminals completely.
Check the voltage-connect the voltmeter. As when starting a car, the red wire connects to the positive pole, and the black one to the negative pole. A standard car battery contains six cells, each of which generates about 2.1 volts. A voltage between 10 V and 12.6 V means that you can restore the battery. If the voltage is below 10 V, replace the battery.
Discharge the battery cells-until now you have not had to remove the battery from the car. For now, however, you should. Keep a bucket and half a pound of baking soda nearby. Remove the battery cover and use a flat screwdriver to remove the battery covers from under it. One by one, slowly pour the contents of the cells into the bucket. You can add baking soda while you are cooking or after all the cells are empty. In any case, this neutralizes the acid of the battery for safe disposal in any facility, such as. a recycling center that accepts hazardous waste.
Clean the batteries - using a funnel, pour the cleaning solution into each element. Replace the battery cover and the battery cover firmly. Now shake the battery for at least a minute. Open and dispose of the mixture in the bucket, which is available for old acidic waste.
Replace the battery 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 elements with a new electrolyte solution. Cover and shake again to distribute the salt evenly.
Charge the battery-like a good chest, do this step slowly and slowly. Install in a safe place. As an additional precaution, remove the battery covers again, as the electrolyte solution heats up and may overflow during charging. Place the charger as far away from the battery as possible and connect it to 12V / 2 amperes. Let the battery charge for 36 hours.
Check the battery-Disconnect the charger and use a voltmeter to check the battery status. Normal readings are about 12.42 V. If you have it lower, charge it for another 12 hours. When you are ready to drive, do a charging test by reinstalling the battery and setting the vehicle to "On" with the high beam on. After a few minutes, check the battery again while it is charging. If the readings of the voltmeter show 9.6 V, congratulations! You have successfully restored your car battery.
The service life of a remanufactured battery depends on its age and existing capacity. In theory, you should be able to repeat the procedure several times, which means that the battery life will be extended beyond the usual three to five years.
0 Comments