Car batteries don't come cheap and with the economy these days, every cent counts. So in order to save some money, it's important for car owners to know how to recondition a battery. A battery needs to be reconditioned due to becoming sulfated. What this means is that the battery needs more time to recharge and makes it hold less charge. Knowing how to recondition your battery would reverse this process and make it work like new.
Most people often interchange the terms recharging and reconditioning. However, these do not mean the same thing. The difference is that a reconditioned battery has it's fully capacity restored while a recharged battery only allows it again to function for a shorter time than a new battery.
While there are many professionals that offer lead acid battery reconditioning, these are often highly priced. That's why DIY battery reconditioning processes are sought after by people on a budget. There are a lot of methods for DIY battery reconditioning and I am sharing one with you.
I have here for you six steps for a DIY lead acid battery reconditioning of your old car battery. It's a moderate process that you can do at home. To recondition your tired and old car battery, you would need a couple of things - your car battery, Epsom salt, a quart of distilled water, a screw driver and a trickle batter recharger, among other tools.
The first step is to heat a quart of distilled water to about 150 degrees.
Next, into this warmed water, mix 10 spoonfuls of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)and stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
The third step is to uncap your battery with a screwdriver to expose the cells. Take a flashlight and inspect the cells to determine whether or not there is any water in them. If there is any water in the cells, turn the battery over to drain the water out.
A word of caution though - be careful in removing any fluid from inside the battery as this also contains concentrated acid.
The next step is to pour the Epsom salt solution into the battery. Use a plastic funnel and insert it into one of the cells and pour the solution slowly into it. Make sure that you do not overfill each cell. There's a fill line that is about ½ inch below the cell's top to guide you with this. Repeat the process for each cell and recap the cells after you are done with this step.
With the caps safely and securely back on the cells, shake the battery to completely mix the solution within them.
The last step is to pull the caps off the battery and attach it to a trickle charger. Charge the battery for at least 24 hours before using it and experience the difference with your reconditioned car battery.
Once you've mastered this process, not only can you save money from having to buy a new car battery but you can also make some money on the side and have a lead acid battery reconditioning business.
