How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home

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What is Reconditioned Car Batteries

Reconditioned car batteries refer to the process of bringing back the healthy life and
charging capacity of your old and dead cells. It will be a total waste to just readily throw your
old batteries when you can still recondition it for one to three times.

You need to prepare the following materials for car battery reconditioning.

1. Disposable rubber gloves

2. Mask
3. Goggles
4. Flathead screwdriver
5. Battery charger
6. Funnel
7. Distilled water (1 gallon)
8. Baking soda (powder)
9. Bucket
10. Voltmeter
11. Battery terminal cleaner
12. Apron
13. Toothbrush (used or new)

Procedure

STEP 1Before preparing your battery for reconditioning, you need to wear your protective
gear: apron, gloves, mask, and goggles. Likewise, make a weak baking soda and water
solution on the side to neutralize any sudden spills and splashes.

STEP 2You need to remove the corrosion in the battery terminal. Prepare a paste-like
solution of baking soda and water with a ratio of 2:1. After, grab your toothbrush and dip it
into the paste-like solution. Then rub it against the battery terminal to remove corrosion.
You can use steel wool or sandpaper grit if the corrosion is hard.

STEP 3When you are done removing the corrosion, you measure the volt reading of the
battery using a voltmeter. Ensure the proper connection of the cable to the battery terminal.
The red wire to the positive battery terminal and black cable to the negative terminal.
If the voltage reading is 12.6V and higher, then your battery is still in good condition.
Meanwhile, if it is between 10V to 12.6V, then your battery needs reconditioning.

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STEP 4Grab your flat head screwdriver and remove the battery caps. Place all battery caps
in a temporary container to avoid losing it. Then, slowly lift your battery and pour out the old
electrolyte solution in the bucket.
Do not throw the old battery acid solution. Neutralize it by pouring 500 grams of baking soda
powder into the bucket.

STEP 5Prepare a baking soda and water solution with a ratio of 2:1 or 1:1. Mix well and fill
each battery cell with the baking soda solution. After filling up all cells, lock it back with the
caps then shake it gently. Let the shaking last for about 30 seconds to a minute. After, unlock
the caps and pour out the solution into the same bucket used in the previous step.

STEP 6Next, replace the old battery electrolyte solution with Epsom salt solution with one
molar concentration or by dissolving 120 grams in one liter of distilled water. Mix well until no
solids are left undissolved. Then refill each cell and then cover with its cap.

STEP 7The next step is to recharge the reconditioned battery at 12V / 2 amps slow charging
mode. The charging usually lasts around 24 to 36 hours. After charging, read the voltage of
the battery using a voltmeter. If the reading is around 12.42V to 12.6V, then your battery is in
excellent condition already.

STEP 8The last step is to subject your reconditioned car battery for a load test. This can be
performed using a battery load tester which can be bought from any hardware store.
For it to pass the load test, it must successfully maintain 9.6V for 15 seconds at half the CCA
rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some alternatives to the Epsom Salt solution as Battery Electrolyte solution?

Copper sulfate can be a good alternative for Epsom salt. It is powder and color blue in
physical appearance. It is can also be readily dissolved in water.
Aluminum sulfate is also another alternative for Epsom salt. The ratio of this compound
and distilled water can be 1:1.

Can you pour vinegar or Gatorade if your battery electrolyte solution is low?

A We highly would not advise you to use any of the two substances suggested as a filler for
the battery electrolyte solution. Vinegar will cause to form of lead acetate inside the cell,
which can alter the normal function of the battery. Adding distilled water will be fine instead of
the two substances.

What is the typical reading for a fully charged 12V car battery?

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The typical voltage reading for a good condition fully charged 12V battery is 12.6V and
higher.

How long does a reconditioned battery last?

The usual lifespan of a reconditioned battery is between 1 year – 3 years. It is challenging to

mention the exact life of a reconditioned battery.

At what voltage reading can you tell that your car battery is flat dead?
If the voltage reading is flat at 12.0V, then your battery is flat dead. Meanwhile, if the voltage
reading is at 12.4V, it means your battery still has 50% energy. A full charge battery at rest
would read between 12.8V to 12.9V.

Is it alright to use a regular charger for your AGM Battery?

You cannot use your regular charger for charging AGM battery and overcharging its results
to its sudden death. AGM chargers have built-in microprocessors that readily adjust to the
requirement of the AGM battery.

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