How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

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In this article, We are going to share the step-by-step process on how to recondition a car battery at home. In most cases, people throw the old car battery and buy new ones for their vehicles. But the fact is that it costs more to the car owner and causes damages to the environment.

Here a question comes to mind, is there any solution to these problems? Yes, reconditioning the old car batteries is a cost-effective and simple solution to this problem.

Reconditioning your car battery can save you money and allow you to effectively use the battery for an extra 2 to 3 years. One main advantage of reconditioning a car battery is that it is very easy, and anyone can do it after learning it.

The only thing that one requires to recondition a car battery is the devices required to recover a battery and time. And once you have the devices with you, you can easily spare some time from your busy schedule and perform the reconditioning task at your home without any hassle.

After reconditioning a car battery, it will look like a new battery and function as a new battery. Apart from that, the battery reconditioning process can also be turned into a profitable business because everybody wants to keep the environment safe and save some money from buying new car batteries. So, in this article, we are going to discuss the reconditioning process of a car battery at home in detail.

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Why People Throw Their Car Batteries?

Here another question comes to mind if the old batteries can be reconditioned at less cost than buying a new battery, then why people throw their car batteries. Well, the answer is very simple. People don’t want the hassle and inconvenience of reconditioning the old battery.

Apart from that, many people also don’t have any idea about this. So, they simply throw their old batteries and buy a new one for their cars instead of thinking of any alternatives.

In this case, it is essential to make people aware of the reconditioning process of batteries and help them do it at their homes without any hassle. In this article, we will discuss the reconditioning process of a car battery in detail, which will help you recondition your old car battery at home.

What Is the Meaning of Battery Reconditioning?

Reconditioning a battery is nothing but the process of renewing the healthy life and charging capacity of a dead and old battery. If you throw your old batteries, it will be a complete waste of money and resources, which will harm the environment.

But if you recondition the battery instead of throwing it, you can use the battery for an additional two to three years. When your car battery charges and discharges, sulfates are created upon the positive plates inside the battery.

This process reduces the capacity and efficiency of the car battery. This entire process is called sulfation, and it increases the charging time of the battery. Usually, batteries get affected by sulfation after getting used for a long time.

But when you recondition a car battery, the sulfate from the positive battery plates gets removed. This improves the battery’s efficiency and provides a new life to the battery.

This process also helps restore the strength of the battery up to 100%. So, we can say that a reconditioned battery is like a new battery. Also, you need to know that an old battery can be reconditioned up to three times.

So instead of throwing your dead car batteries, it is worth learning the reconditioning process of batteries and performing the reconditioning process at your home.

By using the proper tools and following the steps below, you can recondition your car battery without the help of any professional.

Can I Recondition My Car Batteries?

Yes, you can recondition the car batteries and bring them to their fullest capacity. However, it depends on the age of the battery how it will perform after reconditioning. Also, you can recondition your car battery in only a year or two without waiting till the battery is dead.

When considering a car battery to recondition, you should check whether the battery is cracked, the terminals are broken, or there is a bulge on the battery.

If the battery has any of these problems, then the battery can’t be reconditioned. In this case, you should consider replacing your car battery.

How to Recondition A Dead Car Battery?

Well, reconditioning of batteries has become important to eliminate energy loss and make the old batteries reusable. Apart from that, nowadays, everyone focuses on renewable energy resources to keep the environment free from pollution.

Therefore, it is very useful to use reconditioned batteries to meet the market demand. Old batteries impact the environment up to 50%, so if we recondition the batteries instead of throwing them, the environment will be healthier and more pollution-free. Also, by learning the battery reconditioning steps, you can save your money.

Usually, reconditioning is restoring the battery to its full capacity, while recharging is putting the battery in charge for a period. So, reconditioning the battery is a different process than recharging, and you can do it after learning the process.

Why Should We Recondition Car Batteries?

Till now, we have discussed that reconditioning an old battery is very useful, and it helps save the environment and money.

However, most people don’t think of reconditioning the battery when there is a battery failure. They usually replace the battery with a new one since it is very easy.

Here are some reasons why one should consider reconditioning car batteries instead of throwing them.

Generally, an average car battery comes with a lifespan of five years. So, after five years, the battery will lose its efficiency and can’t perform better. But if you recondition the battery, it can last for additional two years. This way, you can use that battery for a total of seven years. Also, it helps you to save the initial investment that you made for buying the battery.
Reconditioning your car battery will help you save money from buying a new battery. Usually, buying a new car battery is very expensive, while the battery can be reconditioned at less than half the price of a new battery. So, it is an affordable solution than replacing your old car battery.
Another reason for reconditioning your car battery is that it helps keep the environment pollution-free. In lead-acid car batteries, there is a high content of acidic electrolyte solution and lead, which can make groundwater and soil poisonous. The plants grown on this poisonous soil can be eaten by animals as well as humans. If this happens, it can cause various diseases.
After learning the car battery reconditioning process, you can do it for yourself and turn your skills into a profitable business. By investing a little capital, you can start your own battery reconditioning business and make good profits in the long run.
Since everybody doesn’t know how to recondition a battery, you can get old batteries easily, recondition them, and make them usable. This way, you can help other people in saving money.

Now you know what the car battery reconditioning process is and its benefits. So, it is time to start the reconditioning process.

List of Items You Need for Reconditioning A Car Battery

Reconditioning Process of a car battery is very simple, and you can do it by using some easily available household items. You should have these items with you before starting the reconditioning process of your car battery.

Safety and Clothing Items

Apron or protective clothing
Face shield or safety goggles
Chemical resistant gloves

Other Items Required for Car Battery Reconditioning

Battery charger
Funnel
Voltmeter
Load tester
One pound of Epsom salt
One gallon of distilled water
One pound of baking soda
Old toothbrush
Battery terminal cleaner
Steel wool
Two big size plastic buckets
Toolkit and a flathead screwdriver

Steps-by-Steps to How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home

Step 1: Get Yourself Prepared

Before starting the car battery reconditioning process, you should ensure your safety by wearing all the protective items. Since you are going to work with chemicals, you should be extra careful to make sure that the chemicals don’t fall on your body parts.

So, in the first step, you should wear personal protective equipment, a face mask, safety goggles, and gloves. These safety measures can keep you safe throughout the car battery reconditioning process.

Also, keep a solution of water and baking soda on the side to deal with any spills or splashes that may happen while working. The solution should be a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and water which is capable of neutralizing any acid that may come your way while working.

Step 2: Make the Battery Ready

In this step, you will need to prepare the battery for the reconditioning process. You will see some white color corrosion around the battery terminals, so you should clean them before reconditioning the battery. The baking soda and water solution that you made in the previous step will come into use here.

You will need to apply some of that solution to the positive and negative terminals of the battery using a toothbrush. Once applied, you will see a chemical reaction there and get assured that the solution is working.

In case the corrosion is hard, you can use a steel wool and battery terminal cleaner to clean the corrosion. When the terminals are cleaned, you can wipe the terminals and dry them.

Step 3: Check the Voltage of The Battery

After cleaning the battery terminals, the next step is to check the voltage across the battery terminals. By checking the battery voltage, you can determine whether the battery can be reconditioned or needs a replacement.

You will need to use a voltmeter and attach it to the positive and negative terminal of the battery to see the voltage reading of the battery.

If the voltage reading is 12.6 V or above, then the battery is in good condition, and you don’t need to recondition it. In case the battery reading is between 10.5 V and 12.6 volt, you need to recondition the battery. But you need to replace the battery if it measures below 10.5 V.

Step 4: Make the Battery Empty

Once you determine that the battery needs reconditioning, you need to bring out all the electrolyte solutions from the battery.

This is a risky process, so you need to be extra careful while doing this step. Now you are going to deal with the battery acid directly, so you should stay equipped with the safety items.

Take a screwdriver and remove the battery caps carefully and keep those caps on the side. Then you will have to pour the electrolyte solution into a bucket with extra care. Ensure that you don’t spill the battery acid while pouring it.

Then you need to add a half-pound of baking soda to the acid to neutralize it. After that, you can dispose of the battery acid with ease.

Step 5: Make the Battery Cells Clean

This step is performed to clean all your battery cells so that the battery will be ready for the reconditioning process. First, make a solution of baking soda and water in a ratio of 2:1.

You can also use the same solution that you have made in the previous step to clean the battery. So, take the solution and pour it into every battery cell with the help of a funnel until the cells are full.

Then cover the battery securely with the battery caps and shake it. You should shake the battery for at least one to three minutes to ensure that the baking soda and water solution will reach every corner of the cells and clean them.

After that, you will need to remove the battery caps and pour the baking soda and water solution into the same bucket that you have used in the above steps. Now the battery cells are cleaned, and you can go to the next step of the battery reconditioning process.

Step 6: Make Your Own Electrolyte Solution and Place Them in The Battery Cells

This is the important step of the entire battery reconditioning process because here, you are going to replace the old electrolyte of your battery with the new one. So, you need to make the electrolyte using Epsom salt.

In the first step, you will need to boil some water. Actually, this is an optional step so that you can use the water without boiling also, but the boiling water helps the Epsom salt dissolve better.

You should take 120 grams of Epsom salt and 1 liter of water or 4 oz. of Epsom salt and four cups of water in a bucket. Then stair the solution until the Epsom salt is dissolved and the water becomes clear.

Now, pour the Epsom salt and water solution into the battery cells using a funnel. Once each cell is filled, close the battery caps properly and shake the battery for some time so that the solution will be distributed in the cells properly.

Step 7: Recharge the Reconditioned Battery

Now your car battery is reconditioned and ready for charging. So, you should charge the battery slowly to bring it to its fullest capacity. If you charge the battery slowly, then it will be free from heating, and there will be no damages to the battery.

Take the battery and place it in a flat and stable area. Then remove the battery’s cap so that the Epsom salt solution will not heat and the battery will be prevented from damage.

Then take the battery charger and place it at a distance from the battery. Now connect the cables of the charger to the battery terminals.

Attach the red cable to the positive terminal of the battery and the black cable to the negative terminal of the battery. This is very important because if you do it wrongly, it can cause damages to the battery.

Now, switch on the battery charger and let the battery charge for 24 hours to 36 hours. After 36 hours, disconnect the battery charger and check the battery’s voltage with a voltmeter.

In case the battery voltage is 12.43 V to 12.6 V, then you can ensure the battery is reconditioned and start using it.

But if the battery measures less than 12.43 V, you will need to charge it for additional 12 hours. In case there is an overflow of the fluid, clean it, replace the liquid, and charge the battery again.

Step 8: Test Your Reconditioned Car Battery

If your battery measures 12.43 V, you can disconnect the battery charger and opt for testing the battery. To test your battery, you can use a load tester that will provide an appropriate reading. This way, you can easily understand whether the battery is working or not.

Also, you can use the battery in your car directly to test it. Connect the battery in your car and then turn on the key. Now, turn on the high beam light, radio, fans in your car to test how the reconditioned battery is working.

Keep it like this for some time to see how the battery is working. Don’t start the car; just test the load by using these electrical appliances.

While testing the load, take a voltmeter and measure the battery voltage. If the battery voltage is 9.6V, then your car battery is reconditioned successfully. But if it doesn’t show 9.6V, you can follow the below steps.

Steps to Follow in Case the Car Battery Reconditioning Process Doesn’t Work.

As stated above, a possibility is there that the battery may not measure the required voltage after reconditioning. This means the battery reconditioning process you performed is failed. But you don’t need to worry; there are several other options that you can try to bring your car battery to function again.

After recharging the reconditioned battery, if it doesn’t show the appropriate voltage reading, you should allow it for extra 12 hours to charge. After that, you can try the battery load test to know if the battery is reconditioned properly.
Clean the battery if there is any spillage of electrolyte solution over the battery. Then refill the battery and recharge it. This will make the battery efficient and allow it to charge properly.
Another way to make your battery working is to discharge the battery completely and recharge it again. This is known as a charge cycle of the battery, and after two to three charge cycles, the battery will show an appropriate voltage reading. To drain your battery completely, you can connect it to the car and switch on all the electronics items. This will discharge your car battery fully.
Also, you can use a deep cycle charger to discharge your battery and charge it again. After repeating the charging and discharging cycle two to three times, you will get an appropriate voltage rating from the battery. Then your car battery will be successfully reconditioned, and you can use it in your car.

Car Battery Reconditioning Frequently Asked Questions:

How Much Time Is Required to Recondition A Car Battery?

Usually, it is a common question that many people have in their minds. Well, it is not that easy to say how much time will take to recondition the battery. Generally, it depends on how you perform the reconditioning steps.

If you are doing it for the first time, then it will take more time to recondition the battery than an experienced person.

From the steps above, we can have an idea that it will take around 24 hours to 36 hours to recharge the battery. Further, if the battery doesn’t get recharged within this time period, then it will take additional 12 hours to recharge the battery.

From this time frame, you can easily imagine how much time it will take to recondition a car battery. Apart from the charging period, you may require one to two hours extra to perform other steps.

Once you learn the steps, you can perform those with ease in less time, but the battery charging time should be the same.

Is There Any Alternative to Epsom Salt Solution?

Yes, there are other alternatives to use in case there is no Epsom salt. Instead of using Epsom salt, you can use copper sulfate or aluminum sulfate to make electrolytes for your battery.

Copper sulfate is available in powder form and is blue in color. This substance can be easily dissolved in the water to make the electrolyte solution. To use aluminum sulfate, you can make a solution of water and aluminum sulfate in a ratio of 1:1.

What Are the Advantages of Using Epsom Salt in The Battery?

You might be thinking if there are other alternatives to Epsom salt, why we have mentioned Epsom salt to use in the above steps. Well, there are many advantages of using Epsom salt in making battery electrolytes.

Firstly, it helps prevent the inside plates of the battery from sulfation and allows it to last for a long time.

Secondly, the Epsom salt helps increase the amperage rating of your battery and provides more voltage to your car by restoring the battery’s power.

Therefore, Epsom salt is an excellent substance to make electrolytes for your battery.

Is It Good to Use A Reconditioned Battery in a Car?

Yes, you can use a reconditioned battery in your car and drive the car efficiently. These batteries are excellent to solve the purpose of any user.

In case your car battery is failed, and you are looking for an affordable solution, you can recondition the battery and use it. However, a reconditioned battery may not be an ideal choice for long road trips. These batteries may fail easily.

So, if you are using a reconditioned battery for long road trips, then you should have a backup battery to use in case of battery failure. Otherwise, reconditioned batteries are great for use.

How Can I Know If My Car Battery Is Dead?

It is very easy to determine whether your car battery is dead or working. You can measure its voltage using a voltmeter to know if it is dead or working. If you get an exact 12.0 V reading, then the battery is dead.

But if the battery is 12.4 V, then the battery has a 50% charge. You can ensure that the battery has a full charge if it measures 12.8 V or 12.9 V when it is at rest.

How Long Does A Reconditioned Car Battery Last?

Many people might have this question in their minds before performing the battery reconditioning process. Mostly, those who perform the battery reconditioning process for the first time ask this question.

Well, the simple answer to this question is that a reconditioned car battery can last from several weeks to some years.

But some people say that the reconditioning process can double the life of the battery. This means that the reconditioned battery can last for around two to three years. But the fact is that the lifespan of a reconditioned car battery depends on several factors.

You should consider the condition of the car battery before the reconditioning process was performed to determine its lifetime. Also, the badness of the sulfation determines how long the reconditioned battery can last.

If the sulfation was in the initial stage and the battery was in good condition, then it can have a prolonged lifetime after reconditioning.

Apart from that, the lifespan of the reconditioned battery also depends on how the reconditioning process was performed. Also, it depends on the quality of the electrolyte solution that you have made.

The battery can last for a long time if you have followed the steps correctly and made the electrolyte solution in the right ratio.

If the sulfation of the battery is cleaned before it is severe, then the life of the battery can be increased. Therefore, many people follow this method to increase the life of their car batteries.

Is Overcharging Good for My Car Battery?

No, it is not at all good for your car battery. If you overcharge your car battery, then it can get dead immediately. So, avoid overcharging your car battery to enhance its life.

Can I Perform the Battery Reconditioning Process at Home?

Yes, you can do this entire process at your home without the need for any professional help. But you should keep in mind that you are using all the safety equipment and following all the steps carefully while performing the reconditioning process.

First, it is better to learn the battery reconditioning process before starting so that you can do that task confidently without any risk.

What Is Sulfation in Car Batteries?

Usually, sulfation is the main reason for the early failure of the car batteries. It is nothing but the formation of lead sulfates on the battery plates. If the battery doesn’t get a full charge, it can cause sulfation on the battery plates.

When the sulfation on the battery plates increases, it affects the battery performance by increasing chemicals on the battery plates. By reconditioning the battery, you can clean the sulfation on the battery and enhance the battery performance.

Conclusion

So now you have learned the steps for reconditioning your car battery at home. It is time to implement these steps and perform the reconditioning steps to make your dead car battery working.

If you followed the steps correctly and performed the reconditioning process, then your car battery will be reconditioned successfully.

This way, you can use your dead car battery easily. If the battery is not working even after doing the reconditioning process correctly, then you may need to replace your car battery.

If you want to know more about the battery reconditioning process, then you can check out the EZ battery reconditioning program. The course teaches about how to recondition different batteries at home by following simple steps. It is an excellent option to save your money from buying a new battery.

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How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home – DIY Step-by-Step Guide