Over time batteries will lose their charge. Replacing a battery can be an expensive business. However, our 2020 guide to battery reconditioning will show you how to breathe life back into it step-by-step.
It will be no great surprise that all batteries need to be replaced. As they age, batteries lose their ability to hold their charge. They inevitably become inefficient and, in some instances, can begin to swell. Should they rupture, significant damage will be caused.
But this, it should be noted, only applies to disposable or inferior-quality batteries. In most instances, it is possible to recondition the battery and get it back to 100% efficiency.
This process is known widely as battery reconditioning. Several techniques are carried out to get batteries back to ‘as new’ condition. In this guide, we will be discussing various methods and showing you all the tips and tricks you require to recondition a battery.
Table of Contents
Why Recondition A Battery?
If you have ever bought a battery, you will be well aware they are not a cheap purchase. Batteries for, say, laptops, vehicles, and smartphones are costly. They are also prohibitively expensive to repair. If a replacement is required, the price tag will remain the same, no matter how long you have had the device.
If you are unfortunate, you could find that the battery has been discontinued and no longer available for purchase.
Reconditioning a battery, therefore, could save you a heap of cash. For a reconditioned battery will be as good as new and again able to reliably provide sufficient charge. And it is kinder to the environment because batteries are notoriously difficult to recycle. They can often end up in the garbage and go to the landfill, where they will eventually leak toxic chemicals into the environment.
Finally, reconditioning a battery is incredibly convenient. Consider for a moment not having to purchase another battery. Not when you can revitalize a significant device by simply reconditioning its battery.
It’s the classic win-win situation. You will save time, money, and much hassle in the future. There are almost no downsides to reconditioning your batteries aside from putting in a little personal effort. And with this article, we will show you that it’s a reasonably simple job.
Is Battery Reconditioning Dangerous?
Any battery can be dangerous if not handled correctly and with care, especially if you do not wear the appropriate safety equipment.
Glasses and gloves are essential to prevent leaking battery acid from burning your skin or damaging any surfaces it touches. Under certain circumstances, a battery can also explode, mainly if they are incorrectly handled or poorly treated.
Say, for example, you are reconditioning your battery only to notice that it is cracked, damaged, or leaking. In these circumstances, it is vital to dispose of the battery correctly as soon as practicable. If damaged like this, the battery is no longer safe and cannot be reconditioned. The best solution is to dispose of it instead.
Lastly, it is highly recommended that you do not repeatedly recondition a battery. Three or four reconditions at most is the best practice. While a reconditioned battery will get extra longevity, eventually, the law of diminishing returns kicks in. Internal parts get worn, and the reconditioning increasingly gets less effective each time.
Like most things, a battery has a finite lifespan. You can keep a reconditioned battery going for many more years than usual. But in the end, it gets tired and gives up the battle.
Rechargeable Batteries Suitable For Reconditioning
Lithium-Ion
Li-ion batteries are powering more and more devices these days because they are rechargeable. However, they are significantly more expensive than conventional batteries. There are numerous methods suitable for reconditioning lithium-ion batteries. These include fully discharging the battery and then putting it on its charger. Alternatively, putting a discharged Li-ion battery in your freezer for the day before recharging it also works.
Ni-Cad Batteries
Batteries that are nickel-based are prone to performance problems. Chiefly these are caused because they get recharged before they are at zero percent. Reconditioning will restore performance but means applying a high voltage to the battery terminals.
Ni-MH Batteries
Though containing nickel, the Ni-MH rechargeable battery outperforms Ni-Cads. Performance in Ni-MH batteries can be regained by running deep charging cycles.
Lead Acid
Typically found in non-electric cars, lead-acid wet cells require little effort to return to top performance. All you need to do here is top up each cell with distilled water, then apply a slow charge from a battery charger.
AGM & Gel Batteries
These batteries are safer than lead-acid wet cells as there is nothing to leak out if the casing gets damaged. The most efficient reconditioning tactic here is to fully discharge the gel battery and apply a slow recharge.
How to Recondition Car Batteries
Car batteries are easy to recondition; the steps involved are simple.
You do not need to expend much time reconditioning a car battery; the batteries are large and the tools readily available.
Done right, you won’t have to replace the battery as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and get more miles out of it.
What you will need:
- Protective clothing
- Safety goggles
- Safety gloves
- Car battery charger
- Voltmeter
- Screwdriver and other basic tools
- Plastic funnel
- Two large plastic buckets
- Distilled water
- 1 lb. of Epsom salts
- 1 lb. baking soda
- Steel wool
- A Toothbrush
- Battery load tester (not strictly necessary)
Step by Step
- Prep the battery
The first step is cleaning the battery terminals. It is advisable to wear gloves for this. Ensure there is all corrosion build up on the battery terminals is removed. Familiarize yourself with which post is positive and which is negative. You will need to know this later.
Mix some of the baking soda with the distilled water until it becomes a fluid paste. Apply this on the battery terminal posts and clean them off with steel wool. A toothbrush is ideal for scrubbing off any corrosion that’s proving stubborn. The baking soda paster may begin to foam a little. Don’t worry, this is perfectly usual and shows it is doing its job. Clean up the top of the battery with the baking soda paste, then wipe off and allow to dry thoroughly. - Test the voltage
An inexpensive voltmeter is sufficient to test the battery voltage and is easy to use. Attach the voltmeter’s clips to the battery terminals. If you get a reading below 12.6 volts, then reconditioning should help extend the battery’s life. A voltmeter reading of zero indicates that the battery has likely had a short circuit and needs to be replaced.
- Drain the battery acid
If you haven’t already put on safety goggles, do so now! They should be chemical-resistant to prevent you from getting battery acid burns.
Use a screwdriver and gently place it underneath the battery cell caps. A small nudge should be sufficient to remove them. Have your plastic bucket nearby to receive the battery acid. When pouring the acid into the bucket, always ensure the battery is not facing toward you.
Don’t rush, or you may have spillages. Once entirely drained, return the battery to its usual upright position. Add around half a pound of the baking soda to the bucket to neutralize the battery acid. - Clean up the battery cells
Once the cells are emptied, mix a 0.5 gallon of distilled water with the remaining half pound of baking soda. Once nicely mixed, use the plastic funnel and pour some into every cell. When they are all filled, replace the caps, and give the battery a good shaking to clean the innards. You will need to do this for a couple of minutes, which will be hard work with a heavy car battery.
Take a rest afterward, then pop the cell caps off and pour the fluid into the acid bucket. The battery is now ready for reconditioning. Dispose of the waste fluids safely. - Recondition The Battery
You can now refill the battery with your electrolyte created using the Epsom salts and distilled water. This mixture will raise both the voltage and the amperage produced. It also prevents the build-up of sulfate, which shortens battery life. To make the electrolyte, add Epsom salts to distilled water at the boiling point. The simplest method is to pour the boiled distilled water into your second clean bucket, then slowly add the Epsom salts as your stir.
When the mixture goes clear, you can top up the battery cells with your homemade electrolyte. Fill each cell using your clean funnel. Fill each cell to the top, and retain any leftover electrolyte for the next recondition. Replace the cell caps and shake the battery again for a few minutes. The battery will then be ready for charging. - Charge your reconditioned battery
Remove the cell caps as this ensures the electrolyte doesn’t heat up and overflow. It also prevents pressure within the battery from building up. The battery charge should be placed well away, as far as possible, from the battery. Attach the positive and negative battery leads to the respective battery terminals. Put the battery on slow charge and leave for 36 hours.
- Test the battery
Test the voltage with the voltmeter. You should get a reading of 12.4 volts or more. If not, leave the battery charging for a further 12 hours. Top up any cells if electrolyte has overflowed.
When you get a normal voltage reading, remove your battery charger. Replace the cell caps and reconnect the battery in the car.
Turn on the high beams, but don’t attempt to start the car quite yet. Leave the lights on for a few minutes, then take another voltmeter reading. You should now get a reading of 9.6 volts or above. If you get less than 9.6 volts, this means the battery is not fully reconditioned. You will then have to repeat all six previous steps.
Alternatively, you can try cycling the battery. If the battery fails on the initial load test, discharge the battery fully and recharge once more. To fully discharge the battery, leave the high beams on a bit longer. However, be aware that you may have to cycle the battery like this four or five times to get a reading of 9.6 volts. Once you get a normal voltage output reading, then you will have a fully functioning battery for a fraction of purchasing a replacement.
5 Essentials For Battery Reconditioning
FOXWELL BT705 12/24V Battery Tester
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Battery analysis
- Car battery doctor
- Tests cranking and charging
- Our recommended buy
The Foxwell is the undisputed king of car battery diagnosis. But it also offers some advanced features you will love. It displays information on the starter system, the cranking times, and cranking voltage, giving vital insights into your car battery’s health.
This Foxwell model is highly-rated as the top car battery tester/analyzer. It works on both 12 and 24-volt batteries, which is very handy. Besides that, it will deliver accurate readings via backlight LCD in just 2.5 seconds. We have no hesitation in recommending this battery tester for anyone keen to monitor their car battery’s state of health.
INNOVA 3340
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Pro automotive multimeter
- Tests alternator
- Temperature probe
- Auto-ranging and automatic shut-off
You needn’t be a full-time mechanic to get the best out of this automotive multimeter. This comprehensive tester from INNOVA will diagnose your car battery and test all the electrical essentials such as wiring, switches, solenoids, alternator diodes, and duty cycle.
It also includes a useful temperature probe, inductive Revs Per Minute clamp, and a carrying case. Safety features comprise overload protection and automatic shut-off. Plus, it’s hands-free thanks to the test-lead holders. You will look like a pro auto-electrical tech when you brandish this tester to check a battery’s condition.
Midnite Mnhydrometer
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Hydrometer
- Easy to use and rugged
- Accurate and reliable
- Innovative
Getting a best in class battery hydrometer needn’t cost a small fortune. This Midnite meter enables you to check and interpret battery readings without the need for temperature tables and float readings. Its rugged, durable design means it will easily survive harsh environments like a pro auto shop.
Furthermore, it is credited as being one of the most accurate meters on sale today. You won’t be left with guesswork to do on the state of your battery. A look at the online reviews shows that users, who range from hobbyists to pro technicians, swear by this meter for car battery troubleshooting and repair.
Noco Genius10
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Steel construction
- 90-minute timer with time delay
- CSA-listed in the US and Canada
- All-weather safe
When there’s not enough juice in your battery for even one crank, what are you going to do?
Easy. Splash some cash on the market’s best car battery charger, that’s what. Compatible with six and 12-volt batteries, this Noco charger will soon resurrect a dead battery in no time.
Built from high-quality steel, the construction ensures this battery charger will have a long life. You can, therefore, count on having this battery charger for a good number of years.
What sets this charger apart is its 90-minute timer with hold function. Its design also means you can use it in all weathers. Very astute design work there as batteries always seem to go flat in the worst possible weather conditions. A quick review of the online rankings clearly shows this company is considered a class leader.
Delphi BU9094R MaxStart
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 12-volt battery
- Absorbed glass matting
- Spill-proof and sealed
- Valve regulated
- Ultra-low internal resistance
When your car battery finally gives up the ghost, there’s little option but to fit the best car battery replacement. If charging and reconditioning don’t work, it’s time to look out your money. While the Delphi battery costs more than a regular car battery, you will want the extra worth-the-money features.
This 12V car battery is of Absorbed Glass Mat design. This design means the electrolyte is suspended in fiberglass. It’s also sealed, spill-proof, valve-regulated, and resistant to vibration. The result is ultra-low resistance and the ability to mount the battery anywhere safely. Spending a bit more now will mean you can postpone buying a replacement car battery for longer than usual.
Charging Your Flat Car Battery
Charging a car battery that’s dead is not that difficult in reality. First up, determine which are the positive and negative battery terminals. This is important. Typically, the positive terminal will be designated by a plus sign (+), while the negative terminal is marked with a minus sign (-).
The car battery charger has a red-colored clamp that is attached to the positive battery terminal. The black-colored clamp goes on the negative terminal. Ensure both connections are secure, and then move the battery charger away from the battery as far as it will allow.
Switch the battery charger on and leave it charging until the battery is fully charged. Some models will automatically shut off, but others require you to monitor their gauges. When the battery is fully charged, remove the negative, then the positive clamps.
Precautions and Safety Tips For Working With Batteries
When working with car batteries, there are four primary safety considerations. These hazards are:
- Battery acid
This chemical is corrosive. It will burn skin or eyes. It is so strong it will easily burn holes in your clothes. That’s why you should always wear protective gear for handling a car battery.
- Flammable gas
Car batteries release hydrogen gas. As is well-known, hydrogen gas is very flammable and easy to ignite. It could easily cause an explosion or fire if the gas collects in a confined space like a workshop or garage.
- Electric shocks
A car battery will arc easily, particularly when you are attaching clamps or jumper cables.
- Weight:
Some battery types can be relatively heavy. You should always handle with care and assess the weight beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the telltale signs of a flat car battery?
There are numerous signs that diagnose a flat battery. Typically, these include the engine refusing to turn over, headlights being dead, and hearing only click when you turn the ignition on.
Around half of all car battery failures are down to fluid loss due to overheating and evaporation, overcharging, or a general lack of battery maintenance. Undercharging and internal corrosion are other culprits.
So long as the battery is not damaged or leaking, then the best time to recondition is whenever it appears to be lackluster.
There is no reason not to recondition a car battery at your own place. However, please take all the necessary precautions we have outlined. And ensure the area in which you are working is well ventilated, and wear all the right protective equipment.
Typically, a car battery will be serviceable for five, maybe ten years, depending on your mileage. By reconditioning the battery, you may be able to stretch it out to around 12 years.
If you don’t wish to use Epsom Salts, there are alternative electrolytes you can use. These include aluminum sulfate or copper sulfate. They are dissolved in distilled water in the same manner.
We would not recommend either be used as an alternative to the electrolyte. In fact, vinegar will cause more problems as it will convert into lead acetate in the battery cell.
With a 12-volt battery, you will want to get a reading of 12.6-volts or more.
The best ways are to take it to your local waste recycling center or do a trade-in for a replacement battery.
No. Overcharging will place excessive strain on your car battery’s components and can lead to early failure.
The reading will usually be 12-volts. Ideally, you want to get a reading around 12.8 or 12.9-volts. A reading of 12.4-volts indicates the battery has about 50% of its energy left.
No. Do not attempt to charge an AGM battery with a conventional charger. Only use the recommended AGM charger as it has integral microprocessors to ensure the AGM does not get overcharged.
That’s All Folks!
So, you now see that extending a car battery life by reconditioning is not as complicated as you may have feared. We have also outlined many tools in this guide for battery reconditioning.
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