Recharge Old Dead Car Batteries
You may find that your car battery may not hold its charge like it used to if it's more than two years old. In fact, only 30 percent of batteries sold today last 48 months, partly because today's cars have increased energy requirements, according to BatteryStuff.com. But a battery's lifespan can be greatly increased by merely reversing the reason for most battery failure: sulfation. This is the deposition of sulfur on metal plating, a process that causes 80 percent of battery weakening. You can reverse sulfation at a fraction of the cost of getting a new battery by replacing the acid and fully charging--but not overcharging--the battery overnight.
Instructions
1. Turn off the car's ignition.
2. Put on safety glasses and rubber gloves to protect against blinding or acid burn.
3. Detach the battery cables. Set the battery in a well ventilated area.
4. Lift off the plastic cell caps on the top of the battery if it's the serviceable type. If the cells are sealed, drill holes into the plastic--one hole per cell. You can tell where to drill by the six "shadow marks" that the six cells will have.
5. Microwave 1 quart (liter) of distilled water to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use tap water as you don't want the minerals inside to coat the metal battery plates.
6. Dissolve 10 tablespoons of pure Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) into the quart of distilled water.
7. Pour the salt solution into the six holes using a funnel. There should be marks on the side of the battery to indicate how high to fill the cells.
8. Charge the battery overnight with a "smart charger," which varies voltage to avoid overcharging and minimize future sulfation. Specifically, use a three-step charger to achieve a full charge. If you have been charging the battery with your car alternator alone, it can leave the battery charged only 90 percent. According to BatteryStuff.com, the 10 percent of electrolyte left uncharged leads to sulfation. You can purchase a three-step charger for as little as $40 at auto parts stores or online.
9. Plug the six holes with "hole caps" after the battery has fully charged. The caps are available at most hardware and auto supply stores.
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