Battery Reconditioning: Is it worth it?
Car batteries are essential to starting up a car. If you keep running into poor battery life with a dead battery, then there is probably an issue with it. However, instead of buying a new car battery, you may be able to put it through a battery reconditioning process to save it. Internal combustion engine vehicles use standard flooded lead acid batteries.
Car Batteries
Battery reconditioning is a process that involves restoring the performance and capacity of old, worn-out lead acid batteries. The process typically involves a series of steps designed to clean and rejuvenate the battery, remove any built-up sulfate or other contaminants, and restore the battery’s ability to hold a charge and deliver power.
There are several different methods for reconditioning batteries, including chemical treatments, mechanical methods, and electrical processes. Some of the most common techniques include using a desulfator to remove sulfate deposits from the battery plates, using an equalizing charger to balance the cells in the battery, and using an external power source to “shock” the battery back to life.
EZ Battery Reconditioning
Reconditioning hybrid batteries can be difficult, but there are some companies that make it simple. One of them is EZ Battery Reconditioning. With many different testimonies about EZ guiding them through the process, they will walk you through the conditioning process so you can save hundreds of dollars.
Their course offers multiple diagrams and walks you through various battery types. Rest assured, the $47 for the course is less than the minimum of $100 spent on a new battery.
How to Recondition a Car Battery
It’s important to take safety precautions, like wearing protective clothing, including gloves and safety goggles. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and keep any open flames or sparks away from the battery. Be careful of battery acid sulfuric acid during this process.
Here is a basic rundown of the process:
Remove the Battery: First, remove the battery from the car and place it on a clean, dry surface.
Clean the Battery: Use a wire brush or a battery cleaning solution to clean the battery terminals and any corrosion or buildup around them.
Check the Water Level: If your battery is not a sealed type, check the water level in the cells. If the water level is low, add distilled water in the battery cells until it reaches the appropriate level.
Charge the Battery: Charge the battery with a battery charger until it is fully charged. It is important to use a battery charger that is specifically designed for car batteries and follow the instructions carefully.
Test the Battery: Use a battery tester or a voltmeter to check the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery may need further charging. If the voltage is above 12.6 volts, the battery may be reconditioned.
Recondition the Battery: If the battery is above 12.6 volts, discharge the battery completely using a battery discharger. Once discharged, charge the battery again until it is fully charged.
Test the Battery Again: Use a battery tester or a voltmeter to check the voltage of the battery again. If the voltage is still above 12.6 volts, the battery has been successfully reconditioned.
Reinstall the Battery: Once the battery has been reconditioned, reinstall it in the car and secure it in place.
There are other tools to help with this process, like a module load tester to do a load test on battery modules.
Battery Cells
Battery cells will contain battery acid and will require cleaning. This process involves removing the battery cell caps and using baking soda to flush out the inside. Make sure to dump the cell contents into a bucket and bring them to a place that disposes of the waste. This process occurs when you recondition hybrid batteries or lead acid batteries.
It is also important to clean off the battery plates of sulfate crystals and replenishing the electrolyte solution within the battery.
Reconditioning Hybrid Batteries
Hybrid vehicle batteries are a little bit different than a regular vehicle. A hybrid car battery pack contains two batteries: a lead acid battery and a nickel metal hydride (or sometimes a lithium ion combo).
Hybrid battery reconditioning is different than run-of-the-mill lead acid batteries. This requires a couple extra tools, like a menu driven charge discharge cycler and software to analyze the amp-hour capacity.
Conclusion about a Reconditioned Battery
Battery reconditioning is a worthwhile process to go through and can be a great way to save money, but also get more longevity out of your current battery.
