How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home

Finally, we are now in the section of showing the step by step guide on how to
recondition a car battery at home or in your shop. The measures are not that technical,
but you need to have extra care as the old battery solution is acidic and contains lead.

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.

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.