The car battery, usually lead acid, is 12 volts with six 2 volt cells connected in series and marine batteries, usually deep cycle, are expensive items to replace. The main cause of damage to lead acid batteries is when they are left sitting for an extended period of time.

Weather is the number one factor for failure of any marine battery. Car batteries suffer the same when the car is stored or not used for months.

Adding a battery additive when new will extend the life of the car battery and the battery will be more responsive to reconditioning.

Every car and marine battery has a limited lifespan to run the electrical power systems in the car or boat at the highest level of efficiency.

THE DEAD BATTERY EFFECT.

Battery efficiency is reduced when used excessively and decreases slowly, usually due to sulfation on the battery plates, which is the most common cause of decreased battery performance in lead-acid automotive batteries and acid.

Sulfation occurs when sulfur builds up on the battery’s lead plates, blocking electrical current. It is not difficult to recondition car battery at home by following a guide.

This stops the production of electricity passing between the plates and that is when the battery needs restoration or reconditioning.

QUICK FIX

“Epsom salts, distilled water, and a voltmeter. Sulfation causes irreversible corrosion of the lead plates, so this process will only work a couple of times. It’s a simple process to try and get your battery working again.”

Test your car battery to see if it responds to reconditioning. To recondition a car battery at home, you need to register 12 volts on a voltmeter.

The car battery reads between 10-12 volts, you may be able to restore the battery to full working order, 10 volts or less, you most likely have a cell [2 volts] collapsed and reconditioning the battery can be a waste of time.

BAIL:

1. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, dangerous to humans and the environment

2. Work only in a well-ventilated area

3. Do not work around or near open flames.

4. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves.

5. If you get acid on your skin, wash it off immediately with plenty of water.