Overview
- A car battery that won’t hold charge can be a frustrating issue, especially when you’re in a hurry.
- Before you rush out to buy a new one, there are a few things you can do to try to recondition your old battery.
- This time, you’ll want to charge the battery at a lower amperage for a longer period of time.
A car battery that won’t hold charge can be a frustrating issue, especially when you’re in a hurry. Before you rush out to buy a new one, there are a few things you can do to try to recondition your old battery. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to recondition car battery that won’t hold charge.
Safety First
Before you begin working on your car battery, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Wear gloves and eye protection, and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Also, be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work.
Step 1: Inspect the Battery
The first step is to inspect the battery for any obvious damage. Look for cracks, leaks, or corrosion. If you see any damage, it’s best to replace the battery.
Step 2: Clean the Terminals
If the battery terminals are corroded, you’ll need to clean them before you can recondition the battery. Use a wire brush to remove any corrosion, and then apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent future corrosion.
Step 3: Charge the Battery
Once the terminals are clean, you’ll need to charge the battery. You can do this using a battery charger or by driving your car for a while. If you’re using a battery charger, follow the instructions that came with the charger.
Step 4: Discharge the Battery
Once the battery is fully charged, you’ll need to discharge it. You can do this by turning on your car’s headlights and letting them run for a few hours. This will help to remove any sulfation that may have built up on the battery plates.
Step 5: Charge the Battery Again
After the battery is discharged, you’ll need to charge it again. This time, you’ll want to charge the battery at a lower amperage for a longer period of time. This will help to recondition the battery and extend its life.
Step 6: Test the Battery
Once the battery is fully charged, you’ll need to test it to make sure it’s holding a charge. You can do this using a battery tester or by starting your car. If the battery is still not holding a charge, you may need to replace it.
Why Your Car Battery Won’t Hold Charge
There are a number of reasons why your car battery may not be holding a charge. Some of the most common causes include:
- Sulfation: This is a buildup of lead sulfate on the battery plates. It can occur when the battery is discharged and then not recharged properly.
- Corrosion: This is the formation of rust on the battery terminals. It can prevent the battery from making a good connection with the electrical system.
- Overcharging: This can damage the battery plates and shorten the battery’s life.
- Undercharging: This can also damage the battery plates and shorten the battery’s life.
- Extreme temperatures: Hot or cold temperatures can both damage car batteries.
Reconditioning vs. Replacing a Car Battery
If your car battery is not holding a charge, you may be able to recondition it. However, if the battery is damaged or has reached the end of its life, you will need to replace it. Here are some signs that your car battery needs to be replaced:
- The battery is more than five years old.
- The battery has been damaged.
- The battery is no longer holding a charge.
- The battery is leaking.
- The battery is corroded.
Summary: Reviving Your Car Battery
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can recondition your car battery and extend its life. However, if the battery is damaged or has reached the end of its life, you will need to replace it.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How often should I recondition my car battery?
A: You should recondition your car battery every few years, or more often if you live in a hot or cold climate.
Q: Can I recondition a car battery that has been frozen?
A: No, you cannot recondition a car battery that has been frozen. The freezing process will damage the battery plates and make it impossible to recondition.
Q: Can I recondition a car battery that has been overcharged?
A: No, you cannot recondition a car battery that has been overcharged. Overcharging will damage the battery plates and shorten the battery’s life.