Things You'll Need:
- Safety goggles
- Safety gloves
- Battery charger
- Wrench
- Plastic funnel
- Pitcher
- Drill
- Plastic plugs
- Distilled water
- Magnesium sulfate
- Baking soda
-
Step 1
Take proper safety precautions. Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, which can cause serious chemical burns. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep away from open flames.
-
Step 2
Make sure the car is turned off and use a wrench to remove the battery cables, then remove the battery from the car.
-
Step 3
Remove the plastic cell caps on top of the battery. If the battery is of the sealed type, locate the markings that indicate the location of each battery cell (called shadow plugs). Use a drill to open each battery cell.
-
Step 4
Drain all of the fluid in the battery into a non-metallic container. Before you pour the fluid down a drain, neutralize it by slowly adding baking soda 1 tbsp. at a time until the fluid stops bubbling.
-
Step 5
Mix 1 qt. (L) of one part magnesium sulfate to three parts warm distilled water. Do not use tap water as it may contain chemicals harmful to the battery. Use a funnel to fill each battery cell with the solution. Shake the battery gently when you are done to make sure the solution is well-distributed.
-
Step 6
Use a three-phase battery charger designed for lead acid batteries to charge the battery. With the charger off, attach the positive lead to the positive terminal ( these will be marked with a "+" sign) and negative to negative. Set the charger for 12 volts and turn it on.
-
Step 7
Allow the battery to charge overnight, then turn it off and disconnect the leads. Replace the cell caps or insert plastic plugs into the drill holes (these may be purchased at any auto parts store). Reinstall the battery in the car. Make sure the battery cables are firmly secured.
-
Step 8
Repeat the charging process at least once a week for one month. The repeated charging will help dissolve any remaining sulfur deposits and maximize battery charging capacity.
