Battery Reconditioning - Power Curious

Refurbished Car Batteries Near Me (Locations, Prices, & More)

James Owen — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:48:43 +0000

Refurbished batteries have been a conversation starter in most circles of car enthusiasts, mechanics, and even regular drivers. Buying a “refurbished” battery is a great way to save money while ensuring your car is in good working condition. The question many people ask is: where can I find refurbished car batteries near me?

You can turn to online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon or local stores like Autozone, Costco, and Sears for affordable options. You may also buy from dealerships or scrap yards, with prices dependent on battery type, quality, and markup by the seller. There is something available that will fit each budget; take your time when deciding what’s right for you!

What Does a Refurbished Car Battery Mean?

A refurbished car battery is an environmentally friendly and cost-saving alternative to buying a new one. The process involves cleaning the old battery and replacing any broken or worn-out parts before recharging it with a specialized charger designed for that purpose.

A technician then tests the newly reconditioned battery and replaces damaged components as needed until they are sure its charge capacity has been restored. Once tested again to ensure functionality, this recycled part offers reliable power while conserving resources, which in turn helps reduce waste too!

Choosing such an option means you can rest assured your vehicle’s energy needs are being met safely without sacrificing performance or shelling out more money unnecessarily—truly eco-friendly and wallet-friendly all at once!

Where Can I Buy Refurbished Car Batteries Near Me?

Refurbished batteries may be the way to go if you’re looking for a more affordable option for your car battery needs. Here are some places where you can find them:

Online Marketplaces

Refurbished car batteries can be bought online from platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and more. Expert refurbishers take old batteries and restore them to good condition before listing them for sale on these marketplaces at an affordable price.

Local Auto Shops or Stores

Check out your local auto shops or stores like Autozone, Costco, and Sears, where you’ll find various used but still functional car parts, including refurbished batteries. They acquire the batteries from different sources, like trade-ins or returns from customers, so look into this if it is available in your area.

Car Dealerships

Certain dealers also have their own restoration centers, providing second-hand, high-quality products much cheaper than new ones would normally cost—great value if it’s something right for you!

Scrap Yards

Looking further is worthwhile by checking scrap yards near home, which usually contain the same type of refurbishing options, albeit quite hard to access as often no salespeople are present there with specialized advice. Always double check.

How Much Is a Refurbished Car Battery?

Getting a car battery replaced can be expensive. A great alternative to buying new is purchasing refurbished batteries, which are significantly cheaper but still reliable.

On average, you’ll find them ranging in price from $50 to $150 depending on factors such as age and condition, brand, and type of battery, along with the seller’s markup too.

Older batteries will naturally cost less, while those that have gone through more extensive repairs may come at a slightly higher fee compared to ones requiring minimal restoration work.

Brand name also affects pricing; if you’re going for quality brands, expect an increase accordingly, though some sellers do offer competitive rates to get your attention!

Finally, when picking out one, check it twice, just like any other product or service: consider repair history, etc., so there won’t be regrets down the line. Saving money upfront has its risks; after all, better safe than sorry!

How Long Does A Reconditioned Battery Last?

Reconditioned batteries don’t quite match up to the same life expectancy as their new counterparts, but rest assured that these older batteries still hold plenty of juice.

A quality-conditioned used car battery typically provides 1–3 years worth of use after undergoing processes like cleaning and electrolyte fillings.

Depending on usage frequency, however, this time frame is shortened. What’s great about them too is that, despite their age, with proper maintenance, they can maintain close enough charge output to mimic that freshly made factory direct order pack. Don’t forget, if you look into it often, yours will have even longer, reliable longevity!

Refurbished Car Battery vs. New Car Battery

Here’s an overview comparing new versus reconditioned batteries:

Performance

New car batteries provide top performance and efficiency and come with a warranty for years of use. Refurbished car batteries have been used before but may offer similar levels of initial performance; however, there’s no guarantee how long they will last in comparison to new ones.

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, you can count on brand new batteries every time, as their lack of or prior usage history is known, which ensures better maintenance than refurbished units.

Furthermore, if the battery dies suddenly, you are less likely to be left stranded out in dangerous places while using them since their original features might still work well compared to old reconditioned versions.

Cost

When it comes to price point, certainly buying secondhand is going to save money initially; however, it’s important to consider overall value over time as these preowned models may have limited durability and may ultimately prove costly in other ways further down the line should they break before their expected lifetime has elapsed.

Which One Should You Buy?

Investing in a reliable brand-new automobile battery might cost more initially compared to refurbished models, but it provides longer-lasting use over time that cannot be guaranteed when choosing used parts.

Related Post: Battery Reconditioning Epsom Salt

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you revive a dead car battery?

It might be possible, depending on the overall health of the dead battery prior to attempting revival methods. Usually, reconditioning or refilling techniques can restore some life to an old car battery, enabling it to be used for many more years before needing replacement completely.

Does Autozone sell refurbished batteries?

Yes, they do accept old batteries to recondition them as “refurbished” ones for sale in their stores.

Does AutoZone give discounts for old batteries?

Some store locations may offer discounted prices when you buy a new battery along with an accepted used battery, but this policy varies across stores, so check locally first before purchasing anything.

Conclusion

Refurbished batteries are an excellent way to save money and protect the environment. Prices can vary depending on where you buy them, their type and model, age, or condition, but usually, they’re very inexpensive compared to a brand-new battery!

So if your car needs replacing, be sure to look into getting reconditioned ones instead of going for something completely off-the-shelf. With refurbishment so easily available nowadays, not only will you get good value out of that secondhand purchase, but by choosing it over new purchases, you’ll help contribute positively towards sustaining our planet’s natural resources as well!

References:

James Owen

James is an engineer and a professional blogger. He has gained extensive experience over the years, handling all types of power projects. He loves to share his experiences with all things related to batteries, generators, and other power-related topics.

powercurious.com

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Can You Restore Lithium-Ion Battery in Freezer?

James Owen — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:07:00 +0000

A Lithium-ion rechargeable battery is the perfect choice for most electronic devices. You can use them on camcorders, laptops, watches, phones, and so much more. Lithium-ion batteries have high capacity and more charge cycles than other batteries like NiCad and NiMH. However, after a certain time, your lithium-ion battery stops working as expected, which brings us to the question of the day, can you restore lithium-ion batteries in a freezer?

The first thought might be to dispose of them and get new ones. But, before disposing of them, is there a chance you can restore an old lithium-ion battery by freezing it? The short answer is yes. You can restore old lithium batteries by keeping them inside a freezer.

Keep reading to learn more about tips, steps, and things to avoid when restoring your Li-ion battery.

What Causes A Lithium-Ion Battery To Die?

Has your phone died after charging it for almost 3 hours? If so, your battery must have died, which is normal after some time. When your battery cannot hold a charge or takes forever to charge, you know it is almost dying.

When your phone gets hot when using it, or you notice the battery swelling, this is the time to read this article and find out how to restore your dying lithium-ion battery. Some of the causes for this include:

High charging rates that cause lithium plating, which refers to the accumulation of lithium metal in the area surrounding the anode.
Electrolyte oxidation at the cathode due to elevated temperatures and keeping the cells at high voltages.
Development of a solid electrolyte interface on the anode, obstructing the graphite electrodes.
Mechanical degeneration, leading to loss of stack pressure.

Can You Restore A Lithium-Ion Battery By Putting It In The Freezer?

One of the user warnings with a lithium-ion battery is that you keep them in cool and dry places. Placing the batteries under direct sunlight or exposing them to heat ruins them. Heat damages the magnetic field in the battery that keeps the positive and negative ions moving continuously.

As the ions move around, they bombard each other, raising the temperature of your battery, even at room temperature. When you charge the battery, the movement of the ions increases, making the temperatures rise, shortening the battery’s lifespan.

When the battery is hot, the movement of the ions increases because they have more energy. Therefore, it makes sense to cool the battery down in an attempt to restore it. You are probably wondering, does freezing harm your lithium-ion battery, or can you revive the battery by putting it in a freezer?

To answer your question, consider this:

Hot stuff moves rapidly, while cold things slow down. Now, moving stuff causes it to generate heat, which causes the temperature to rise. The same applies to your lithium-ion battery. The lithium ions will keep moving around if the battery is at room temperature.

However, cooling the battery down by, say, placing them in a freezer, can help you revive your battery and extend its lifespan.

How to Recondition Lithium-Ion Batteries in Freezer?

If you find your lithium-ion battery overheating, follow the steps below to recondition it in the freezer.

Take the dead battery out of your device.
Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage on the battery and determine if the battery is healthy or dead. A dead battery will have a voltage lower than half the rating.
Now, charge the dead battery with a genuine charger.
Put the battery in a heavy-load device to discharge it fast.
Take the discharged battery and wrap it in an airtight bag.
Ensure there is no moisture in the wrapper, then toss the battery in the freezer for 24 hours.
Take the battery out the next day and let it thaw for about 8 hours.
Charge it and try it on your device.

Keep in mind that reconditioning a battery may not always work, and that sometimes you will just have to buy a new battery.

Safety Tips

When handling lithium-ion batteries, it is essential to remember that heat can cause an explosion. So, keep the batteries away from any heat and direct sunlight. At the same time, avoid placing the battery on combustible surfaces. Also, when you place the battery in the freezer, tightly close the bag to prevent the battery from getting wet.

Do not let heavy items fall on the battery to avoid denting it. Finally, handle the battery with care to prevent short-circuiting the terminals.

Tips To Extend the Life of a Lithium-Ion Battery

If you do not want to find yourself in a tough spot where you want to revive your lithium-ion battery in a freezer, there are a few tips you can follow to extend the lifespan of your battery. Some of these include:

Always charge the battery at the correct voltage and ampere levels.
Store the battery properly- away from extreme temperatures and in dry places.
Make a habit of charging your battery before you completely drain its power. Observing the depth of discharge (DoD) can help preserve the longevity of the battery.
Lithium-ion batteries stay the longest when you partially discharge them and charge them regularly.

What Does Observing DoD Mean?

When using your battery, it is highly advised against draining all the power and floating the battery at 100%. When you observe the depth of discharge, it means you discharge your battery to 10-15% of its capacity and then charge it to around 90%. Whenever possible, never charge your battery to 100%. Also, keep the charge levels high whenever you can. This will help you preserve the life of your battery.

How To Safely Store Lithium-Ion Batteries When Not In Use?

Temperature and environmental conditions are vital to how you store your lithium-ion battery. You should store the battery at 59 °F. Also, keep the batteries at around 40% charge when storing them.

Do not expose the batteries to a lot of vibration, and check that there is no moisture in the storage area.

FAQs

Can you store lithium-ion batteries in the fridge?

It is not advisable to leave the lithium-ion batteries in extreme temperatures for long periods of time. Therefore, you cannot leave your battery in the fridge and expect it to work normally after 24 hours.

Does freezing damage lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries do not have any water in their composition. Therefore, keeping them in a freezer for a few hours will not damage them.

When should you replace lithium-ion batteries?

Most of the lithium-ion brands will last you 4-5 years. After that, you start experiencing problems like quick discharge, slow charging, and overheating your device. That is when you know it is time to replace your lithium-ion battery.

In which temperature range should I operate lithium-ion batteries?

The average temperature range of operating a lithium-ion battery is between 15° C and 35° C. Below this, the performance becomes sluggish, and above the range, you risk getting explosions and reduced battery life.

Conclusion: Can You Restore Lithium-Ion Battery in Freezer?

If you were curious if you could restore lithium-ion batteries in the freezer, now you know you can. Storing your battery in the freezer for 24 hours can help you restore the electrochemical composition of the battery, thus extending its lifespan.

James Owen

powercurious.com

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AGM Battery Reconditioning – Everything You Need To Know

James Owen — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:51:31 +0000

Batteries are one of the most convenient, flexible, and reliable methods of storing electrical energy. The many types of batteries differ based on their chemical composition and how long they last. AGM batteries are just one of the many types that exist. However, poor storage and continued use of AGM batteries wear them out, rendering them inefficient and sometimes useless. Luckily, you can try to recondition your batteries before they die for good. You are probably wondering if that is possible and if you can execute successful AGM battery reconditioning. If so, then we have the perfect directions for you.

Can You Recondition Your Battery?

Yes, reconditioning of an AGM battery is possible. You can revive your batteries when their performance drops. Reconditioning means restoring the battery when it stops functioning. Usually, failure occurs due to a prolonged storage period or when used for the wrong purpose.

In supplying energy, a battery discharge might occur through sulfation. This chemical reaction tends to cause an accumulation of sulfate crystals on the battery plates. The crystal build-up means longer charging time, reduced efficiency, and a drop-in charge capacity. Reconditioning a battery allows the battery to recharge and function like a new one.

Reasons for AGM Battery Failure

AGM batteries lose power and their strengths deteriorate over time, resulting in poor performance. Many people may think it best to get rid of them, but we’re here to provide alternate methods for increasing the performance of your AGM battery.

Considering the batteries are expensive and, when disposed of without being used to their full potential, they have added cost. Moreover, their core materials are acidic and synthetic, meaning they harm the environment when discarded.

AGM battery failure is a common occurrence and is due to;

When the battery is not correctly fitted into the vehicle.
Dirty battery cables.
Damage from over/under charging.
Battery age.
Sulfation.
Wrong adjustment of the battery cables to fit into the terminals.
When the battery use differs from its designed application.
The battery is not sized correctly for the application.
The battery is over-connected with electrical accessories.

When Can You Recondition An AGM Battery?

Knowing when to administer reconditioning procedures is as important as using the battery itself. When a fully charged AGM battery tests more than 20% lower than its fully charged level, it is probably due for a replacement.

One can tell when your battery is in terrible shape through several methods, which include:

1. Visual checks

For safety reasons, a quick visual inspection is paramount to knowing when to recondition your battery. Some of the visible signs include:

Cracks or ruptures.
Bulges or bumps.
Broken pieces of any kind.
Discoloration.
Broken terminal.

If the battery is still new to the eyes but there is an occurrence of a bulge in the case, then it is a result of overcharging. Other signs, such as physical damage to the case, are due to mishandling. Cracks and holes may not cause the battery to stop working, but it will be hazardous for normal operations.

2. Take voltage reading

Sulfation is a common cause of battery failure and has several signs. The most typical indication of sulfation is when the battery does not hold a charge very well. Other signs include when the electronic devices do not get enough power and when they go dead long before expected.

Visually, it is hard to tell when sulfation occurs; thus, one needs to test the battery’s standing voltage using a multi-meter. For a 12 volt battery, if the voltage reading is;

Less than 12.6 volts, then it is a clear indication of an undercharged battery, mainly caused by sulfation.
Less than 10.5 volts, then the battery possesses a dead cell.
With a reading of 0 volts, chances are that the battery has experienced a short circuit.

3. Load test the battery

The load test involves connecting a digital voltmeter to the battery terminals. Then, you connect the voltmeter and battery terminals of the vehicle and start the engine. A healthy battery voltage ranges from 9.6-10.5 volts and can keep your car running for at least 30 seconds.

How to recondition an AGM battery?

You can recondition an AGM battery through several methods, as discussed below:

Method 1: This is the best way to recondition a discharged AGM battery. This method involves using a charger (we recommend this CTEK MXS 5.0 charger from amazon) that implements the latest technology to provide charge. Designed especially for recharging AGM batteries, they have specific in-built settings and a desulfation guide on restoring the discharged battery.

These battery chargers can also aid in doubling the battery maintainer for the storage batteries. They provide a way to charge the battery externally by using a ring terminal; they also allow the user to charge the battery outdoors.

Method 2: Another way to revive dead batteries is by the use of standard home garage equipment. This technique tends to trick the regular charger into providing power to a deeply discharged battery. Items required include:

A battery charger.
Cables.
A good battery of 12.2 volts.
The damaged battery.
A digital voltmeter.
Stopwatch.

The first step is to connect the two batteries in parallel (positive to the positive terminal and negative to the negative terminal) using the cables. Proceed to connect the charger to the 12-volt battery and turn it on; the charger will measure the voltage on the performing battery and start supplying charges. Leave the batteries for about an hour, after which you check whether the deteriorated one is warm simply by touching it. A warm feeling is good, but disconnect from the charger when you feel a hot sensation.

Using the voltmeter, check if the low battery has reached 10.5 volts, and if so, connect it directly to the charger when it is completed; then, the battery is as good as new.

FAQ - AGM Battery Reconditioning

Can a CTEK charger recondition an AGM battery?

Yes, a CTEK charger can recondition an AGM battery. As the charger charges at high voltages, they are better suited to the AGM program; hence possible to use the recond and the AGM programs together.

Can you charge an AGM battery with a regular charger?

Yes, one can use a regular charger to charge an AGM battery provided you follow the instructions provided for the latter. It is essential not to use a wet cell instruction on an AGM battery so as not to destroy it.

Can you add water to an AGM battery?

No, never try to add water to an AGM battery. Not only will this action not recondition the battery, but it will also ruin the unit by exposing the inner parts to oxygen, thus ruining the whole battery.

How long do AGM batteries last?

An AGM battery lasts twice as long as its flooded counterparts do. If a flooded battery lasts three to five years, an AGM battery could last twice the time, i.e., six to ten years.

How regularly should I charge my AGM battery?

Charge your AGM battery once you fill the acid and the wet life has started, thus preventing further damage to the battery.

Final Thoughts

Batteries are revolutionary. In addition, they are costly to buy. So, before you can plan your next purchase, try reconditioning your battery in a few simple steps. AGM battery reconditioning is simple, but you should avoid chemical burns, explosions, and fires. Most importantly, don’t short out the battery terminals, or you might ruin your chances of being able to recondition the AGM battery.

James Owen

powercurious.com

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What Is Battery Reconditioning On Charger | A Complete Guide

James Owen — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:19:05 +0000

If you have a severely uncharged battery because of several years of unuse, a standard battery charger won’t get things running. In this case, what’s better than getting a battery reconditioning charger and blowing new life into your battery? Surely not spending hundreds of dollars on a new battery.

There are tons of other reasons why you should use a battery reconditioning charger. Not only do they make your life easier with their AI technology, but they also make the charging process safer. And while we won’t be wasting your time on reasons, it is time we get to the real and fun stuff.

What Does a Battery Reconditioning Charger Mean?

A battery reconditioning charger is just a simple battery charger, but just better.

While a normal battery charger will easily overcharge the battery, the reconditioning battery charger will not. This is because the advanced artificially intelligent technology incorporated into its microprocessors makes sure that the reconditioning battery charger monitors the current and voltage very closely so as not to cause your battery to overcharge.

While a normal battery charger will easily overcharge the battery, the reconditioning battery charger will not. This is because the advanced Artificially Intelligent technology incorporated into its microprocessors makes sure that the reconditioning battery charger monitors the current and voltage very close so as not to cause your battery to overcharge.

Plus, thanks to its microprocessors and power monitoring technology, it can easily breathe a new soul into a severely overcharged battery. This is not possible with a normal battery charger because no matter how long you keep it connected, it just doesn’t have enough capacity to reverse the chemical reaction and crystal formation on the battery cell’s electrodes.

Finally, you can use the battery reconditioning charger to essentially recondition a battery. This is practically the same thing as renewing your battery on a chemical level by reversing all the bad chemical reactions between the electrolyte and electrodes over time and under increased, constant usage.

So, all in all, a battery reconditioning charger is a technologically advanced form of a battery charger with better and safer features. If you can afford it, you should buy it today!

How Does It Work?

We won’t be going into the deep physics of how the battery reconditioning charger works by desulfurization and sending low-frequency signals to allow the sulfur deposits on the electrodes to break apart on the atomic level and re-dissolve back into the electrode, hence reconditioning the battery on a chemical and atomic level. But we will be talking about some general stuff.

Essentially, a battery reconditioning charger is a smart battery charger that works by first monitoring the battery’s voltage and current and then computing through its microprocessors and artificially intelligent programs to calculate whether the battery needs a whole reconditioning or a simple charge.

That’s right. You can use the battery reconditioning charger to charge your batteries as well as recondition them.

The batteries are a significant improvement over normal battery chargers in that they not only incorporate automaticity but also make charging batteries a whole lot safer.

In addition, they continuously monitor the voltage and current of your batteries to make sure they do not overcharge. This is not the case with normal battery chargers since they will keep on charging your batteries endlessly, leading to them ending up overcharged.

One of the biggest perks of using a battery reconditioning charger is that it can essentially reverse the chemical reactions that lead to the permanent non-functionality of the batteries. For example, if sulfur crystals build up on the electrodes of the battery’s individual cells, the battery may not work at its full capacity.

The reconditioning charger works by removing these sulfur crystals and, in the process, reviving both the integrity of the electrolyte and the cells’ electrodes.

Advantages of Battery Charger Reconditioning Mode Feature

A battery charger reconditioning mode is a feature of a smart battery that automatically turns on when your battery needs reconditioning. So how does it know when your battery needs reconditioning? First, hop over to the section “How does a battery charger recondition a battery?” But several advantages come with a battery charger reconditioning mode:

Economically Friendly

Battery reconditioning is financially friendly. It’s just a one-time investment, and after that, you can revive batteries that haven’t felt electricity for decades, as many times as you want. Plus, they are very sturdy and durable as well. So don’t feel shy while using them and get your hands a little dirty.

Environmentally friendly

While you might not realize it yet, lead-acid batteries generate 2.8 million tons of solid waste every year, constituting 1-2% of the total solid waste in the US. When calculated per person, it comes to roughly 19 pounds per person per year.

That’s a huge number, but it can be reduced drastically if people want. One way to do this is to recondition your batteries instead of throwing them around and getting a new battery. Help save the planet.

Start your own business

It’s as easy as that. But unfortunately, not a lot of people have the time or patience to recondition a battery manually, and neither can they afford the hassle of having their battery charged by a battery reconditioning charger.

People will pay you if you bring value to them. And what better value than reviving their car batteries and saving them tons of money and trips to O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Best Battery Reconditioning Chargers In The Market

CTEK Battery Charger Reconditioning Mode

With three lines of reconditioning chargers, namely CTEK MXS 3.8,
CTEK MXS 5.0 (on Amazon), and CREK MXS 7.0, it is one of the best reconditioning battery chargers for all you battery geeks out there.

The 3.8 version uses a 7-step charging process, while the 5.0 and 7.0 ones use an 8-step charging process. The 7.0 one, however, has higher power potential.

Dewalt Battery Charger Reconditioning Mode

The DEWALT 80 amp 12V battery reconditioning charger (on Amazon) is industrial grade, heavy-duty, and a beast in what it does. It can recondition in less time than some other chargers, which is one of its best features. It is also very durable.

Stanley Battery Charger Reconditioning Mode

15 amperes reconditioning battery charger with a built-in 40 amperes engine starter. The Stanley reconditioning charger (on Amazon) will calculate the appropriate amount of current to charge your battery properly without overcharging. However, if your lead-acid battery needs reconditioning, it will carry out the desulfurization for you, hands down.

Black and Decker Battery Charger Reconditioning Mode

40 amps smart charger with a built-in 110 amps engine starter function. Just like any other reconditioning battery, this one too can monitor the voltage and current of the battery and compute whether the battery needs reconditioning or not. Plus, being black and decker, this one is not too costly.

Vector Smart battery charger reconditioning Mode

With three charge rate settings of 2 amps, 10 amps, and 20 amps, this battery can be used on a battery of various sizes. Small batteries, such as those found in lawnmowers, benefit from 2 amps; small cars, 10 amps; and light trucks, 20 amps. However, do remember that the battery is intended to be used for 12V lead-acid batteries only.

Everstart Plus Battery Charger Recondition Mode

Another one of our favorite reconditioning battery chargers is intended for 12V lead-acid batteries only. The reconditioning function works separately from the charging function and must also be treated as such.

Key Features of Battery Reconditioning Chargers

Dissolves crystals

This is one of the most critical features of the battery reconditioning charges. Their sole ability to dissolve sulfate crystals deposited on the individual cell’s electrodes makes them stand apart from normal battery charges.

This ability to dissolve sulfate crystals is one of the reasons why battery reconditioning chargers can essentially recondition a battery while a normal battery charger cannot.

The built-in microprocessors send signals at certain frequencies that break the bonds between the solid sulfate crystals. This lets the sulfate ions dissolve back into the electrolyte, rejuvenating both the battery and the electrodes. This process is called “reconditioning.”

Regulators

These are smart batteries, which means they can perform decisions by computing results based on a complex algorithm of inputs and outputs. A reconditioning charger gives input to the battery and receives an output from it.

This output signal from the battery allows the reconditioning charger to set up its voltage and current input to the battery. It will not be harmful to the battery and, at the same time, charge it fully and recondition it when needed.

This regulation and monitoring of current and voltage input and output come from hundreds of built-in microprocessors in the reconditioning battery charger that function based on an artificial intelligence program.

Voltage and current readings

This relates to the previous point. The battery reconditioning charger must be able to properly read and calculate the voltage and amperage of the battery. This will allow it to monitor and adjust its current and voltage input to the battery itself.

Suppose you get one of those modern battery reconditioning chargers. In that case, chances are that the charger will allow you to read the voltage and amperage of the battery in real-time while it is charging it—no need to invest in an ammeter or a voltmeter once you get one of these bad boys.

How Does A Battery Charger Recondition A Battery?

There are seven simple steps based on which a battery charger reconditions a battery.

1. Desulfuration

In this phase, the battery charger sends short bursts of low-frequency signals to the battery, and it allows the sulfur precipitates on the battery electrodes to disintegrate on a molecular level, convert into sulfur ions, combine with hydrogen and oxygen in the media, and re-form the sulfuric acid of the electrolyte.

2. Slow amperage

After desulfurization, the charger essentially readies the battery to be reconditioned appropriately and recharged. The charger gives the battery 50% of the total current to get the battery ready.

3. Max amperage

After slow amperage, the charger delivers 100% of the current to the battery but does not fully capacitate it yet. The max amperage lasts as long as the battery reaches a capacity of around 75-80%.

4. Steady amperage flow

Once 80% capacitated, the charger reverts to slow charging the battery until it reaches a capacity of 100%.

This cycle of slow and fast charging the battery makes sure that the charger monitors the voltage and power closely and allows the battery to reach 100% capacity.

5. Test

The built-in voltmeter of the charger tests if the battery has reached 100% capacity; if not, it reverts to the slow charging step and repeats the loop. If yes, then it proceeds to the next step.

6. Recondition via steady amperage

The battery charger sends a constant, steady flow of low current to the battery. This ensures that the battery is fully reconditioned by allowing the chemical reactions to reverse between the electrolyte and the electrode, using the low current as a catalyst. Once done, the electrolyte and the electrode will have the same charge.

7. Float charging

Once 100% capacitated and fully reconditioned, the charger switches to float charging, which allows the charger to maintain the battery at a 100% capacity without overcharging it.

How Long Does It Take For A Charger To Recondition A Battery?

The process essentially depends on the quality of the battery, its amperage, and the voltage and size of the battery. That being said, the average time to recondition a battery varies somewhere around 24-36 hours.

FAQs

Do battery reconditioning chargers work?

Yes, they not only work… They work wonders.

Can you charge a battery without a charger?

You cannot charge a battery to its full capacity without a charger.

What is the difference between battery reconditioning chargers and battery chargers?

Battery reconditioning chargers are smart chargers that prevent overcharging and recondition the battery. Normal battery chargers will overcharge your battery and not recondition it as well.

When should I recondition a battery?

When you see that the battery does not charge to its 100% capacity even after fully charging it, you should also recondition a battery if it’s very old, hasn’t been used for quite some time, or doesn’t respond to normal chargers.

How do you recondition a sealed car battery?

The easiest way to recondition a sealed car battery is to use a battery reconditioning charger.

How does a battery charger desulfate a battery?

By sending low-frequency signals that essentially break the sulfur crystal deposits at the atomic level.

How do I know if my battery is sulfated?

It doesn’t charge to 100%, discharges very slowly, and does not give the voltage and current output as it is supposed to. If that is the case, it is time to recondition your battery.

Can you recondition a deep cycle battery?

Yes, you can.

Conclusion

Battery reconditioning chargers are truly marvelous. Not only do they eliminate the need to manually recondition a battery or take it to an auto-parts store, but they also make things super fun, easy, and most importantly, environmentally and financially friendly.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post What Is Battery Reconditioning On Charger | A Complete Guide appeared first on Power Curious.

How to Restore NiCad Batteries

James Owen — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:55:43 +0000

Nickel-cadmium, or NiCad, batteries are a common type of battery. Although lithium-ion batteries are becoming more popular, you likely have a battery-powered tool or appliance that uses NiCad batteries. The rechargeable AA and AAA batteries in your solar lights or flashlights may be NiCad. Unfortunately, NiCad batteries have a problem with the “memory effect.” This is especially a problem in older NiCad batteries. The battery builds up “memory” based on a short charging cycle, and it can no longer charge to its full capacity. Thankfully, there are solutions to this! Keep reading to learn NiCad battery essentials and how to restore NiCad batteries.

What Are NiCad Batteries?

NiCad batteries are rechargeable batteries that use nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes. The name NiCad is broken down into two parts. The Ni comes from the chemical symbol of nickel (Ni), and “Cad” comes from the chemical symbol of cadmium (Cd).

The first NiCad batteries were invented in 1899. Since then, they have been greatly improved and modified. They were once widely used in portable power tools, flashlights, and other portable electronic devices.

Why Do NiCd Batteries Fail?

NiCad batteries can fail for a variety of reasons. The most common one is the “memory effect.” A NiCad battery can build up memory based on how it’s charged. For example, if you discharge a NiCad battery to 50% and then charge it, over time, the battery will begin to register 50% as 0. Once this memory is established, the battery will no longer use the other 50% of its charge.

They can also fail due to frequent overcharging, leaving the battery discharged for a long time, or exposure to extreme temperatures. You can tell this is happening to a NiCad battery when it appears to be fully charged but discharges quickly after a short period of use.

How to Restore NiCad Batteries?

If your NiCad batteries are refusing to charge, you might be wondering what to do with them. Do you throw them in the trash? Or take them to a recycling facility?

Luckily, there is a third option. You can bring your NiCad batteries back to life! Let’s take a look at how to restore NiCad batteries in several different ways.

By Freezing

The first method for reviving NiCad batteries is freezing them. First, take the battery out of whatever electronic device it is powering. Next, put the battery in a plastic bag and carefully seal it. Clean and dry the battery before placing it in the bag.

Place the battery in the freezer and leave it for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, remove the battery from the freezer and let it thaw. You should allow the battery to thaw at room temperature for 5–6 hours.

Finally, remove the battery from the bag and clean off any water or moisture accumulated on the battery.

By Discharging

Another way of reviving a NiCad battery is by completely discharging it. Completely discharging a NiCad battery is particularly important because of its ability to build up memory.

The first step of this process is to use the battery until it is completely discharged. Then, charge the battery with a high-quality charger until it is fully charged.

Repeat this process three to four times and then check the performance of the battery. This process should erase any memory the battery has.

Safety Tips & Warnings When Reconditioning NiCad Batteries

Reviving NiCad batteries can be dangerous. Wear goggles and gloves for safety at all times when restoring a NiCad battery. Additionally, check the battery voltage before attempting to revive a NiCad battery. It is essential to take the appropriate safety measures when refurbishing a NiCad battery.

Tips to Maintain NiCad Batteries

Now that you have reconditioned your battery, the proper care will ensure that it remains in tip-top shape. The first time you use the revived battery, discharge it completely and then charge it fully. Charge the battery only when it’s fully discharged to keep it operating at its full capacity.

After a NiCad battery has been fully charged, do not leave it in the charger.Getting a charger that shuts off automatically when the battery is charged is highly recommended. If you do not have one, pay attention to the LED indicator on the charger and remove the battery as soon as it indicates that it’s fully charged.

FAQs

You might have some questions as you are figuring out how to restore NiCad batteries. These are the most common ones you’ll likely have.

Can You Revive NiCad Batteries?

You can revive NiCad batteries. It is possible to remove the memory they build up using the methods listed above. However, even after restoring the battery, it may not have the same charging capacity as when it was brand new. Maintaining your NiCad batteries is the first and best option.

How to Tell if a NiCad Battery is Bad?

It is relatively easy to see if a NiCad battery is bad. You can accomplish this in two steps.

The first way is to do a basic voltage check. Take a multimeter set to direct current voltage. Take the red multimeter probe and touch it to the positive end of the battery, and the black multimeter probe to the battery’s negative terminal. The multimeter will display a voltage. If the number is 10% or less of the initial rating, the battery can’t be used.

The next step is testing milliampere hours. First, connect the battery to a circuit that will discharge the battery. Any device that uses a battery is sufficient (i.e., flashlights, toys, radios, etc.). Charge the battery completely before testing it.

Occasionally remove the battery from the circuit and test the battery voltage as described above until the voltage per cell drops to one. Calculate how long it took (in minutes) for the battery to discharge. Multiply the time by the current (in milliamperes) and divide the result by 60 to get the battery capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh).

Compare this number to the battery’s rating. A mAh rating lower than what the battery is rated for indicates that the battery needs to be revived.

How Long Does a NiCd Battery Last?

If properly maintained, NiCad batteries can last up to 15-20 years. If you are using the battery regularly, a NiCad battery can last for around 1,000 cycles of discharging and charging if appropriately used.

Do NiCad Batteries Have a Memory?

If misused, NiCad batteries can build a memory. You can reset this memory using the methods described earlier in the article.

How to Dispose of NiCad Batteries?

Do not throw your batteries away. Batteries are toxic and can harm the environment if they are disposed of improperly. All batteries, including NiCads, should be recycled by an authorized facility.

Which Is Better, NiMH or NiCad Battery?

NiMH batteries have more capacity than NiCad batteries, which means they can power a device for longer. Additionally, modern NiMH batteries do not suffer from the memory effect that NiCad batteries do. Finally, NiMH batteries are better for the environment.

However, NiCad batteries are cheaper and perform better in extreme temperatures.

The Takeaway

Even as new battery options become available, NiCad batteries are still going strong. Testing and reviving older NiCad batteries is a great way to save money and protect the environment. With the proper care, your NiCad batteries can keep your electronics running well into the future.

Wondering what the main differences between NiCad, NiMH, and Lithium-ion are? Find out here.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post How to Restore NiCad Batteries appeared first on Power Curious.

Battery Reconditioning Epsom Salt/Magnesium Sulfate – What You Need To Know

James Owen — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:21:16 +0000

You might wake up one day, get into your car to start it, and discover it won’t start. You can quickly become frustrated, especially if you have an urgent appointment or meeting to attend. Most people often think buying a new battery is the only solution to a failing battery, but this is not entirely true. There are many ways to fix the battery in your car. In this article, we’ll talk about the Epsom salt battery reconditioning method.

What is Epsom Salt or Magnesium Sulfate?

Magnesium sulfate is another name for Epsom salt. This type of salt is made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen-based chemical compounds. Although people refer to it as “salt” because of its chemical structure, it is an entirely different chemical from table salt.

Epsom salt solution has various uses, one of which is the ability to repair failing automobile batteries. This type of salt is a helpful treatment for reviving dead or failing batteries, which usually results from sulfation.

Sulfation occurs when sulfate crystals grow on the lead plates of the battery. It is best to perform preventive maintenance as soon as this begins to happen.

What Are the Benefits of Epsom Salt Lead Acid Battery Reconditioning?

Epsom salt acid battery reconditioning of old batteries has several essential benefits. Below are some of these benefits.

Preserves Battery Functions

Lead-acid battery reconditioning ensures that the battery’s function remains intact. The reconditioning procedure offers the battery a refresh option, allowing it to operate as new while still holding a sufficient charge.

Cost Saving

Battery reconditioning is an obvious way of saving money on the cost of buying a brand-new battery. This benefit applies mainly if you follow the safety measures.

A new battery may cost you as much as $50 to $120 for a standard 12V battery, while the more expensive brands cost even more. The materials required for the reconditioning procedure are pretty affordable. The methods are also convenient.

It Is an Environmentally Friendly Procedure

Another advantage of reconditioning batteries is that it helps the environment. Reconditioning is an ecologically beneficial procedure since fewer “dead” batteries end up in the trash. Bear in mind that the battery recycling process is challenging.

How to Desulfate a Lead-Acid Battery With Epsom Salt

The process of desulfation or reconditioning requires suitable materials, tools, and technical know-how.

Battery Reconditioning Materials and Tools

When reconditioning a battery, the materials and tools you will need include:

Epsom salt
Distilled water
Baking soda
Bucket
Sandpaper or steel wool
Goggles
Gloves
A toothbrush (old or new)
Funnel
Apron
Voltmeter
Battery load tester
Flathead screwdriver

You can find the majority of these materials and tools at any local big-brand store or hardware shop.

Procedure (Step-by-Step)

Unsure of how to start the reconditioning process. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1 – Test to see if reconditioning will work for the battery

The first thing to do is confirm that the battery needs reconditioning and whether or not it will respond to the process.

Use a voltmeter to measure the reading on the terminals of the battery. A battery that will react to reconditioning will read between 10 and 12 volts on the voltmeter. If the voltmeter records less than 10 volts, there’s only a slim chance for the process to work.

Step 2 – Suit up and create space to work

Now that you’ve confirmed that reconditioning can work on your battery, it’s time to put on your protective items:

Apron
Gloves
Goggles

Now you can get to work. Remove and place the battery on a flat surface, preferably a table.

Step 3 – Clean the battery

Remove the battery terminals and scrape off the corroded parts. Dip a toothbrush into a cleaning paste or any other battery cleaning product and scrub off the terminals with the toothbrush.

A foaming reaction at the terminal indicates that the solution is effective. Steel wool is more suited for highly corroded batteries. Clean and wipe the terminals entirely afterward.

Step 4 – Prepare the cleaning solution

Prepare the solution for the reconditioning process. The solution should contain 4 ounces of Epsom salt in a heated half-quart of distilled water at 66^oC (or 150^oF).. Pour the Epsom salts into the plastic bucket containing the distilled water and stir continuously.

Step 5 – Empty the battery cells

Keep a bucket of water and a half-pound of baking soda nearby. Remove the battery cover and the cell covers underneath with the flathead screwdriver.

Slowly pour the contents of each cell into a bucket, one after another. You can either add baking soda as you go or wait until all of the cells are empty before adding it.

Baking soda will neutralize the battery acid in either case, allowing you to dispose of it at any recycling center safely.

Step 6 – Clean the battery cells

Once you’ve emptied the cells, it’s time to clean them. Consider this the half-phase of the reconditioning procedure.

Next, add one gallon of distilled water to the remaining baking soda. Stir this mixture thoroughly, then use the plastic funnel to pour it into the cells. After each cell is filled, put the caps back on and gently shake the battery from side to side.

Do this for a few minutes, then open the lids as you did before and dump the contents into a plastic bucket. You can now recondition the battery.

Step 7 – Reconditioning

This is the stage where you’ll need the Epsom salt solution. The solution replaces your battery cells, and the mixture will serve as your new electrolyte.

The Epsom salt solution will increase the battery’s amperage and voltage. Pour the new electrolyte into each battery cell using a clean plastic funnel until you fill each cell.

Step 8 – Recharge the battery

You should handle this stage as meticulously as possible. First, remove the battery caps to prevent the battery from heating up or overflowing. If you allow pressure to build up in the battery, you risk getting injured.

Before charging the battery, ensure that the charger is as far away from the battery as possible. The next thing is to connect the battery at a speed of 12V/2 amps and allow it to charge for 36 hours.

Step 9 – Test the battery

Test the battery using your voltmeter. If the voltmeter readings are over 12.43v, the battery is ready. However, if the voltmeter readings fall below 12.43v, you must recharge the battery for another 12 hours.

Check out our guide How to recondition a car battery to learn other reconditioning methods. You can also learn how to rejuvenate a car battery using vinegar here.

Safety Precautions You Need to Consider

Although reconditioning is a beneficial process for anyone who’s not ready to spend money on getting a new battery, several risks are involved.

Also, when you understand what you’re about to do, you can quickly determine whether it is worth it or not. We’ll briefly discuss some of the risks involved in reconditioning.

First off, you should remember that the battery’s electrolyte solution is an acid containing some amounts of lead metal. Sulfuric acid, which is very corrosive and produces fumes that you should not inhale. The solutions are hazardous to human health and the environment.

You need to handle the battery carefully during reconditioning. Therefore, we recommend that you invest in some quality safety equipment, including corrosion-resistant gloves, aprons, and goggles.

How Long Does the Battery Survive After This Procedure?

The lifespan of a battery after reconditioning depends on the battery capacity and age. However, you can repeat the process several times more, extending its lifespan after each procedure.

Epsom Salt Battery Mythbusters

Batteries are shrouded in a lot of myths, and one of them is whether or not Epsom salt works for battery reconditioning.

Here’s why Epsom salt is indeed effective for reconditioning:

A single replacement reaction occurs between lead sulfate and magnesium sulfate. Because lead is less reactive than magnesium metal, the latter may take its place on the plates.

Keep in mind that magnesium sulfate is very water-soluble. Hence, the lead metal surrounding the areas is progressively removed.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this process and their answers.

Is Epsom salt good for lead-acid batteries?

Yes. However, the age and capacity of a reconditioned battery determine how long it will last. Theoretically, you can repeat the process several times, extending the battery’s life beyond the average of three to five years.

Will Epsom salt damage a battery?

Not exactly. If your battery is not already damaged beyond repair (reading less than 10 volts on the voltmeter), Epsom salt will revive it. However, it’s essential to take all the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.

How much Epsom salt do I put in my battery?

When reconditioning, 4 ounces of Epsom salt in 4 cups of water should do the trick. Stir the Epsom salt in the water until the water is clear. You can speed up the process by using boiled water, but it’s not compulsory.

How does Epsom salt replace battery acid?

The Epsom salt and distilled water mixture will act as the new electrolyte in your reconditioned battery, increasing its amperage and voltage. So, the quick answer to this question is that Epsom salt becomes the new electrolyte in place of the battery acid.

How do you make battery acid?

Battery acids in rechargeable lead-acid batteries contain sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) mixed with distilled water to a 30 – 50% concentration. The acidic pH of battery acid is usually around 0.8. Therefore, you must handle it with care.

What is a suitable voltage for charging car batteries?

We recommend charging your car batteries at a high voltage (above 12V). However, you should keep a constant eye on it to prevent overcharging, and you must prevent it from reaching its total (100%) capacity. Nevertheless, you can leave it to charge with a float voltage of 13.6V to 13.8V.

Can you put baking soda in a battery?

If you’re doing it for the sake of neutralizing the sulfuric acid in the battery, then yes. However, it cannot replace sulfuric acid as an electrolyte. Epsom salt is more suited for this purpose.

At what voltage are batteries considered dead?

You should consider your battery dead if its voltage readiness is less than 10 volts. Reconditioning such a battery will most likely waste time and might expose you to unnecessary health risks.

The Takeaway

If you’re considering purchasing a brand new battery because your old one doesn’t have enough charge to start your car, epsom salt battery reconditioning might be a better option.

Once you determine that the battery still has between 10 and 12 volts, there’s a great chance that reconditioning will revive it. Reconditioning will save you some money and time. However, be careful while doing it and always use safety gear.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post Battery Reconditioning Epsom Salt/Magnesium Sulfate – What You Need To Know appeared first on Power Curious.

How to Recondition Lithium-Ion Batteries

James Owen — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 17:15:38 +0000

Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for many portable devices thanks to their higher voltage, energy density, and lower self-discharging rate. They also have a longer lifespan than standard lead-acid batteries, lasting about three times longer.

After using a lithium-ion battery for a couple or more years, its degradation rate starts affecting its performance. Eventually, it starts charging slowly, loses power quickly, and stops charging altogether. At this point, it’s considered dead.

Fortunately, you can bring your dead lithium-ion batteries back to life by reconditioning them. Reconditioning lithium-ion batteries restores most of their capacity, allowing you to use them for longer.

What Are Lithium-Ion Batteries?

These are rechargeable batteries containing lithium ions in a non-aqueous electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises lithium salt, solvents, and additives. The ions move from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive electrode (cathode) through the electrolyte during discharge. When charging, the ions move from the cathode to the anode.

Can You Recondition Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Yes, you can recondition lithium-ion batteries once they stop performing at full capacity. Reconditioning saves you the cost of a new battery, which is usually about 25% of your device’s price. It also minimizes environmental pollution that occurs from the production of new batteries.

The trick is to do it before the battery goes below its minimum voltage. When a 3.7voltage drops below 1.5volts, it’s almost impossible and too dangerous to recondition.

How to Revive Lithium-Ion Batteries?

With a few steps, you can revive your dead lithium-ion batteries. You’ll need these tools:

Voltmeter
Safety glasses
Power source
Recovery charger
Regular charger
Power source

Then, follow the following steps:

Make Sure the Battery Is in the Right Condition

Disconnect your device from its power source, turn it off, and remove the battery. Using a voltmeter, take a reading of the voltage. If the voltage is below the original, proceed with the process. But, if it’s below 1.5v for a normally 3.7v battery, it’s time to get a new one. A battery with such low voltage will get damaged if you attempt recharging, presenting a safety hazard.

Use a Recovery Charger to Charge the Battery

When a lithium-ion battery’s voltage is drained, it goes into sleep mode, making it impossible to accept a charge from a regular charger. Only a recovery charger can bring it out of this mode, allowing it to accept charge again. A regular charger that comes with a recovery feature will also work. Keep up the recovery until the battery wakes up, or as long as the manual indicates.

Use a Regular Charger

After using the recovery charger, now connect your battery back to its regular charger. Allow it to charge to full capacity. For most lithium-ion batteries, this takes about three hours.

Drain the Battery

Once the battery has charged fully, drain it completely. You can discharge it by connecting it to a high-voltage device such as a torch.

Freeze it

After discharging the battery completely, put it in an airtight bag and keep it in the freezer. Ensure that no water gets into the bag—the battery must be completely dry when getting into the freezer. Keep it in the freezer for at least 24 hours.

Thaw it

Remove the battery from the freezer and let it thaw until it reaches room temperature. This will take about 8 hours.

Charge Fully

Charge your battery to full capacity using your regular charger.

Safety Tips and Warnings When Reconditioning Lithium-Ion Batteries

The electrolyte found inside lithium-ion batteries is flammable while the cell is pressurized. The risk of explosion increases when the cells receive a special charge from a recovery charger. Therefore, always wear safety glasses when reconditioning batteries.

Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Lithium-Ion Batteries

From the moment of its first use, a lithium-ion battery continuously undergoes chemical reactions that cause the degradation of its various components. The degradation eventually leads to a decrease in its capacity and ability to discharge energy.

You cannot stop this degradation, but you can slow it down to ensure that your battery performs optimally for longer. Here are tips on how to extend your battery’s lifespan:

Avoid Extreme States of Charge

Charging to 100% or allowing your battery to discharge to 0% puts it under stress. Many consumer product manufacturers recommend keeping devices charged between 20-80% to avoid this.

Don't Keep in a Discharged State For Long

If your battery discharges completely, charge it soon after. Leaving it discharged for long presents the risk of an internal short circuit and the degradation of voltage, which can permanently damage the battery.

Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

Both extremely high and low temperatures accelerate the degradation of lithium-ion batteries. Excess heat increases chemical reactions inside the battery, accelerating the degradation of its components. To avoid this, store the battery or device containing it at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight or other heat sources.

Avoid charging the battery when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit as it can permanently damage the battery. In low temperatures, the ions form a coating on the anode, significantly reducing energy flow through the electrolyte. Unless you can reduce the charging rate to match the fewer ions available in the electrolyte, the battery will be damaged.

FAQs - How to Recondition Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Does freezing a lithium-ion battery work?

Yes, freezing a lithium-ion battery works when reconditioning it. Be sure to thaw it completely after freezing before charging to avoid damage.

How do I know if my lithium-ion battery is bad?

If your battery doesn’t charge or doesn’t hold power for long, it’s bad. A battery that also takes ages to charge or warms up during charging is damaged.

While these are indications of a damaged lithium-ion battery, the surest way to tell whether it’s ruined is by measuring its voltage. If the voltage reading is lower than its original, the battery is bad.

Do lithium-ion batteries go bad if not used?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries can go bad if not used for long periods. Even when not in use, the battery cells self-discharge. While the rate of self-discharge is slow, the amount adds up when the battery is left unused for many months.

Besides the self-discharging cells, some of the battery’s internal components also consume electricity. These include the capacitors and the resistors. Over time, these two activities can lead to the draining of the battery. When the battery remains discharged for long, the voltage will drop below the original and go bad.

At what voltage is a lithium-ion battery dead?

If your 3.7v lithium-ion battery’s voltage drops to below 1.5volts, it’s dead. Most lithium-ion batteries have a nominal voltage of between 3.7v-4.2v. The minimum safe voltage is usually around 2.7v, and the manufacturers normally indicate it on the manual. When the battery goes below the indicated minimum voltage, it’s dead.

Do lithium-ion batteries have memory?

Typically, lithium-ion batteries don’t have memories. Therefore, charging your battery when it’s only partially discharged will not affect its capacity. However, research has shown that lithium-ion phosphate, a material commonly used as the cathode in these batteries, is susceptible to memory.

How many times can a lithium-ion battery be recharged?

You can recharge a lithium-ion battery about 300-500 times. This is the average number of charge cycles it can take before it starts deteriorating in holding capacity and other aspects. However, some lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and other applications support higher charge cycles.

Can lithium-ion batteries be overcharged?

Lithium-ion batteries can overcharge, but modern batteries come with battery management systems that prevent this. Without this system, overcharging warms up the battery, increases its risk of blowing up, and lowers its lifespan.

Can lithium-ion batteries replace NiCd?

Lithium-ion batteries can be used to replace NiCad batteries. However, not all lithium-ion batteries can replace Nicas batteries, the replacement depends on the type of batteries and the application that you want to use them for. As a general rule of thumb, make sure that the batteries have the same voltage and size.

The Takeaway

Reconditioning lithium-ion batteries is a simple thing you can do to benefit the environment that saves you money as well—as long as you undergo the process before it reaches a minimum voltage!

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post How to Recondition Lithium-Ion Batteries appeared first on Power Curious.

How to Recondition Laptop Batteries

James Owen — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 22:52:55 +0000

Like other types of batteries, your laptop battery’s effectiveness will diminish over time. However, that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of it. You just need to know how to recondition laptop batteries.

There’s no doubt that laptops can be a godsend. This device is the ultimate work companion for people who are on the go. However, the flexibility your laptop gives you will be adversely affected if its battery starts having problems. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than having to constantly plug your laptop into an electrical outlet.

Reconditioning your laptop battery can be as simple as following a few simple steps. In this article, we’ve covered a number of effective techniques based on the laptop battery type, have a look and determine which option best matches your needs.

Benefits of Reconditioning a Dead Laptop Battery

Any laptop owner should consider its battery as the machine’s heart. It’s expensive to purchase a new laptop. And with many options on the market, you might even end up with a device that won’t serve all your needs. This is why you need to know how to recondition laptop batteries.

Before letting you in on the benefits of reconditioning your laptop dead battery, we just want to emphasize that it is important to be realistic. Even if you recondition your battery, it won’t be as good as when it was brand new. Despite this, you will still experience a noticeable improvement.

You’ll Save Money

It is cheaper to recondition your laptop battery compared to buying a new battery or getting a new laptop. This makes it the perfect solution if you are working with a tight budget or trying to save money.

It’s Good for the Environment

The environment may be the last thing on your mind if you are facing battery problems, but when you recondition your laptop battery, you are lowering the amount of battery waste produced, which would be very beneficial for the environment.

Enjoy Reliable Power

When you know how to recondition laptop batteries, you can enjoy having reliable battery power once more. And you can use your laptop for hours, even without charging it.

Types of Laptop Battery

There are various kinds of laptop batteries: NiCd, NiMH, and lithium-ion. You first need to know what type of battery your laptop has before finding out ways to recondition it.

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion battery)

This lightweight battery is a top choice for laptop owners because it offers tons of advantages. It has a bigger power density, as well as no memory effect. This means that they do not lose the capacity of being fully charged when they are not 100% drained. It also has a good storage life. The only drawback of Li-ion batteries is their high replacement cost.

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd battery)

This type of laptop battery has a memory effect, which is a chemical reaction that happens when the battery is not fully discharged before you charge it. It also needs to be properly maintained and stored.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH battery)

For this type of laptop battery, you need to be careful to only leave it half discharged. It has a large power capacity, but it has a lower lifespan compared to Lithium-Ion batteries. This battery is more common with older laptop models.

How to Recondition a Laptop Battery

Here’s how to recondition laptop batteries.

Lithium-Ion Battery Reconditioning

The steps for reconditioning a Lithium-ion laptop battery are as follows:

First, turn off your laptop and locate the battery chamber. Then, use a voltmeter to measure the battery level. If the reading shows 1.5 volts, the battery may be in sleep mode. The good news is many lithium-ion batteries come with a boost, recovery, and wake-up feature to get it back into power from sleep mode.

After “waking up” your battery, use your charger to give your battery a full charge.

When it finally reaches 100 percent of charge. Then, switch on your laptop and keep it on until it discharges completely.

Place the Li-ion battery in an airtight bag to prevent it from getting wet and freeze it for around 24 hours. Take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for up to eight hours to bring it back to room temperature before using it.

The next step is to fully recharge your laptop to its maximum 100 percent capacity once more.

NiMH Battery Reconditioning

Discharge and recharge:

To recondition a NiMH Battery, give it a full charge and leave it on for around 3 hours. Then, leave your laptop unplugged until the battery is completely drained and it turns off. Let it sit for around 5 hours, then recharge it until it’s full.

Freezing method:

You can also use the freezing technique. To do this, seal the battery in an airtight bag and put it in the freezer for around 24 hours. Make sure no moisture penetrates the bag. Remove it from the fridge and let it warm to room temperature. Make sure it is completely dry and replace it in your laptop, then charge it again until it reaches 100 percent.

Ni-Cd Battery Reconditioning:

To recondition your Ni-Cd laptop battery, discharge it until it only has enough power to avoid losing data. Charging the battery allows it to recover the memory and management functions. Constantly recharging this laptop battery will interrupt memory function and decrease the time your laptop can hold a charge.

Let your laptop’s battery charge deplete completely before you charge it. You may need to do this multiple times if your battery is already well-used.

The freezing technique also works for this type of battery.

Warnings When Reconditioning a Laptop Battery

Before you exercise the tips on how to recondition laptop batteries, you first need to know the precautions you need to take when doing this.

If you have NiMH or Ni-Cd batteries, calibrate them at least once a month to make sure you don’t cause circuit connection damage in the battery and your laptop. However, calibrating is not recommended when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

Your laptop should also be turned off before you remove its battery to avoid electric shock.

Do not perform the freezing technique on a non-removable battery since it can void your laptop’s warranty and freeze the unit. For the freezing technique to work, it is recommended to place your battery in a cloth bag before the ziplock bag, so there is a buffer. Do not use regular plastic bags since it may only cause moisture to accumulate in the bag.

When working with batteries, you should always wear safety goggles.

How Long Does Reconditioning Batteries Take?

The time it takes to recondition your laptop battery varies from one person to another. This is because it depends on factors such as:

Your skillset.
The type of battery that you have.

Tips to Maintain Your Laptop Battery

It can be a hassle to constantly recondition your laptop. Proper battery maintenance is critical to ensuring longer laptop battery life, to help you keep your battery’s life intact, we’ve rounded up some tips below.

Try a Laptop Cooler

For a more long-term solution, set up a laptop cooler. This will help prevent your laptop from heating up to a point where it damages its battery. It can also help you save money since batteries perform better in cooler temperatures.

Do Not Use Knockoff Chargers

You may think you’re saving money with a fake charger, but it might be doing you more harm than good. Fake chargers do not meet safety regulations and may cause electric shocks and fires.

Charge It Before It Is Fully Drained

Never drain your laptop battery below 20% since a low charge will strain your battery and reduce its charging capacity.

Do Not Leave It Uncharged for a Long Period

Draining your laptop battery is inevitable. However, charge it as soon as you can, and do not leave it drained since it is unhealthy for the battery.

Prioritize Your RAM

If you do heavy tasks on your computer, make sure it has enough RAM. This is a more effective way to retrieve data. When RAM is being used instead of your hard drive, your battery won’t be drained as fast.

FAQs About Laptop Battery

Do you still have questions on how to recondition laptop batteries? Check out the FAQs section below.

Can a Laptop Battery Be Revived?

Yes. It is possible to revive your laptop battery by reconditioning it. There’s no need to spend money getting a new one. Just follow the methods listed above to bring your laptop battery back to life.

Why Is My Laptop Battery Draining So Fast?

There are many reasons why this can happen. The most common ones include:

Battery failure
Old battery
The screen is too bright
The keyboard backlight is too bright
Too many programs running
Heavy applications running in the background
Change in the system settings
Too many network connections
Corrupted firmware
Faulty driver
Too many peripheral devices

How Long Does an Average Laptop Battery Last?

On average, a full laptop battery charge lasts between one to ten hours on a single charge. Generally, 4 hours of battery life is considered good. Laptop batteries usually last 2 to 4 years.

Will Freezing a Laptop Battery Revive It?

Yes. This is a great method for NiMH and Ni-Cd batteries.

Is It Bad to Leave Your Laptop Plugged in All the Time?

Although plugging your laptop overnight once will not have any long-term effects on your battery, doing it all the time will reduce its lifespan. Chargers should be unplugged at 80% to 100%, then drained to about 40%.

Can You Use a Laptop Without a Battery?

Yes. It is possible to use your laptop without its battery. However, it needs to be plugged into an outlet. If you unplug it, it will immediately shut down, just like desktop computers.

The Takeaway

We hope we have helped you find the best ways to bring your laptop battery to life. Now, you don’t have to spend extra money taking it to a repair shop or purchasing a new battery altogether. All you need to do is use the methods listed above, and enjoy your improved battery life.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post How to Recondition Laptop Batteries appeared first on Power Curious.

How to Recondition NiMH Batteries

James Owen — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 22:48:26 +0000

Most everyone has used rechargeable batteries at some point. Between lithium-ion, NiMH, and Ni-Cd batteries, we have many options available, and each kind has its merits. One of them, NiMH, offers long-lasting power and can be reconditioned when the ravages of time find them performing poorly. Let’s take a look at how to recondition NiMH batteries, how they work, and precisely what that battery reconditioning entails.

What are NiMH batteries?

NiMH is the chemical abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. In a battery, these elements combine to make a rechargeable battery. While there are several different kinds of rechargeables, NiMH batteries hold more power than some other kinds, including Ni-Cd batteries, or nickel-cadmium batteries.

In general, NiMH batteries hold more charge and last longer than NiCds. They also don’t have the terrible “memory effect,” which happens when you charge a battery before it’s completely dead and it starts to charge less and less.

Your NiMH batteries will hold lots of power and can run many of your daily essentials, including:

digital cameras
power tools
video games
electric toothbrushes

Why You Should Recondition NiMH Batteries?

Because of some complicated chemistry (if you’re interested, there’s some mind-boggling stuff here), NiMH batteries eventually run down. Inside the battery, dendrites grow, and when they do, they cover up some of the active materials.

In addition to creating a short inside the battery, the dendrites hinder and eventually prohibit charging, and it’s at that point that most of us throw them away and get more.

For the record, while spent NiMH batteries do not fall under the designation of hazardous waste and you are legally allowed in most states to throw them away, you shouldn’t.

Nickel, in large quantities, can harm the environment and the people and animals in it. It has been shown to have carcinogenic properties (but not when it stays inside the battery, so don’t think your GameBoy is giving you cancer), so if you can recycle your NiMH batteries, you should. Among other such businesses, BestBuy takes batteries in for recycling, and we all know where our nearest BestBuy is.

Anyway, you should recondition your batteries because they will last longer. This will save you money since you won’t need to buy more just yet, and it will be good for the world since there will be that much less waste produced by not throwing batteries away, buying new ones, and then throwing the packaging away, too.

There’s also the scientific argument: you should recondition your NiMH batteries because you can. I mean, why else do we try things?

How to Recondition NiMH Batteries

Figuring out how to recondition NiMH batteries is not difficult at all, and there are two ways to do it, each completely doable by even the un-handiest among us.

The Pump-and-Dump

This method on how to recondition NiMH batteries requires no equipment other than the batteries and their charger. It’s simple enough that you might try it first to see what you can do with it in terms of recharging your batteries. Then, if it doesn’t work, try our next method.

To use the pump-and-dump method:

Insert your NiMH batteries into their charger and allow them to charge completely. The safest thing to do is let them charge overnight so you know they have fully and completely charged.
Install the batteries in any device or gadget and let it run until the batteries fully discharge.
Do this entire process one more time.
Once you’ve recharged your batteries after discharging them completely the second time, they should be good to go.

The Jump

The Pump-and-Dump may not break loose all the dendrites inside your NiMH battery, in which case you’ll need to try something else. The Jump is so-called because it works on the same principle as getting a jump start for your car battery when it dies.

Using a voltmeter, check the NiMH battery voltage. If the meter shows it’s completely dead, then it’s time to give this a shot.
Get a NiMH battery of the same size and power, and be sure it’s fully charged (hopefully, in your set of NiMH batteries, only one needs reconditioning, and one of the others functions perfectly and can charge completely).
Attach the two batteries. They’ll need to form a circuit, so you’ll need to connect the positive terminal of the fully charged battery to the positive of the dead battery, then connect the negative terminals in a similar manner. Two strips of metal will be ideal—stand both batteries up on one piece of metal and lay the other piece over the top of both batteries.
Hold them here for 30 seconds.
Check the battery you’re hoping to recondition with the voltmeter. Previously, it read “0.0.” If it reads any number at all other than that one, you’ve brought it back from the dead.
If at first it doesn’t succeed, try at least one more time before giving up.
Once the battery in question shows any charge at all on the voltmeter, place it on its standard charger and let it refill.

Tips to Maintain a NiMH Battery

Most of us had a dad or a granddad who dinned into us one phrase about being a responsible adult: “If you take care of your things, your things will take care of you.” NiMH batteries are things, so they need some care if you want to get the most out of them.

Fully Discharge Your Batteries

Not every time, but several times a year, be sure to run your NiMH batteries utterly down so that they’re totally discharged. Follow this up with a long (overnight?) stay in the battery charger so you can be sure they’ve fully recharged.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t run your batteries completely dead every single time you want to charge them, as this can put a strain on the electrolytes inside.

Room Temperature

Your NiMH batteries are not for your subarctic journey, nor should you rely on them while in the desert, because extreme temperatures are not these batteries’ friends. They don’t work great in extreme temperatures, so it follows that they don’t charge great there, either.

Don’t Mix and Match

Due to how chargers send power into the batteries they’re charging, if you mix batteries of different capacities into the charger, all the batteries will receive the same charge. This can create a problem if one of the batteries is sufficiently lower powered than the other. The weaker battery can get more power than it’s intended to handle, which can result in the battery heating up and even exploding.

If you have a smart charger, this is less of a problem, but in general, don’t mix batteries of different types, sizes, and capacities in the same charger.

Once They’re Charged, Use Your Batteries

Charged batteries that sit in storage provide great environments for dendrites to form, so be sure you’re using your batteries. The more you use and charge them, the longer they will last. When the dendrites form, the material that constitutes the dendrite can no longer work as part of the battery’s capacity, even if you fix the issue with The Jump from above.

FAQs

There are as many NiMH questions as there are products that can use NiMH batteries, so let’s look at some of the more common questions people have about them.

Can You Revive NiMH Batteries?

Yes, you can. Follow the above steps outlined in “The Pump-and-Dump” or “The Jump” above. If your batteries are salvageable, these are the ways to go about it.

Are NiMH Batteries Better Than Lithium Batteries?

There is no straight-up answer. NiMH batteries offer less capacity than lithium-ion batteries. However, their life cycle is generally longer than that of lithium-ion batteries, ranging from 500 to 800 cycles (Li-ion batteries have a life cycle of about 400 to 750).

Also, lithium batteries cannot be allowed to discharge fully without risking damage. However, NiMH batteries have a higher rate of self-discharge, losing about ten percent of their capacity per month, which means that for something like a clock, NiMH batteries would be inefficient.

How Long Do NiMH Batteries Last?

Generally, NiMH batteries can last through up to 1,000 charging cycles. If the batteries aren’t regularly used and charged, this number will be lower.

How Do I Test My NiMH Battery?

Using a multimeter or voltmeter is the most reliable way of testing. If your battery, tested when fully charged, shows a reading of between 1.3 and 1.5 volts, it is fully functional. Readings below 1.3 volts indicate a battery functioning at less than an optimal level, and over 1.5 volts means your battery is overcharged.

Can You Overcharge NiMH Batteries?

Yes, you can. Overcharging occurs when the battery’s positive electrode has run out of nickel hydroxide, which is required to react with the hydroxide from the electrolyte in the battery. When there’s no nickel hydroxide involved in the chemical process inside the battery, excess oxygen builds up in the battery.

This can create pressure in the battery, which can in turn force the electrolyte out of the battery, rendering the battery completely non-functional.

How long do NiMH batteries last if not used?

Generally, NiMH batteries will last about five years or so. However, this is for batteries that are used and recharged regularly. Batteries in storage will be much more likely to develop dendrites, not to mention that self-discharging phenomenon we’ve already discussed.

The short answer is that NiMH batteries are the ones you want for daily use. Need batteries to sit unused in your go-bag until the zombie apocalypse? Look elsewhere.

The Takeaway

Nickel-metal hydride batteries bring rechargeable technology to your gadgets and electronic gizmos, and they don’t suffer from the memory effect that so many of us ran into in the early days of rechargeables. They hold an average of 2200mAh, which will run your Nintendo Switch for a good, long while.

When they stop holding a charge like they used to, you have the option of reconditioning them, which you should at least try before trotting out to spend more money on new ones. Use the Pump-and-Dump or Jump techniques as described above to extend the life of your NiMH batteries. When cared for properly, these rechargeables will serve you well and for a long time.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post How to Recondition NiMH Batteries appeared first on Power Curious.

How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home: Six Simple Steps

James Owen — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 23:14:38 +0000

Batteries have become part of our daily lives, and nowhere is that more obvious than in our vehicles. Let’s face it; if your car battery goes out, your vehicle does too, but while these batteries tend to be on the expensive side, you do have other alternatives.

One of those alternatives is to recondition your car battery, and it’s a lot easier than you think. In fact, anyone can recondition a car battery at home with only a few materials and a little bit of patience.

What is Reconditioning Car Batteries?

Over time, sulfate builds up on the positive plates of your car battery, thanks to being charged over and over again. Eventually, this buildup of sulfate reduces the efficiency of the battery and causes it to take longer to recharge the next time. Reconditioning a car battery removes the sulfate from the plates so it can run more efficiently. It doesn’t restore the strength of the battery to 100%, but it does come close.

If the plates inside of the battery are damaged, reconditioning them will not repair or replace them. In fact, reconditioning just removes the sulfates that have built up on the battery; however, the process cleans it and enables it to run much more efficiently.

What Are the Benefits of a Car Battery Reconditioning?

As you can imagine, there are numerous advantages of reconditioning a car battery as compared to throwing the battery away, and they include the following:

You save a lot of money. The average car battery costs $70 to $200, but for roughly a quarter of that price, you can recondition your battery instead.

You can extend the life of your battery. Car batteries last around five years on average, but by reconditioning your battery, you can extend its life by one to two years, allowing you to wait a little longer before getting a new one.

It’s a great business idea. Not everyone knows how to recondition a car battery, so you can make some good extra money by offering this service to others.

It reduces the number of batteries, and by extension the harmful chemicals, being put into landfills every year.

Some of these perks will be more important to some people than to others, but they are all great benefits to reconditioning your car battery.

How to Tell If Your Car Battery Needs to Be Reconditioned?

If you feel as if your car battery is on its last leg, so to speak, you can recondition it. You can also test the voltage, and if the number is between 10V and 12.6V, it could use a good reconditioning.

Testing the voltage, in fact, is the easiest way to tell if you should recondition the battery, but there are other ways as well. If the battery is dirty and filled with gunk, it’s a good idea to recondition it before it gets worse and dies on you.

How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home

The first thing that you should do is take a good look at your car battery. If there are bulges, cracks, or broken terminals, the battery should not be reconditioned and you should just buy another one.

Before starting the reconditioning process, you must prepare the following items:

Apron
Chemical resistant gloves
Goggles or a face shield
Distilled water
Baking soda
Toothbrush or paintbrush
Steel wool
Voltmeter
Flathead screwdriver
Plastic bucket
Funnel
Epsom salt
Load tester (Optional)

Here is a step-by-step description of how to recondition a car battery at home:

1. Clean the battery.

Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and goggles, mix a 2:1 mixture of baking soda and water, then either pour the solution over the terminals or use a toothbrush to apply it. You’ll see a chemical reaction, but this is normal. Next, use either steel wool, a toothbrush, or a battery terminal cleaner to clean both positive and negative terminals. Clean completely, then wipe and dry off the terminals.

2. Check the battery reading.

Use a voltmeter to test the voltage of the battery. Make sure that the red cable goes to the positive terminal and the black goes to the negative one. If the reading says above 12.6V, your battery doesn’t need to be reconditioned. If the reading is between 10 and 12.6, it does need to be reconditioned. If it’s under 10 volts, this means that it has a dead cell and likely needs to be replaced.

3. Empty the battery.

This step REQUIRES protective clothing! Slowly remove the top caps off of the battery with a screwdriver. With the caps off to the side, pour the electrolyte solution from the battery cavity into a large bucket. Make sure that you are very careful and pour away from yourself. When you’re done, pour half a pound of baking soda into the electrolyte solution in order to neutralize the acid so that you can dispose of it.

4. Clean the battery cells.

Make a baking soda and water solution in a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into each of the battery cells. Make sure that each cell is full, then replace the plastic caps of the battery until they are secure. Shake the battery carefully for two to three minutes. Then, remove the caps again and empty your baking soda solution into your waste bucket.

5. Replace the electrolytes.

You’ll start by warming four cups of distilled water, then pour it into a clean bucket. Next, pour about four ounces of Epsom salts into the water and stir until the water is clear (in one liter of distilled water, dissolve 120 grams of Epsom salt). Then use your funnel to refill the battery cells with this solution and replace the caps. Shake the battery just a little and you’re done.

6. Charge the battery.

This step should be done using low power. Remove the caps and place the battery charger far from the battery, then connect the red and black wires once again, to the positive and negative terminals respectively. Set the charger to 12 V / 2 amps and let the battery charge for 36 hours. After, use your voltmeter and make sure it reads between 12.43 V and 12.6 V before you test it.

You can test in one of two ways: with a load tester, or by using your car. For the latter, connect the battery to the vehicle and turn the key to the “on” position (without starting the car). Next, put your headlights on, you can also run the radio as well. Leave the car this way for a few minutes without turning the car all the way on, and test the battery with the voltmeter. If it reads 9.6 V, the battery is ready to go.

If you have an electric or hybrid car, the steps are a little different and a little more complicated. But keep in mind that the average hybrid battery lasts about 200,000 miles and therefore lasts a very long time. It’s still a good idea to learn to recondition this type of battery, however, considering that the average hybrid battery costs about $3,000.

You can recondition a battery for around $700, which is a huge difference. Nevertheless, if you’re going to shop for electric vehicles, you might research companies that lease the batteries to their customers instead of selling them, in which case they will take care of these things for you.

Safety Precautions That You Need to Consider

You have to keep in mind that you will be working with battery acid, so you have to take precautions to keep yourself safe. This includes wearing protective clothing or at least a heavy-duty apron, a face shield or pair of goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves. Even if you’re extra careful as you work, there is always a chance of getting a bit of acid on yourself, which is why the protective gear is so important.

Also, you should always follow the instructions to the letter to reduce the chances of any type of accident. And finally, go ahead and mix up a solution of 2:1 baking soda and water to use in case you accidentally spill something on your face or hands.

Related Post: Refurbished Car Batteries Near Me

FAQs

Q: When should I recondition a car battery?

A: The good news is that you don’t have to wait until your car battery is completely dead. Even if the battery is only one or two years old, you can extend its life if you go ahead and recondition it.

Q: How often should you recondition a car battery?

A: This is a tough question to answer because it varies depending on the battery and how often you use the car. People who drive every day will find themselves reconditioning the battery more often than someone who only drives occasionally.

Q: What causes a car battery to suddenly go dead?

A: Car batteries usually die if you’ve left the lights on for a long period of time, if there’s too much corrosion in the battery, if you have a failure in the charging system, or even if the car has been parked and left alone for too long.

Also Read: What Charges the Car Battery?

Q: How long do reconditioned batteries last?

A: A lot of it depends on the condition and brand of the battery. While some people find that their reconditioned battery lasts for several weeks or months, most people get a good one to two years out of it. But if you don’t, do not worry because it could’ve been that the battery was in worse shape than you thought in the beginning.

Q: How long does it take to recondition a car battery?

A: The process itself doesn’t take that long, but the charging period means it will take a minimum of 24 to 36 hours, sometimes longer. The charging of the battery is what draws out the process.

Q: What happens if a battery is overcharged?

A: It is not recommended that you overcharge your battery, simply because it can suddenly die on you while you’re driving. It is too much of an overload on the battery itself. And since you never know when or where the battery will die, not overcharging it in the first place is your best option.

Q: At what voltage is a car battery dead?

A: If your car battery is 10.5V or lower, it usually means you have a dead cell. If it’s fully charged and you can’t get the meter number to go above 12.4V, it means the battery is starting to sulfate. A battery at 12.4V is operating at 75%; at 12.7 to 13.2V, it is operating at 100%.

Q: How do you recondition a battery that won't hold a charge?

A: If the voltmeter registers at below 10.5V, you might be able to jump-start it, but the chances are even better that you simply need a new battery.

Q: Can a completely dead battery be recharged?

A: If your car’s ignition doesn’t even turn over, it can mean your car battery is dead. You can jump-start the battery to get it going again, but at some point, nothing will work and you’ll either have to recondition it or buy a brand-new battery.

The Takeaway

While a lot of people are unaware of the method of reconditioning a car battery, it is a great way to save money and extend the life of your battery. Interestingly, other types of batteries can also be reconditioned — including batteries for cell phones, laptops, golf carts, and many others — although the process itself changes somewhat depending on the type of battery being reconditioned. While the directions to reconditioning a battery may seem complex, it becomes a lot easier once you do it just one time.

But perhaps the biggest advantage of reconditioning a car battery is that the battery won’t have to go into a landfill. Reconditioning goes right along with reusing and recycling because it is just that good for the environment. If you care about leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint and being kinder to Mother Earth, reconditioning your car battery is a great option. It also costs a lot less than you might think, so it is a smart thing to do both financially and practically.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home: Six Simple Steps appeared first on Power Curious.

How to Refurbish Golf Cart Batteries – Step-by-Step Tutorial

James Owen — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 21:49:24 +0000

Reconditioning golf cart batteries is a great way to save some money. Let’s face it, batteries can be expensive, and while it’s not always practical to recondition a battery for your golf cart, it will work in many instances. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to refurbish golf cart batteries so you don’t have to run out and buy another one, you’ve come to the right place.

How Do You Know When Your Golf Cart Batteries Need to Be Replaced?

Just like a car battery, golf cart batteries will show signs that they’re about to give out. These usually include the following signs:

It takes longer for the battery to fully charge.
You can only drive a short distance on each charge.
It takes longer to accelerate and may not reach the desired speeds.
Batteries have cracks in them or a lot of corrosion.

If you have any of these signs or others, it’s time to check your batteries and see if they need to be replaced.

Benefits of Reconditioned Golf Cart Batteries

While reconditioning golf cart batteries doesn’t always work, it’s always worth giving it a try. You can save a lot of time and money, and some of the many benefits include:

You can extend the life of your battery by up to two years. Even in the worst-case scenario, you can add a good six months to a year to the life of the battery.

You save money. Batteries can easily cost $800 to $1,500, but reconditioning a battery can be done for 25% to 50% of the retail value, which makes it worth it.

You save on waste reduction. When you recondition your battery instead of buying another one, that’s one less battery going to waste.

How to Refurbish a Golf Cart Battery?

Learning how to refurbish a battery in your golf cart isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You don’t have to have any mechanical knowledge whatsoever; instead, you just need some time and a few simple tools.

If the battery isn’t too far gone, you can usually rejuvenate it with some Epsom salts, which are super inexpensive to buy and easy to find.

But before starting the reconditioning process, you’ll need to prepare the following items:

Safety goggles
Rubber gloves
Battery Charger
Epsom salt
Baking soda
Distilled water
A plastic container
Flathead screwdriver
A toothbrush or a paintbrush
Turkey baster

To recondition a golf cart battery, just follow these simple steps:

Step 1. After wearing your protective goggles and gloves, the first thing you’ll need to do is to lift the front seat of the golf cart to find the battery pack and remove the batteries from the cart using a crescent wrench.

Step 2. Next, mix one part of distilled water with two parts of baking soda, and with a toothbrush or a paintbrush, clean the battery terminals. Be careful when scrubbing because none of the baking soda water should enter the battery. After you’re done, rinse the battery then dry it with a paper towel or let it air dry. Examine the battery for any leaks or cracks once it has been thoroughly cleaned. If the battery is leaking acid, you need to replace it immediately.

Step 3. Remove the caps using your flathead screwdriver. Drain roughly half of the fluid of each battery into some type of plastic container. Make sure the acids that remain on the case are rinsed off, but again, don’t get any water into the battery cells.

Step 4. Next, you’ll be replacing the drained acid with Epsom salts. Mix 2 quarts of distilled water that has been previously warmed with about 8 ounces of Epsom salts. Make sure the Epsom salt is completely dissolved by stirring the solution.

Step 5. Place some of the mixture into each cell using your turkey baster until it gets to the proper fill level. Replace the caps and then shake the battery to completely mix the solution. What you’re trying to do is dissolve any sulfication or deposits that have accumulated on the battery plates.

Step 6. At this point, you’ll want to charge the batteries overnight using a battery charger. Connect your battery charger to the battery by plugging the red cable to the positive (+) terminal, and the black cable is to the negative (-) terminal.

Step 7. Next, use a battery tester to check whether your battery was able to hold the charge fully. You can alternatively use a multimeter, but the battery tester will also confirm whether the battery is capable of starting your golf cart or not. If the battery hasn’t been fully charged, repeat the procedure in steps 5 and 6, but this time using a battery acid from a local hardware store instead of the Epsom salt solution.

If you’re having problems with the battery not charging, check to make sure there isn’t a problem with the battery charger itself. Always make sure your charger is operating correctly before testing your batteries. Never forget the goggles, gloves, and an apron.

Golf Cart Battery Reconditioning Dos and Don’ts

So that you can have a little more information about the battery reconditioning process, below are some dos and don’ts to make it simpler for you:

DON’T recondition your battery without using protective gear.

DON’T refill the water in your battery cells until after you’ve fully charged the battery. Doing so could cause spillage that might be dangerous.

DON’T use tap water to recharge your golf cart battery as it contains chemicals that might damage your battery; only distilled water should be used.

DON’Tlet the battery acid solution come into contact with you or your clothing, as it might cause burns.

DO work in a well-ventilated area at all times.

DO remove the caps from the cells while charging the battery.

DO prevent sulfate salt buildup by never fully draining the charge of a lead-acid battery.

How Can I Make My Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer?

Golf cart batteries are a lot like car batteries, which means a lot of the things you do to save your car battery applies to them as well. These include never leaving the lights on, reducing the time you spend with the radio on or any other feature that uses the battery power, and simply using common sense when taking care of your batteries and driving the cart around day after day.

Related Post: Refurbished Car Batteries Near Me

FAQs - How to Refurbish Golf Cart Batteries?

Q: What kind of battery does a golf cart use?

A: The majority of golf carts are equipped with flooded lead-acid batteries. And they usually take multiple batteries of 6V, 8V, or 12V.

Q: How long do golf cart batteries last?

A: A good golf cart battery will last up to five years on average. You can extend the life of the battery by another one to two years by reconditioning it.

Q: Can you refurbish golf cart batteries?

A: You can refurbish batteries by utilizing the steps above, but only if the battery is not completely dead and ready to be replaced.

Q: Why are my golf cart batteries dying so fast?

A: Numerous things can cause this, but the most common reason is that you’re letting the water level in the battery get too low. Regular water checks, therefore, are necessary for your golf cart batteries to last.

Q: How often should you add water to golf cart batteries?

A: You should check the water level regularly and add more when necessary. It’s recommended that you check it once a month, switching to once a week in the summer months.

Q: What is the cost of a golf cart battery?

A: The average cost of a golf cart battery is $800 to $1500, which explains why reconditioning them makes so much sense.

The Takeaway

Reconditioning a golf cart battery is simple and saves you a lot of money, not to mention the fact that it is better for the environment (golf cart batteries are lead-acid batteries). Even better, it is a simple process that anyone can do, even if you’re not mechanically inclined.

James Owen

powercurious.com

The post How to Refurbish Golf Cart Batteries – Step-by-Step Tutorial appeared first on Power Curious.