For many of us, we think that our old batteries are just plain hopeless and there is nothing we can do about it, so we just throw them away. We buy new ones so that we can replace the old or damaged ones.
However, this is not the only solution there is when it comes to handling our old batteries. There is a way that we can save more money and also get a battery that is functioning 100%. To do this, you should learn about how to recondition batteries at home.
We will share with you the steps on how you can recondition an old battery so that it will run like it is a new one and you don’t have to buy a new battery. Let’s begin!
The first thing you ought to know is that the process of reconditioning used batteries is actually quite simple. Anyone can do it, even if you don’t have experience or expertise about batteries. You do have to prepare some gadgets and other items to proceed with this process.
Also, allow for some time and have lots of patience. At the end of the procedure on reviving your battery, you will have one that works good as new. And by new, we mean that the dead battery will have the identical features and capacity as that of a brand new battery.
Bringing a dead battery to live again is good. Apart from saving you money, it is also good for the environment because there is less waste that contributes to the growing pollution in the world. Imagine if everyone repairs their used batteries. That’s a lot of savings in terms of money, and everyone can make their little contribution in conserving the environment.
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Once you learn how to rejuvenate a batteries, you can teach anyone who is willing to learn. Share the knowledge and skill that you have earned so that more people can avoid spending too much on getting new batteries or dumping their old batteries in the trash. This is good for you, for them, and for the environment. Or you can start your own battery reconditioning business to earn money as well!
In this article, we are going to cover several types of batteries and numerous ways on how you can recondition them. Take note of all the important details we will be mentioning so that you can work on your battery smoothly and easily. Most of the procedures are very easy, and you can do them on your own.
However, if you do find that you will need help, then ask someone to help you out. Also, reread each of the steps so that you can be sure that you are doing it the right way. There may be some steps that are quite dangerous. We will alert you which steps are the ones that need some caution. In doing each of the steps, be careful and be mindful of what you are doing.
Reconditioning Hybrid Batteries
Hybrid cars are among the best innovations we have had when it comes to transportation. They only have two major components, so that makes them very simple and easy to understand. Hybrid cars only have their batteries and their electric motors. The battery of hybrid cars can withstand 200,000 miles. That’s a lot of distance but there will come a time when the battery will stop working, and you should be able to know what to do.
If you have a hybrid car and then you experience some trouble with the battery, or it is damaged while still under its warranty, it will be replaced by the manufacturer. But many of the batteries of hybrid cars actually last quite long so most likely, any damage will become apparent after the expiration of the warranty.
If that is the case, then your option is to buy a new battery for your hybrid car. And you may already know that a new battery for a hybrid car can cost you somewhere around $3,000. That’s a big expense that you have to be prepared for.
It’s a good thing that reconditioning your hybrid car’s battery is an option. If you can do this successfully, you do not have to spend so much to have a functioning battery again. Let’s take a look at the steps of how you can refurbished a battery of a hybrid car.
The batteries of hybrid cars have modules. There are cars that have more while there are some that have less. Nonetheless, they all function based on the same principle. An example here is with the Toyota Prius. With the Prius, you have twenty-eight modules.
Another thing that you should know is that when manufacturers take the damaged battery, they simply repair it, make sure that it is working perfectly, and then sell them again. You can also do this. What you have to do is to see which module is damaged and then have that replaced and your battery will work fine again.
Usually, the cost of having your battery fixed in this manner is around $700. That’s just a fraction of the cost compared to buying a new one. If you can have your hybrid battery repaired, it can last another six to seven years, so this is a great and cost-efficient option for you.
=> You can also learn more about how to recondition a hybrid battery in depth!
Reconditioning a Car Battery
Out of the many components in your vehicle, the car battery is among the most expensive ones. You may take them for granted, but the moment they stop functioning, you won’t be able to drive your car at all, and you will understand how vital they are to the overall operation of your vehicle.
In this section, we will share with you how you can refurbish your dead car battery so that you will have one that works like new. Here’s the main fact that you ought to know about.
When you successfully recondition your car battery, it will have around 70% power as that of a brand new battery. This is alright because that is more than sufficient for your car to run.
Here are the steps on the ways you can do the reconditioning.
1. Firstly, the things that you will need will be a voltmeter, battery charger, syringe, and distilled water. Follow the next steps below.
2. Take the battery away from the car. Also, take the rubber protecting the caps. After that, take the caps. Depending on the battery, some may have six to seven caps. Regardless of the number, take them all off.
3. Fill your battery using the distilled water that you have prepared. After that, charge it. Remember not to put the caps on just yet. Connect the battery to your battery charger and then leave it for an hour. After a while, you will see the liquid inside will start to bubble.
If you notice that they are no bubbles, try reversing the positive and negative wires and then wait for another two minutes. By this time, you should be able to see bubbles. When this happens, put the wires back to their original position and then continue charging your battery for half an hour.
Another thing that you can try is replacing the battery’s acid. Mix a new one with distilled water and then leave your battery to charge for several hours. After all these steps, you will have a good and functioning battery that will provide you with years of service.
=> You can also learn more about how to recondition a car battery in depth!
Reconditioning a Laptop Battery
Yes, it is very possible to recondition your old laptop battery. There are also several ways that you can do this. However, there may be some process that is more time consuming than others. Whichever way you choose, you will have a functioning battery again.
Restoring your laptop battery is also a great option because just like car batteries, laptop batteries can be expensive and you don’t want to spend an awful lot of money if there are alternatives.
The steps we will share with you here are simple and easy, and you can do it all on your own. These steps are easier to do with laptops with batteries that can be removed. But if your battery has non-removable batteries, you can still try these procedures on them.
Before we start, you have to take note not to do this on a battery that is brand new and well-functioning. It is because you will end up with a damaged battery because it will have a negative effect on it.
With an old battery, you can repair them, and you can use your laptop again without dealing with any problems relating to the battery. Of course, the best part of this process is that it costs absolutely nothing.
Option 1
1. Take the battery from the laptop and then put it in a plastic bag.
2. Put the plastic bag with the battery in it in the freezer. Let it stay for twelve hours.
3. After twelve hours, take it from the bag and then clean it.
4. Put the battery back on your laptop and then charge it completely.
5. Check if the battery has any leaks or any acids on it.
That is how you will know that this procedure is successful. When it is a success, then you have a battery that is good as new and will serve you for a long time without needing to buy a new one. You can repeat these steps several times as you need it.
Option 2
There are some laptops that you may have to reset so that you can get a much better battery life. This may be the easiest option of all, but it is not as successful as the others. It is more of getting your laptop recalibrated rather than getting your battery reconditioned.
But nonetheless, this step worked for some people. You can try it as well.
Here are the steps.
1. Charge your laptop battery completely and then leave your laptop for about two to three hours.
2. The next step is to unplug it and just leave your laptop on. Wait for the battery to be completely drained that your laptop shuts down.
3. Just leave it for the next five hours.
4. Charge the battery completely again.
And that’s it. Many people have tried this and have said that this procedure helps in increasing the life of the laptop’s battery. Also, it makes your laptop more accurate when it comes to reading the information regarding the battery levels.
Option 3
If you can reduce the laptop’s temperature, it can have a good effect on the life of the battery. For this step, you may need to get a laptop fan or cooler where you can place the laptop on. This reduces the temperature of the laptop as well as the battery. This way, the battery lasts longer. Remember to do this especially during summer time and warmer months.
Option 4
This option is another effective way to recondition your laptop battery. However, it can be time-consuming so be patient. To do this, charge your battery completely. After that, wait for it to be almost empty, around 5% and then charge it again. Do this several times, and you will see an improvement in the performance of your laptop battery.
Option 5
This last option for repairing your laptop battery may seem weird, but it is very simple to follow. It is another procedure that you can try out for yourself. We have to warn you though that this can only be done on a laptop that has a battery that can be removed.
To do this, charge your laptop completely. When charging is complete, take the battery from your laptop. Your laptop should be able to function without its battery. When you do this procedure, you stop the chemical process of the battery, resetting it. The result you will get is a battery that can recharge better and also last longer.
=> You can also learn more about how to recondition a laptop battery in depth!
Reconditioning NiCad Batteries
You may be surprised, but yes, NiCad batteries can also be reconditioned. But for this procedure to be successful, you first have to know why they were damaged in the first place. NiCad batteries get damaged because of the sulfur crystals that reach both of the battery’s terminals, preventing it from charging. This can also be reconditioned, and your batteries will be able to work fine.
What you will need for this procedure will be a flash camera capacitor. There are many cheap cameras that you can buy at thrift stores or second-hand shops. You can then use the parts. The capacitor is very easy to identify. It is the one that is a big cylinder.
Add a switch and a battery holder to the flash camera capacitor. Place the wires onto the cylinder and then attach them to the switch and battery holder. See to it that all of the wires are insulated, meaning that they won’t be able to touch anything that will be able to conduct electricity.
Put an alkaline battery into your capacitor. Then put the NiCad battery into your holder which you have added earlier. After that, turn on the switch, and you will be able to see the LED glow. Repeat this step.
Remember that you should be able to hear a sound. This sound is an indicator that the sulfur crystals are being removed and that your NiCad battery can be used just like before and you won’t need to buy a new one.
Since you have already made the gadget, make sure to keep it as you may need it in the future for reconditioning other NiCad batteries. It sounds complicated, yes. However, just try to read the steps over and over until you get familiar with it.
You will find that you will be more confident in doing the procedure. Also, if you want to skip the part about getting parts from a camera, you can do that by buying a capacitor, but it will be expensive. So, better stick to the more economical way.
=> You can also learn more about how to recondition a nicad battery in depth!
Reconditioning Lead-Acid Batteries
Most of us know that lead-acid batteries can be expensive. That is why reconditioning an old lead-acid battery is a better option compared to buying a new unit. Also, you should know that it is certainly possible to get an old battery fixed and use it for several years more.
These steps we will share with you about reviving lead-acid batteries is simple, just like the other steps we have mentioned above. You can do it all on your own. However, you must be careful because this procedure can be quite dangerous. This is because of the acid in the battery. So, be sure to follow the steps carefully.
Take away the battery and then open its caps. There are some lead-acid batteries that have rubber protection on the caps, but you can also remove them without much trouble. Remember to remove all of the caps on the battery and do not put them back on until you are finished with all of the steps.
Most of the cases of old lead-acid batteries are that they do not have enough liquid or distilled water in them. This is usually the major issue. So, what you have to do would be to put distilled water in the battery and then charge it. Remember to not put the caps on just yet. Also, see to it that the battery should have around 13v to 14v when you are measuring it using the voltmeter.
If this procedure doesn’t work for the lead-acid battery, there is another method that is much more aggressive. To do this, secure an acid pack so that you can replace the old acid of the battery. Also, add new distilled water. Repeat this step with the charging. After that, you should be able to have a good working lead-acid battery.
Remember that charging a lead-acid battery can last for about ten to twelve hours if you are going to use a slow charger. But if you will be using a quick charger, then you can get the lead-acid battery fully charged in about six hours or less. So that you will get the best results, keep on measuring the battery levels using the voltmeter while you are charging the lead-acid battery.
Take note that this procedure is not completely safe, so you have to be very careful and mindful of what you do. We’re sure you will be able to manage it well. Just be sure that you wear gloves and protective goggles when you do this so that you will remain safe.
There will be cases where the battery cells are already damaged. What this means is that you won’t be getting back the 100% capacity of the lead-acid battery. But you will get around or more than 70% of the capacity of the lead-acid battery so it will still function just fine. This capacity of power is more than enough for most of the lead-acid batteries. It can sufficiently provide power for its applications.
=> You can also learn more about how to recondition a lead-acid battery in depth!
What to Do Next
Now you know about the ways to repair a battery of several types and different ways. Hopefully, this article has been helpful to you so that you won’t need to buy new batteries and spend a lot of money on them. Reconditioning batteries is a great way to save money and save the environment from waste.
Knowing and learning how to recondition batteries by yourself is also a great skill to have. You can help your family and friends if they ever need to have their batteries reconditioned. You can teach them how to do it. This way more and more people can save money as well as contribute to the conservation of the environment.
Also, if you have other questions about restoring other batteries or if you want to know if a certain type of battery can be reconditioned, don’t hesitate to email us. We’d be more than happy to help you and share with you what Battery Man Guide know.
