06/29/2020 / By Mary Miller
Like all good preppers, you should have a well-maintained bug-out vehicle in case you need to make a quick getaway when SHTF. This means that your vehicle’s batteries should be kept fully charged and the battery’s posts or terminals must be kept free of corrosion. But what should you do with a car battery that no longer functions? Even if you’ve replaced your car’s battery, don’t be so quick to throw out the old one. It might not even be entirely dead. In fact, if properly revived, it could even provide a few more years of good use. Here’s how you can revive near-dead lead-acid car batteries. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)
The main reason why lead-acid batteries die is due to an accumulation of lead sulfate crystals on the plates inside the battery. The good news is that these crystals can be removed with a little elbow grease and a few simple everyday ingredients, such as Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), baking soda and water. Before you know it, you’ll have your car up and running again with a functional battery. (Related: How to prep your car before SHTF.)
Before anything else, it is incredibly important to use extreme caution when reviving near-dead batteries. Doing so incorrectly can be very dangerous as the battery may “erupt” and your skin could come into contact with battery acid. Make sure to wear a pair of waterproof gloves and safety goggles when handling used or old lead-acid batteries. You should also avoid touching both battery terminals (the positive and negative electrical contacts at the top of the battery) at the same time as they may still have some charge. Furthermore, remember to keep all your tools in a safe working area, far away from any live wires.
Items needed:
Procedure:
Depending on your battery’s age and state of wear and tear, you can expect your revived lead-acid battery to last for around six months to a year. If it dies again, simply repeat the process up to five times or until the method is no longer effective.
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