How to Recharge a Battery
Sooner or later, during our long and often troublesome relationship with our cars, we will face the problem of a discharged battery. Fortunately, recharging a battery is a simple process. And although fast and slow methods are both common, it is best to choose the slow process whenever possible. There is less of a chance for damage. Also, the slow method improves the battery’s chemical action and makes the charge hold better during the winter months. If you don’t have a battery charger, rent one. It will be worth your time and money. So let’s begin.
Instructions
Step1
Find a well ventilated area where you can safely leave your car battery to charge for 12 to16 hours. Step2
Put on your safety goggles, take off the battery cell caps and cover the top of the battery with a clean and slightly wet piece of cloth. If yours is a free maintenance battery, skip this step. Step3
Connect the charger to the battery, making sure to hook the charger’s positive lead to the battery positive terminal and the charger’s negative lead to the battery negative terminal. If you have a battery with side terminals, connect two adapter charging terminals. Step4
Set the battery charger for 2 amps. Step5
Verify the charger is set for a 12 volts battery. Step6
Plug in the battery charger and start charging the battery. Step7
Check the state of the battery for the first two hours to make sure everything is all right. Step8
Unplug the battery charger after 12 or 16 hours, depending on manufacturer recommendations. If your battery has a sealed top-no cell caps-check the small test window on top. If it shows a bright or green color, the battery is fully charged.Tips & Warnings
- Choose a 1 or 2 amps battery charger. This is the safest for a car battery, specially a used one.
- Follow closely the operating instructions from the battery charger manufacturer for best results.
- In emergency situations, you may be able to jump start your vehicle or if you prefer-and need your car battery in working condition as soon as possible-it is better to take the battery to an auto shop for a fast charge.
- Always charge batteries in a well ventilated area and do not allow smoking in the area. The battery charging process generates hydrogen gas which is highly explosive.
- Never charge a frozen battery; it might explode. Make sure the battery has reached a minimum of 60 degrees F.
