This topic is one that is usually skipped in our preps we have to remember we want be able to depend on others. In a shtf situation energy storage is vital to keep living as close to normal as possible. In doing that batteries that we use to store power are usually boat batteries, golf cart batteries, and car batteries they are all pretty much the same. You have to be able to store that power those expensive solar panels you bought produce so here you go.


Buying a new car battery can be fairly expensive, but it seems there is not much choice when a battery's performance plummets. However, in many cases you can refurbish car batteries and extend their usefulness. Doing so does not require pricey chemical additives. You can achieve the same results with magnesium sulfate, better known as Epsom salts. Car batteries are "lead acid" batteries with a solution of water and sulfuric acid. When sulfur collects on the lead plates of the battery, performance degrades. Magnesium sulfate can remove the sulfur and can restore a battery's performance.
.Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions.Things You'll Need:
-Distilled water
-Epsom salts
-Baking soda
-Funnel
-Battery charger
-Crescent wrench
-Safety goggles
-Rubber gloves
-Drill
-Plastic plugs
Step 1
Loosen the battery cables with a crescent wrench and remove the battery. Use baking soda to clean the terminals and battery cables so you get good contact when the battery is reinstalled.

Step 2
Mix a solution of 1/2 gallon distilled water and 1/2 lb. Epsom salts. Stir until the salts are dissolved (if you use warm water this is a lot easier). Always use distilled water because the chemicals in tap water can damage a battery. Remove the battery cell caps and drain the water from the battery. If your car battery is of the sealed type, you'll need to find the shadow plugs (they'll be marked on the top of the battery) and drill through them.

Step 3
Use a funnel to fill each cell of the battery with the Epsom salt solution. Once you have filled each cell, shake the battery to make sure the solution is well distributed.

Step 4
Place the battery on a charger using a slow (trickle) charge for 24 hours. Remove the battery from the charger and replace the battery caps. For sealed batteries, buy plastic plugs from an auto parts store and insert them in the drill holes. Reinstall the battery and make sure the battery cables are properly fastened. Your battery should now work properly.

Step 5
Repeat the charging process two or three times over the next week to complete the refurbishing process. This helps to remove any remaining sulfur from the lead plates inside the battery. If you store the battery for a long time, place it on a trickle charger to prevent sulfur from accumulating on the plates again, as the battery drains while not in use.
.
Wear eye protection whenever charging a battery. Wear gloves whenever working with a battery. Do not let the acid solution from the battery cell touch you or your clothing as it can burn. Always leave plastic caps off of the battery's cells when charging to prevent gas build-up. Wear eye protection whenever charging a battery. Wear gloves whenever working with a battery. Do not let the acid solution from the battery cell touch you or your clothing as it can burn. Always leave plastic caps off of the battery's cells when charging to prevent gas build-up.
Read more: How to Refurbish Car Batteries | eHow.com

Good idea ForFreedom...hope your doing well!

...eHow, however dropped the ballon this one. To the point where someone could get hurt.

They seem to have missed several items, such as removing the solution, rinsing out the remnants, refilling with the proper strength sulfuric acid...

...and calling sulfuric acid "water" (see step 2) IMHO isn't a wise thing to do in a DIY article. Didn't see any mention of explosion hazards from hydrogen gas. either.

...and don't use a crescent wrench...use the correct tool for the job.

Bottom line is BE VERY CAREFUL AROUND BATTERIES.

www.shtfm.com/battery-corner/car- ... %20battery