Can a Wet Battery Be Charged? Here’s the Info and How to Overcome It!
Can a wet battery be charged? This question is often asked by those who are not familiar with the automotive world. So, is it possible? Let's find the complete answer by paying attention to the following information.
Can a Wet Battery Be Charged?
In order for the car's electrical system to function properly, a battery is needed as a component to store and supply electricity. Over time, the battery's power will decrease. So, can a car's wet battery be recharged? The answer is yes, as long as the battery is not damaged. In fact, automotive experts recommend recharging a wet battery when you first purchase it.
Recharging the wet battery aims to ensure that the battery's performance is always optimal when used and to extend the battery's lifespan. This is because the new battery you purchased may have been stored in the shop for too long, causing its electrical power to decrease.
Why Can't a Car's Wet Battery Be Recharged?
As previously explained, recharging a wet battery can optimize its performance. However, sometimes a wet battery that is charged cannot store electricity well, or may not be able to store electricity at all. So what are the causes? Here are the complete causes.
1. Damaged dynamo ampere
A damaged dynamo ampere is the main cause of a wet battery not being able to store electricity when charged. This damage is usually caused by overcharging, which leads to rapid evaporation of the battery water.
2. Use of improper battery water
To maximize the performance of a wet battery, it is necessary to fill it with battery water that meets standards such as demineralized water or sulfuric acid. If you use battery water that contains minerals, it can damage the battery's ability to store electricity when charged.
3. Age factor of the battery
Using a battery that has exceeded its lifespan can cause a wet battery to be unable to be charged. As is known, a wet battery has a standard lifespan of three years. However, if the battery is properly maintained, it is possible for its lifespan to reach five years or even more.
How to Fix a Wet Battery That Can't Store Electricity
There are several ways to address your car's wet battery that cannot store electricity when charged that you need to know. Here are the complete ways to fix it.
1. Prepare repair tools
The first step is to prepare several wet battery repair tools such as rubber gloves, a syringe or pipette, a battery charger, battery water, USP Magnesium Sulfate, and a knife.
2. Remove the battery and store the wet battery in a safe place
One thing you need to pay attention to when you want to repair a wet battery is to wear rubber gloves before starting the repair until the repair process is complete. This is because battery water contains chemicals that can cause your skin to blister if it comes into contact with the liquid.
After putting on rubber gloves, first open the hood. Next, carefully and slowly remove the wet battery. Place the battery on a flat surface and out of reach of children. Use a knife to open the battery cover and remove the old battery water.
3. Make battery water according to standards
Next, you need to make battery water according to standards. First, prepare a syringe or pipette. Then, use the pipette to draw out the battery water until about 30%-40% remains in the cells. Next, transfer the drawn battery water into a glass container to avoid harming your skin.
Then mix USP magnesium sulfate into boiling water. Next, mix this solution into the new battery water. Stir both liquids until well combined. Then, use the pipette to add the solution into the wet battery cells.
4. Charge the battery
The next step is to use the battery charger and ensure that the cell covers are not closed during the charging process. If the battery is severely damaged, charge it overnight. You can also use an alternator if you do not have a battery charger. Don't forget to close the cell covers if you use this method.
These are some methods you can follow to address the issue of a wet battery that cannot be charged. Visit the nearest Daihatsu official workshop if you are not skilled in performing these repairs.
