How To Know If Car Battery Needs To Be Replaced
If your car battery is more than three years old, its a good idea to have it tested annually to see if it needs to be replaced. There are a few things you can look for to see if your battery may need to be replaced:The engine cranks slowly when starting the car.The headlights dim when idling at a stop light.There is corrosion on the battery terminals.If you notice any of these signs, its time to get your battery tested. Many auto parts stores will test your battery for free. If the test shows that your battery needs to be replaced, dont put it off! A new battery will help ensure that your car starts quickly and runs smoothly.
The Battery Life Cycle What Happens When They Are Turned In
Almost every time you replace a lead acid vehicle battery , it ends up in the recycling stream. Of course, thats as it should be lead acid batteries are one of the most recyclable items out there. So, what does the process of car battery recycling look like? And, what makes it different than recycling anything else that goes into a recycling bin?
The components that made up your car battery probably lived a prior life, and most of it will probably live another life after you turn it in as part of the battery replacement process. Its fair to ask how something so toxic can be so recyclable, because it doesnt seem like it would be. But by recycling lead acid batteries, its possible to keep their toxic components out of waterways and landfills. Lets break down what can be recycled and how these parts can have other lives in places you might not expect.
Why Batteries Go Bad
A number of issues can take place within your cars battery that reduces its battery life.
Issues such as electrolyte loss or poor charging can lead to battery sulfation. When sulfation occurs, a battery loses some of its natural ability to convert chemical energy to electrical energy.
This stems from a batterys inability to perform the necessary chemical reaction between its acids and active materials to the degree that it once could.
When this occurs, issues with poor engine cranking often become evident and your battery will stop recharging itself properly.
This is the point at which many consumers discard their old battery in favor of a new replacement.
However, this can lead to excess expenditure that can often be avoided if you learn how to recondition batteries to give your car’s battery the longest battery life possible.
Read More > > Best Car Battery Charger
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How Much Are Scrap Car Batteries Worth
Want to know how much scrap car batteries are worth? If you have any scrap car batteries thrown in your backyard, or if you have a scrap vehicle that is fated for the scrapyard, it might be the right time to turn the scrap vehicle into cash.
Nonetheless, do you know how much exactly are scrap car batteries worth? The answer, as you have thought, cant be accurate information. Today, in this blog post, we will help to answer the question in detail, as well as the most effective way to dispose of scrap car batteries in an eco-friendly way.
First Remember To Get Back Your Core Charge
Some places that sell car batteries participate in a program that gives you back a portion of what you paid when you return the battery to that place to recycle it once its worn down.
Youll get what is known as a battery core charge when you purchase the battery.
The core charge is basically a deposit you put down on the battery that youll get back once you return it back to the same place for recycling.
Several stores are using this method to ensure that batteries return to them safely for recycling instead of ending up in landfills where they shouldnt be.
Advance Auto Parts is one store that has this type of program.
You can either bring the battery into one of its locations yourself or mail it in, along with your receipt from the original purchase to get your refund.
Some stores will not just give you back what you paid for the core charge but may also give you credit toward purchasing another battery from that store, so youll make extra on top of getting back your core charge.
All 50 states are allowed to charge this fee to promote safe recycling, but in 30 states, its required by law to charge it.
You can see if your state is one that participates in this law here.
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Why Is It Important To Dispose Of Scrap Car Batteries Properly
Scrap car batteries contain different types of harmful fluids and solids like sulphuric acid and lead, its obvious to say that scrap car batteries contribute negatively to the environment and they cant be used as a matter of landfilling. The liquids and solid elements of scrap car batteries are considered harmful trash. If these old car batteries are not disposed of properly following the environmental considerations, they may leak harmful liquids and contribute negatively to the environment.
Due to the leakage of harmful elements into the ground, it will pollute the underground water system and soil. It will also affect the living of both plants and animals directly or indirectly. If the water system, soil, plants, and animals are affected due to improper disposal of scrap car batteries, then definitely it will affect the existence of human beings. The lead element causes several health problems such as blindness. Its illegal to dump scrap car batteries, it needs to be handled properly and efficiently so that it could affect the surroundings and the living beings.
How A Battery Is Designed
When you car is running, your battery is receiving an electrical charge from the alternator that is stored as chemical energy. A car battery is a set of lead plates and lead dioxide plates in a plastic case. They are arranged in cells with one lead and one lead dioxide plate in each.
The battery is filled with a liquid that conducts the electrical energy that forms, known as an electrolyte. In most batteries, it is a strong sulfuric acid electrolyte.
A chemical reaction occurs between the lead plate, the lead dioxide plate, and the sulfuric acid where electrical energy is produced.
Typically each battery cell produces two volts of electricity, so in a standard 12-volt electrical system, there are six cells used in the battery.
When a battery is connected to a vehicles electrical system, it can provide years of service before needing to be replaced.
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How To Dispose Of Batteries
Batteries power a range of items and make life much easier. But when batteries die or wont charge, its time to get rid of them. The ways to get rid of batteries can vary, depending on the battery type and where you live.
This guide will review how to dispose of batteries and covers how to recycle batteries. It includes information on single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries.
Another Way To Make Money With Used Car Batteries
Are you not having much luck finding buyers for your used batteries?
There might be another way that could actually pay more than selling old batteries that no longer work or have little juice left.
You could consider learning how to recondition the batteries yourself, which brings them back to life a little while longer.
Reconditioned batteries typically sell for less than new ones, but theyll also sell for more than used ones.
Its similar to buying a reconditioned phone or some other type of electronic device.
Reconditioning batteries will require you to spend some time learning how to do it and spend some money up front on equipment youll need to do the job correctly.
For successful reconditioning, batteries will need to at least be able to register between 10 and 12 volts. Youll need a voltmeter to check it.
Youll also need a set of tools to help you open the battery cell caps, a reliable funnel and container to drain and refill battery fluid, and some safety equipment, like goggles and gloves.
You can learn more about the process of refurbishing batteries here or talk to an experienced mechanic about teaching you the ropes.
Your refurbishing hobby could turn into a business once you become more experienced and efficient with making the batteries work like new again.
If youre good at what you do, you should at least be able to charge people half of what the battery originally costs.
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How Do You Dispose Of Old Car Batteries
My sister and I are heading to our momâs this weekend to help change her car battery. I’ve never had to do it before. How do I dispose of it?
- Remove it from the car and wrap it in a plastic bag. Be sure youâre wearing protective equipment and are careful. This will protect you and your car from any potential leaks or dirt on the battery.
- Look up a local battery recycling center or call an auto parts store. Most retail auto parts stores accept batteries for recycling and you may even receive some money back for recycling it.
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Why Proper Battery Disposal Is Important
A typical car battery is made of lead plates and sulfuric acid. As you probably know, lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that lead poisoning can cause behavioral and learning problems in children. If a car battery ends up in a landfill, its likely to contaminate the soil and ground water.
Fortunately, automotive batteries are the most recycled consumer product in the country. Ninety-nine percent of all car batteries are recycled into new car batteries!
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Have The Battery Replaced
Step 1: Have a certified mobile mechanic replace your battery for you. A mechanic can come and take your old battery, installing a new one in its place.
This method is probably the most convenient option. You can have a certified mobile mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your home or office to replace your battery for you and dispose of the old one properly.
However you choose to dispose of your old car battery, make sure you do it properly with no risk of environmental or health repercussions. Use one of the methods above to ensure that your battery will be safely handled.
Diy Solar Powered Generator
With global warming threatening the extinction of entire species, the least you could do for Mother Nature is switch to sustainable energy. An easy and affordable way to do this is by making your solar power generator using:
- A solar panel: mono-crystalline 400Wp, 17.2v
- Charge controller
- Wires and wire connectors
Start by connecting the inverter to the battery. To do this, take a negative wire, connect it to the negative terminal and then do the same with the positive. Connect the charging controller to the battery and then to the solar panel.
Leave the solar panel outside and position it, so its exposed to maximum sunlight for charging. Once its above 50%, feel free to connect your smartphone and enjoy free sustainable solar energy. You can include a case to make it portable. When fully charged, this DIY solar generator can keep your Xbox one running for over three hours and your energy-saving light bulb on for up to 25 hours.
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Safely Disconnecting Your Battery
If your car isnt starting or is struggling on hot or cold days, it may be time to replace the battery. However, make sure you properly test it before buying a new battery. Starting problems can also be caused by loose wiring or other easily fixed problems. You may also be able to charge your car battery.
Once you know its time to replace the battery, be sure to do disconnect it safely, following these steps:
- Always remember to disconnect the negative battery terminal first.
- Never allow your wrench to touch the positive and negative terminals at the same time. Your battery may be dead for the purposes of starting your car, but it usually still has some energy. Completing a circuit with your wrench and your body can be dangerous.
- A battery is heavy. Lift with your knees, not your back, and watch your feet and fenders as you hoist it.
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Many people have no use for them once they start breaking down.
Few know how to dispose of standard batteries used in flashlights or remote controls and even fewer have learned how to dispose of old car batteries.
At your nearby auto shop, you can recycle old car batteries for a fee.
Luckily, these batteries are recycled in high levels.
Scientific American reported that lead-acid car batteries are the most commonly recycled product in the United States.
In fact, more than 99 percent of car batteries are recycled across the country.
While this is great news especially if you want to protect the planet and be green, you could be missing out on some cash if you leave your old car batteries with your local auto shop.
Im sure youve found all sorts of things that can be recycled.
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Reasons To Recycle Your Used Car Battery
Scientists are constantly looking for more sustainable solutions toward a more earth-friendly future. Until then, we as consumers can still play our part in the fight for a cleaner planet by reducing, reusing, and recycling as much as possible. Car batteries are one of the most important components for recycling. Heres why:
Return It To The Retailer
To replace the old car battery that you are discarding, youve likely had to purchase a new battery already. Check your receipt to see if there was a core charge assessed when you purchased the new battery.
- Tip: A core charge is assessed to on certain parts like batteries where the old part has value to the retailer, either to be recycled or to be rebuilt. Core charges are assessed on water pumps, alternators, starter motors, and several other automotive components.
Step 1: Bring in your battery. Bring the old battery to your battery retailer or auto parts store. Use safe handling procedures that include protective gloves.
Step 2: Provide receipt for core charge. If youve paid a core charge on your new battery, show your receipt to the counter personnel along with your old battery.
Step 3: Collect your core charge. Collect your core charge back, and leave the old battery with the counter staff.
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Take The Battery To A Parts Store
Step 1: Take the battery to an auto shop or parts store. Probably the most common way to recycle a car battery is to take it to your local auto shop or auto parts store, where car batteries are sold.
When you purchase a new battery bring the old one with you.
Make sure its wrapped in thick plastic to safeguard it from leaking chemicals and contaminating the environment, and ruining your cars interior in transport.
You will receive a core charge, and you may receive a substantial sum in return for bringing in a used car battery.
The best part about this method is that they completely take it off your hands so you no longer have to deal with it.
Disposing Of Batteries In California
If you live in California, state law mandates how you dispose of batteries of all kinds. The state considers batteries hazardous waste. Putting all types of batteries in the trash is against the law.
You must take batteries to an authorized recycling center, a universal waste handler or a household hazardous waste disposal facility.
When you know how to dispose of batteries, you can help the environment. Dropoff sites typically accept rechargeable batteries for recycling. For single-use batteries, you can get a mail-order recycling kit. Putting alkaline batteries in the trash is allowed in many places. However, recycling these batteries when possible is the best choice.
Want to shop for single-use and rechargeable batteries? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.
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How To Revitalize An Old Car Battery In 9 Steps
The following steps should be followed in the exact order in which they are listed when attempting to successfully revitalize a drained battery. A failure to do so can result in damage to equipment, as well as personal injury.
Step 1 – Remove Battery From Vehicle
With the use of a basic set of metric wrenches, remove the battery in question from your vehicle. This will require the batterys positive and negative cable to be removed, and all battery hold-downs to be disengaged.
Step 2 – Remove Battery Caps
You will now remove the caps at the top of your batterys casing.
This will allow you to gain access to the battery cells and battery plates. On some batteries, this requires the removal of two side-by-side rectangular caps.
On other batteries that are deemed to be maintenance-free. Six individual caps can be located under the battery’s data sticker.
Simply peel up the sticker to reveal the caps. No matter the style of cap, removal can be completed by gently prying with the use of a small flat head screwdriver.
Step 3 – Mix Water Solution
In the majority of situations, you will find that the fluid level in each cylinder is slightly low. This will be remedied by adding a solution consisting of Epsom salts and distilled water.
Simply pour ½ liter of distilled water into a suitable container. Next, add as much Epsom salts as can be completely dissolved within. Heat this mixture to an approximate temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4 – Add Mixture To Cells