How to Refill a Car Battery (and General Maintenence)

How to refill a car battery! Hopefully this video will allow you to bring new life into your car battery! It's very simple and easy!
Distilled water (without leaving the house) - Mini bottle: amzn.to/33nxXj8
Distilled water (without leaving the house) - 6 Gallon: amzn.to/2ortMEk
Sand paper: amzn.to/2OGOpXD
Use only distilled water to fill the cells.
Distilled water can be purchased at most grocery stores. If the electrolyte levels in the cells are low (plates are exposed), fill each cell to just cover the plates. Then use a battery charger to recharge the battery, or just drive the car for a few days in normal service
Video Title: How to Refill a Car Battery (and General Maintenence)
Video File Created Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 (Video may or may not have been captured on this date, it shows the date the video was last converted.)
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Video Tags:
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[@TutorialGenius]

Like and subscribe for more! All parts, tools and more information in the video description. If this video helped you, please support the channel by clicking "Thanks"! We also have memberships to our channel with great perks! kzbin.info/door/0HkS2-1Tk1ULQJj3uGbjdwjoin Thanks for watching!

[@itzjosebruhh8327]

Thank you for being my dad

[@realmetis8002]

I'm your dad 👨now stop that 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@itzjosebruhh8327]

@@realmetis8002 who r u?

[@itzjosebruhh8327]

@Electric Behaviors what

[@ryeinn6971]

Can I be your dad too?

[@shonteriabrown6214]

😂

[@sergiocarvajalmercado6115]

I was playing music in the car while fixing my storage. When I was leaving battery was discharged. I try starting it after 5-10 minutes didn’t work. I search on KZbin and find your video. I added water and almost immediately the car started back again. Thank you very much. It’s almost 100 degrees and I did not want it to wait there for too long. I don’t know where you live but if I do and I’m ever there I will buy you a beer...or 10

[@TutorialGenius]

Glad its working again!! Just hit like and subscribe, it helps us a lot! Thanks!

[@ceramikxxx5882]

What kind of water did you add

[@7thfrettin163]

@@ceramikxxx5882 probably the wet kind.

[@vusi5902]

I think distilled? But I might be wrong

[@SavdOutWitABadMouth]

OMG! he says what kind of water to use like 3 or 4 times in the video!

[@Frag_granade]

0:52 don't touch this water cuz one drop of it can burn your skin

[@worldofwisdom617]

Wipes with finger,, whhhaaat lol

[@waterhawkoutdoors769]

Stupid move

[@dipsisland]

It's sad how people just put in tap water they will get more life out of their battery if they use distilled water.

[@JrSpitty]

Yah distilled water is cheap and easy to come by... but the truth is that tap water wont make much of a difference unless you live in a area with horrible tap water. Because by the time a battery is low enough to need water... it is usually in the last year or two of its service life and the plates are still covered. So that minuscule amount of tap water you add won't make much of a difference.

[@kevinnelson7070]

I have a battery thats year old i dropped it by mistake and spilled a nice amount of acid out will this process work for any battery or do I need to just buy a new one?

[@dipsisland]

@@kevinnelson7070 Yes I believe so. Just make sure there no cracks in the battery. If no cracks you should be fine by doing these steps. If you find out that you cracked your battery in the process of dropping it then you may consider getting a new one. Hope that helps. I almost forgot you can bring your battery to any parts store and they can test it for free so you have peace of mind.

[@kevinnelson7070]

@@dipsisland thank you sir 👍

[@tocrob]

@@JrSpitty - it depends on how much water was needed. The dilution may freeze the battery in freezing temperatures and destroy it.

[@justinphillips8317]

Minimize contact with skin... Proceeds to wipe clean with finger ha 😂

[@TutorialGenius]

The lead acid, not the distilled water you wally! 😂

[@Gotalch]

I bought a new battery today, and when I went to go replace it, I saw a battery that looks just like this. I found your video and filled it up with distilled water. It was extremely empty. So far so good. Going to test it out another day and return the battery I bought.

[@TutorialGenius]

oww that's not good. They have very limited shelf life! I'd take it right back and find another one from another business!

[@cashmoney1976]

Hey. I have a similar looking battery to this. I tilted it on its side to take off the handle. I the installed it in my car and started and everything worked. But I noticed a little bit of clear fluid near the lid. Should I be concerned about permanent damage?

[@TristanVash38]

it's fine

[@johnwhodat8135]

I was told to charge the battery first and add water after.

[@johnwhodat8135]

@@TutorialGenius ..electric forklift technician. I don't know how true that is though. He said if a person inadvertently add too much water and charge up the battery the water can overflow.

[@Kirbythediver]

Thanks dad

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks for watching! Please like and subscribe if useful. Thanks!

[@bonniej2609]

Good Video- I WISH more YOUNG PEOPLE knew these Things!

[@bonniej2609]

@@jessh4016 🤣 You Have ZERO knowledge Of WHAT *I* Know- so your Statement TELLS me All You THINK you know 🤣🤣

[@ryeinn6971]

I’d add Gatorade, it’s has electrolytes

[@Blenzo480]

Brawndo, It's what batteries crave!

[@Collinormous]

No way man that’s for plants only.

[@ryeinn6971]

@@Collinormous well I couldn’t imagine using toilet water on plants

[@BarnyardCasanova]

Water? Like what’s in toilets? Eww

[@OrganicFoxes]

Thank you, my battery took 17oz of water and works great now.

[@TutorialGenius]

Thanks for sharing! Glad it's better! :)

[@rainprize2085]

dont touch lead terminals with bare hands... but good video

[@TutorialGenius]

Why? "Because a different video told me to say this" is not an acceptable answer!

[@rainprize2085]

Do your own research. CDC cites dermal absorption as risk for route of exposure, fore one. Countless studies on it out there including in government archives available to the public. Why risk it? Wearing gloves can't hurt. You may not feel any side effect but that doesnt mean each exposure isnt adding to your total toxin load. Do what you want for your health. Im more worried about your viewers. You're going to have a lot of young people using youtube to gather tips. Wouldnt hurt to acknowledge the need for gloves since you have a big(ish) audience. @@TutorialGenius

[@TutorialGenius]

That is exactly why I asked: 'why'. No need to take it personally, I understand it's 2023 and all, but let's not contribute to a growing problem. I think you are mixing up raw lead and lead alloy. I googled your quote, which was the first result in Google (You did some fine research there!), and it's pulled from an article on "organic lead", not: "lead alloy" You are also citing a US agency, which have been wrong on many things in the past, but the CDC doesn't speak for the whole world we live in. But in this case, the CDC are talking about organic lead, not lead alloy. @@rainprize2085

[@sunshinemodels1]

my battery was in my truck and fell over.. some of the water spilled out.. didnt eat away at anything.. just cleaned it with a towel. Should I refill a little distilled water to replace what leaked out? And how do I know how much do I need to fill it to?

[@chaseshadow1994]

Lucky you. I bought a battery and forgot about it. It dumped over behinde the front seat and ate up a few shirt hangers, my carpet, and the edges of my floor mat.

[@LC-go1uh]

Yes, sir, you should.

[@warnacokelat]

I learned that it's important not to overfill the water level or it will be a huge mess.

[@TutorialGenius]

Well yes of course

[@dmvfresh6166]

Wow

[@OGRH]

This guy is an ass!

[@Steve-ir4jg]

Why you gotta degrade this person's comment. It might help someone to pay close attention when performing maintenance on their old battery. I did notice that 15 people put a upstroke on that hand. It's all good information.

[@ScorpionTrail]

Will this trick work with a battery that's not taking any charge?

[@TutorialGenius]

It's not a trick, it's a necessity!

[@Papuchon1818]

I have a question? Can I use electrolyte fruit punch? Just curious

[@TutorialGenius]

haha!

[@ExaltedRC]

Make sure it's fully charged before adding too, I heard

[@johnathancribb2732]

Quick and simple thanks

[@playstation2bigs]

Can you use distilled drinking water ?

[@TutorialGenius]

its the same thing. If in doubt, check the label! ingredients should read distilled water and no additives!

[@SavdOutWitABadMouth]

There is no such thing as distilled "drinking" water. *DISTILLED WATER IS NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION! *DISTILLED WATER IS USED FOR APPLIANCES ONLY! IT'S NOT GOING TO KILL YOU IF YOU CONSUME A LITTLE BUT IF CONSUMED DAILY IN PLACE OF NATURAL SPRING WATER, THEN YES YOU WOULD EVENTUALLY DIE! AS IT LACKS ALL THE VITAMINS AND MINERALS THAT SPRING WATER HAS!

[@akanitshabane3656]

I've clean my battery with backing soda and hot water. Can I refill the cells with water battery only or I've to add acid battery as well?

[@TutorialGenius]

Better make sure you get every last speck of baking soda out of there, otherwise itll neutralise the acid. and yes, you'll need an electrolyte, not just water

[@FJBVoteTRUMP24]

Always use eye protection

[@TutorialGenius]

😎😎😎

[@LC-go1uh]

Mustang battery!

[@TutorialGenius]

Nice eye!

[@noriborre8356]

Thank You

[@peterkirubi732]

Do I add acid or water sir

[@TutorialGenius]

Distilled water

[@belindadeas1974]

Thank you. I'll try this

[@eckos2310]

Can you do the same method on a motorcycle battery?

[@TutorialGenius]

If it's a typical lead acid battery, yes you can.

[@eckos2310]

@@TutorialGenius yes it is.

[@m00nj3lly]

thank you king

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! :)

[@cashmoney1976]

I don't know if you saw me other comment. But i have a similar looking battery which i tipped over momentarily to take off the handles. I put the battery on and it worked fine but i saw a few drops of fluid near the lid. Should i be worried?

[@TutorialGenius]

Just check the cells to see if the plates are covered. If so, its ok. Just avoid skin and paint contact

[@BirdFromYakiVegas]

How about hav ing no distilled water, so can I barrow water from the other cell chambers?

[@TutorialGenius]

Yes, but then you'll be short there too haha

[@kidagakash777]

I think I may have found a new dad.

[@LihlombeNzanzeka]

Finally I know where the water is located,it will do good to drink it and finally be free

[@TutorialGenius]

Everybody has their own goals! 💯

[@juniorlopez2267]

Thank you for your video 👍💯

[@GMoney-B]

Is it the acid that has electrolytes in it? Or is the acid there to keep the metal plates clean? Probably a dumb question but I don't know.

[@TutorialGenius]

I hope this clears up any confusion: Extra info for free! Lead acid battery (Lead, lead oxide, 50-70% water with 30-50% sulphuric acid.... This mixture its usually just called an electrolyte solution.) Internally, there are lead plates which are very thin and they connected together and suspended in this electrolyte solution. Lead Sulfation is a battery killer. NOT maintaining and NOT looking after a car battery consists of: - Cases when the battery is deprived of a full charge - The battery is overcharged - A battery is its left discharged for a long period of time - Excessive heat (Plates should always be submerged in an electrolyte). If the battery is NOT maintained, then the lead sulfate CRYSTALIZES and HARDENS. In this case, lead sulfate crystals builds up and remains on the internal lead battery plates. When this happens, the battery cells are unable to retain an electrical charge (It impedes the chemical to electrical conversion). This is generally NOT reversible and its very doubtful that it can be reversed and a new battery will be needed (Mileage may very!).

[@gold-digger6579]

Wear eye protection also.

[@TutorialGenius]

Full hazmat while you're at it!

[@elamigoemao2283]

Hey man can i use purified water to refill my battery?

[@TutorialGenius]

Purified water is just tap water that has been filtered. Most chemicals are removed, but others may not be removed and/or others added. For the sake of $1, just get distilled water for piece of mind.

[@elamigoemao2283]

@@TutorialGenius yeah but typhoon hits us here in the philippines and distilled water is out of stock right now all i have here is purified water

[@TutorialGenius]

@@elamigoemao2283 Then I would distill your own from tap water. All you need is a saucepan and a bit of plastic. For a coolant system , I would say purified you can -maybe- swing, but for a battery, i wouldn't use purified, no.

[@carterpaeschke4782]

Does the battery have to be full or does it have to be empty

[@TutorialGenius]

You fill the battery in this video. It doesn't have to be empty, I wouldn't empty anything, just top it off!

[@tocrob]

Fill to the bottom lip of the hole at full capacity. Just enough to cover the plates at low/empty capacity. Most people will consider what you see in this video overfilled. The fluid may leak back out under pressure and dilute the solution when more water is added to top it again.

[@mrhoya14]

What if my battery is empty? Does it need acid? Or just distilled water will work

[@eddiesneeh4266]

Not clear how much to refill, up to what level? Not just you, but it looks like no one knows for sure.

[@TutorialGenius]

So everything is submerged, thats the idea

[@eddiesneeh4266]

@@TutorialGenius so refill until you can see only the surface of the liquid? It doesn't matter if the liquid levels are uneven among different cells?

[@TutorialGenius]

Just cover the metal plates @@eddiesneeh4266

[@ilnotfriendlyli8810]

I pretty much filled to top and put my finger in the to squeeze some out and now everything is level to the top some what 😊

[@borys444]

Thanks dad. 👨

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome son!

[@sherylnfennjohnnyh.leefenn2055]

How To Add Sulfuric Acid To Battery. Mix With 10 Parts Distilled Water To 80 Parts Sulfuric Acid.

[@countrybanshee]

Thanks

[@castawaygibo9661]

so refilled just above the line? like how far above the line 1 cm? 1 inch?

[@TutorialGenius]

So its covered, that is the idea :)

[@Blenzo480]

About 1/8 - 1/4 inch above the plate.

[@sisterharper9574]

IS PURIFIED WATER OK TO USE

[@Thr33Sh33ts]

No. It has minerals in it that will corrode the metal inside the battery.

[@nostalgeek2872]

What would happen if sulphuric acid was replaced with citric acid ?

[@TutorialGenius]

You could then make lemonade on the road

[@johnwhodat8135]

​@@TutorialGenius😂😂😂

[@stevengonzales6288]

First of all I don’t think you’re supposed to put the battery on concrete doesn’t kill the battery

[@TutorialGenius]

Please explain

[@-Dwight-Schrute]

Hasn't been true for many years now.

[@girl6girl6]

@@TutorialGenius when you put batteries on the Ground it drains them. Don't know why. I read it, and had it happen right in front of me from a guy that didn't heed my warning... cuz I'm just a girl.

[@girl6girl6]

@@-Dwight-Schrute wrong, ive seen it happen

[@-Dwight-Schrute]

@girl6girl6 If it's a new, sealed, lead acid battery it shouldn't die. If it already has sulfates or a bad cell in it I guess it would drain sitting on anything, but I just know that any newer battery that has good electrolytes should be fine.

[@MichaelDeLaRosa]

So you put in distilled water in the cells and not sulfuric acid? I can buy sulfuric acid so wondering which is better.

[@TutorialGenius]

Batteries will only very slowly consume the water, not the acid. Adding water like in the video is what you need to do. Thanks!

[@shaneatl]

I know this is old but please don't ever, ever, ever ever put anything other than distilled water in the battery holes. The battery only consumes water, it doesn't lose acid.

[@GMoney-B]

@@shaneatl Bless you all. This is so good to know. I was just wondering about this reading the other comments asking about adding acid. Not that I was planning on it thank goodness. Makes perfect sense. "Set-it-and-forget-it". Hooray.

[@SavdOutWitABadMouth]

Add Epsom salt!

[@SuperishMario]

@@shaneatlwhat if a good battery tipped over in my car and spilled liquid all over the carpet? Would I just be better off testing my luck and adding distilled water only? I’m assuming a combination of water+acid spilled out.

[@zillsburyy1]

fill all the levels evenly

[@TutorialGenius]

yup yup

[@balamazazel8762]

Thank you. All my cells are almost empty lol.

[@TutorialGenius]

You're welcome! :)

[@FixItYerself]

time for a new battery

[@BrettGolfs]

Best way to cleam the post is pour some coke. Acid eats it all away quickly

[@TutorialGenius]

haha you keep doing that! ;)

[@PercivalBlakeney]

Long story short. Managed to store the battery on its side and electrolyte leaked out. Do I still top up with just distilled water, or do I need to top up with acid? Many thanks. 😌

[@JrSpitty]

Acid needs to be replaced to the correct ratio... A battery never loses acid unless you spill it or the case is cracked. It only loses water through the the chemical reaction of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen... So yah your probably better off just trying to warranty it or buy a new one... unless you wanna spend the money on a refractometer and chancing damaged plates that were exposed and sulfated.

[@PercivalBlakeney]

@@JrSpitty I got the battery for free, so I'll chance it. Not a great deal to lose. Thanks for the reply though. Cheers HS. ☺️

[@rinsed6842]

@@JrSpitty I thought this B4 you explained it but great job doing so 👍🙂

[@xlordnismo]

But why though? Just get another battery 😭

[@TutorialGenius]

Batteries cost $130 and up due to increased price in lead. We still rely on lead-acid batteries from the 1800s. A bottle of distilled water is $1. That is why, that was the point of the video. If you want to drop over $100, go ahead. This video is for those that don't

[@JavierAlvarez-nb9zt]

Fun fact: cement drains batteries. And another fun fact soda (coke or 7up) works too for the battery acid corrosion

[@TutorialGenius]

That's disinformation. The coca cola is partially true, but there are better things to use

[@kevinc5917]

Cement does not do that to modern day batteries

[@32SQUID]

The battery was made in Milwaukee which is in the great state of Wisconsin.

[@gkid50-gamingtechreviews55]

um what? is this a troll car batteries are lead acid and you nead acid to refill them not distilled water

[@generalvideos6336]

you dont re-fill them with acid lol, what on earth are you talking about. Go and learn about batteries before leaving a stupid comment.

[@carpii]

they use acid and water. The water depletes over time so you top it up. The acid doesn't deplete, which is why you don't need to add any

[@westinthewest]

It's the lead that runs out - not the acid. You need to pour fresh lead into the battery. One pencil in each hole is usually adequate and takes about a day to dissolve.