What to Do When the Battery Doesn't Hold Charge?
2 Answers
There are two methods to repair a battery that doesn't hold charge: 1. Adding water, but only deionized water or purified water can be added. Tap water must not be used as it can damage the battery. 2. Using positive and negative pulse charging to depolarize the battery, followed by a complete discharge. This cycle should be repeated three times. The battery, also known as an accumulator, uses lead-calcium alloy for its grid framework. This results in less water decomposition during charging and lower water evaporation. Additionally, its sealed structure releases minimal sulfuric acid gas. Compared to traditional batteries, it offers advantages such as no need to add any liquid, easy connection to terminals, and longer charge retention time.
Last time when I was driving my kid to school, the car wouldn't start. After checking, I found the battery couldn't hold charge at all because it had reached its 5-year lifespan with corrosion on the terminals. I quickly cleaned the electrodes and tried charging it, but the voltage remained below 12.6V, proving the battery was internally damaged and needed replacement. Spending over 300 yuan on a new one was totally worth it. Now I make sure to drive for half an hour weekly to prevent discharge; I also checked the alternator voltage, which must stay between 13.8V and 14.4V for proper charging. Helpful reminders: Batteries are prone to issues in extreme cold or heat, so turn off AC and radio before parking; Safety first—don't tamper with it yourself, seek professional shops for full system checks to avoid roadside breakdowns. Regular maintenance is a money-saving trick.
