Charging your car battery can create bubbles because the electrolyte, a mix of water and sulfuric acid, heats up. This heating produces hydrogen gas, leading to gassing.
During the charging and discharging processes, water that undergoes electrolysis and evaporation is lost from the battery. This leaves a concentrated sulfuric acid solution. If you add battery acid, you will be increasing the concentration levels even further and damage the battery.
Do not do this. Never put any kind of electrolyte in a lead-acid car battery. If your battery electrolyte is low, the only thing you should ever add is straight water. There are some specific circumstances where sulfuric acid may be added, such as if the battery has tipped over and leaked, but never add anything else.
Under normal conditions, sulfuric acid in the electrolyte solution is absorbed into the lead plates as the battery discharges power. It is then released back into the electrolyte solution as the battery charges. The only electrolyte that can be used in a lead-acid battery is sulfuric acid.
How long do sulfated batteries last?
Sulfated batteries typically last for 2-5 years. However, if the battery is not properly maintained, it may only last for 1-2 years. If your battery is sulfated, you can try to fix it with a sulfuric acid solution. However, if the battery is too far gone, you will need to replace it. Batteries are expensive, so it is important to take care of them.
If your battery electrolyte is low, the only thing you should ever add is straight water. There are some specific circumstances where sulfuric acid may be added, such as if the battery has tipped over and leaked, but never add anything else. What Does it Mean When Battery Electrolyte is Low?
What causes battery sulfation?
There are a few things that can cause battery sulfation, including: If you don't use a battery for a long time, the lead plates inside it will start to corrode. This is more likely to happen in hot climates. If you use up all the power in a battery, sulfation can happen.