7 Unconventional Ways to Revive a Dead Car Battery

If your car battery is dead and you’re in a pinch, there are a few unconventional methods you can try to get it working again. While these techniques may not be as reliable as using jumper cables or a portable jump starter, they could potentially give your battery the boost it needs to start your car. Here are seven unconventional ways to revive a dead car battery:

Use Epsom Salt Solution

To use this method, you’ll need magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), distilled water, a plastic funnel, safety goggles, and gloves. This solution works if the problem is due to low electrolyte levels. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the hood of your car.
2. Check if your battery has a negative or positive ground. If it has a positive ground, disconnect the cable.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Dissolve 1 part Epsom salt in 3 parts distilled warm water.
5. Add the dissolved Epsom salt using the funnel into the cells in the battery until the parts are covered.

The Hard Hand Cranking Method

This method requires a wedge, rope, toolbox, and safety rubber gloves. It’s a mechanical technique that works by manually turning the engine. Here’s how to do it:

1. Jack up your rear-wheel drive and ensure the front wheels are clean for better traction.
2. Place a wedge under the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
3. Attach a rope to the crankshaft pulley and the other end to a sturdy object like a tree or post.
4. Turn the ignition to the “on” position and have someone pull the rope quickly to start the engine.

The Chainsaw Method

This method involves using a chainsaw to start your car. It works by connecting the chainsaw’s battery to your car’s battery. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the chainsaw’s battery and connect the positive and negative terminals to your car’s battery.
2. Turn the chainsaw on and let it run for a few minutes to charge your car’s battery.
3. Try starting your car.

Use Aspirin Solution

This method involves adding aspirin tablets to your car’s battery. It works by creating a charge through the reaction between the acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin and the sulfuric acid in the battery. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the battery and the cell covers.
2. Drop two aspirin tablets into each of the six battery cells.
3. Let it sit for an hour before checking the battery for any power.

Note: This method should only be used on old car batteries and can shorten the battery’s lifespan.

The 18-Volt Drill Battery Method

This method involves using an 18-volt drill battery to jump-start your car’s battery. Here’s how to do it:

1. Connect the drill battery’s positive and negative terminals to your car’s battery.
2. Let it charge for a few minutes.
3. Try starting your car.

Use Distilled Water

This method is similar to the Epsom salt solution, but it uses distilled water instead. It works by submerging the battery plates in distilled water, which may cause more reaction in the cells and help the engine run. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the battery and the cell covers.
2. Add distilled water to the battery cells until the plates are covered.
3. Try starting your car.

The Hot Ash Method

This method involves heating the battery with hot ash. It should be used as a last resort. Here’s how to do it:

1. Light a fire and let it turn to ash.
2. Remove the filler caps from the battery and place the battery on the hot ash.
3. Let the battery warm up, then place it back in the car and try starting the engine.

Remember, these methods are unconventional and may not always work. If your car battery is consistently dying, it’s best to have it checked by a professional and consider replacing it if necessary.