The battery acid is just as essential to the battery as the battery is essential to the vehicle. This chemical is specifically sulphuric acid that is diluted with water to a concentration of approximately 35%. It typically comprises wet cell batteries, particularly sealed lead-acid batteries, whose acid concentration can vary depending on brand. Nonetheless, the batteries utilize a structure of lead plates and an acid solution containing dilute sulphuric acid that acts as an electrolyte. The whole structure converts chemical energy to electric energy during car operation. Under normal conditions, the acid delivers power to vehicles, making engines start and supplying power to air-conditioning and entertainment systems.

However, the strong acid itself is hazardous. The corrosive nature of the chemical prompts proper handling of car batteries as spillage of the acid can cause injury. It corrodes human tissue and cause serious burns. It is also an environmental pollutant, contaminating the soil for long periods without neutralization. This is why the government issues regulations with regard to disposal of chemicals like the ones in vehicle batteries.

On the other hand, the good news is, these lead-acid batteries used in autos are generally designed capable of being recycled. What causes such cells to run out of power is the accumulation of lead sulphate over time. But such batteries can be recharged to reverse the process, to return lead ions back to the plates and restore the necessary acidity of the wet cell. You cannot throw away these devices in garbage bins because you could face legal penalties.

Since the invention of lead acid batteries in 1859, they have proved to be one of the most dependable sources of electricity, portable electricity at that. In the course of time, the manner of manufacturing of car batteries has dramatically improved with technology, yet the basic structure still exists and the principles by which the device works remains unchanged. The three major components are still present namely the electrolyte, the plates, and the separators.

The acid is what powers the battery and without it, no reaction would take place to make possible the generation of electric current. The concentration of the acid inside the battery can vary slightly depending on models but it is roughly around one-third acid and two-thirds water. The plates are immersed in the electrolyte solution. The plates are also the main components of the battery. They are made basically of lead alloyed with other metals such as calcium or antimony for strength. Inside the battery are two types of plates, the negative and positive. When the battery is used, the sulphate ions react with lead to form lead sulphate and this process gradually discharges the battery. However, recharging the battery allows ions to flow back to the solution restoring its electrolytic nature. When maintained properly, car batteries can be discharged and recharged endlessly, making them extremely convenient and useful.

As the acid supplies current, this is then used for various purposes. Generally, cars need power to start the engine. Any device in any vehicle that uses electric power is powered by the car battery, which in turn is powered by the acid. However, lead acid batteries are not only found in automobiles but are also a source of emergency power in many establishments.

Safety measures should be observed when working with or handling lead acid batteries, which can deliver a great deal of current if short-circuited. During heavy discharge, the battery acid can vigorously react with the metal plates to release hydrogen gas, a highly flammable gas. Defective batteries should be carried to a recycling facility or a battery dealer. They should not be disposed of anywhere as they can cause environmental hazard.