vinegar in batteries

[Dee_Dub]

Just to be clear... I am asking for a friend. I didn't do this!

What will be the effects of putting distilled vinegar in the batteries rather than distilled water? Where are the chemists?

1. Cause an explosive situation

2. Little effect - same as putting tap water in.

3. Mild effect - battery life will be diminished.

Thanks

[dieselguy]

I'm guessing your friend is heavy into "old wives tales" or simply got the application mixed up. Vinegar along with baking soda work pretty good together to clean off battery corrosion on terminals and cable ends, but "Boy Howdy" don't put baking soda in the battery. The acid in vinegar is acetic and low percentage of volume ... the acid in a battery is sulfuric. Are they friendly to one another ... I don't know. I'd say someone told your friend that vinegar would bring a battery back to life or extend its natural lifetime ... don't hold your breath on that one.

[BB_TX]

Googling gives some info including that the acetic acid, though weak, can damage the plates and reduce life. But apparently doesn’t kill a battery.

[mlh]

Battery manufacturers say to use distilled water and nowhere do they say to use vinegar. I think I’ll take their advice.
Lynwood