To anyone who has sat in a non-starting car and cranked away as the battery grew weaker and weaker, this scenario will be immediately recognizable. In the charge cycle, the reverse is true. Electrical current, generated by the car's alternator, passes through the plates, forcing SO 4 back into the electrolyte bath and elevating specific gravity. Safety Precautions Sulfuric acid is highly caustic. Caution should used when dealing with electrolyte or automotive batteries.
Sulfuric acid can burn clothing and the skin and even cause blindness.
There is even a slight danger of explosion. Most battery professionals wear gloves and goggles or a face shield when working. If for some reason electrolyte gets on your clothes or body, it should immediately be neutralized with a solution of baking soda and water. Always wear goggles or a face shield. Use a lead-lined or nonmetallic container to hold electrolyte.