At what remaining battery level is it better to recharge a new battery?
2 Answers
Generally, you can recharge after using about 60% of the battery capacity, as the battery sulfates faster when the charge is low. Gradual acceleration: When starting the vehicle, avoid sudden acceleration. Instead, accelerate gradually and use pedal assistance. Pedal assistance: It's best to use pedal assistance when going uphill or against the wind, as this benefits both the battery and the motor. Full charge at once: When charging, it's advisable to charge fully in one go. After the red light turns on, continue floating charging for an additional 1-2 hours. For lead-acid batteries, develop the habit of charging as you use them, and never completely drain the battery before recharging.
I've driven several cars and found that charging is most appropriate when the new battery has two or three bars left. Car batteries are usually lead-acid type, and the battery level bars generally correspond to voltage levels. If only one bar remains, the battery might be left with only about 20% charge, which can cause significant damage to the battery, such as increased internal resistance or plate sulfation, shortening its lifespan by several years. I recommend regularly using a multimeter to check the voltage and keeping it above 12 volts. Remember, don’t wait until the battery is completely dead to charge it, as even a charger might not revive it. While driving, keep an eye on the dashboard, and once the battery level drops below three bars, charge it promptly to avoid many repair hassles. During regular maintenance, check the battery connections to prevent looseness, and with proper care, the battery can last three to five years without issues.
