Can a 12-volt battery with insufficient charge be recharged by driving?
2 Answers
12-volt batteries with insufficient charge can be recharged by driving. Here are the relevant details: 1. Float charging: Float charging refers to charging while the system is operational. This method is typically used in backup power scenarios. Charging won't occur below 12 volts, while excessively high voltage affects circuit operation. Therefore, during float charging, the voltage is maintained at 13.8 volts. 2. Cycle charging: Cycle charging refers to fully charging the battery to restore its capacity. When fully charged (without disconnecting the charger), the measurement typically shows around 14.5 volts, with a maximum not exceeding 14.9 volts. After disconnecting the charger for 24 hours, the voltage usually ranges between 13 to 13.5 volts. After one week, it's approximately 12.8 to 12.9 volts. Specific voltage values may vary for different batteries.
I've encountered low battery situations quite often, and it's indeed possible to recharge by driving. Last winter, my car battery was a bit weak and struggled to start, so I promptly drove for about half an hour, keeping the RPM above 2000 to let the alternator work efficiently. During this time, having lights and electronics on would divert power, so I usually turned off unnecessary electronic devices to allow more current to recharge the battery. If the battery is completely dead and even the engine won't start, then you'll need to find someone to jump-start it or call for assistance. Remember, frequent battery depletion can shorten its lifespan. Since then, I check the electrolyte level and clean the terminals monthly, and now the battery is much healthier. It's advisable to take short drives or go on the highway for a while to ensure a full charge and prevent recurrence of low battery issues.
