Can a car battery be charged while still installed in the vehicle?
2 Answers
Yes, a car battery can be charged while still installed in the vehicle. The working principle of a battery is to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The charging method for a car battery is as follows: 1. Turn off the engine and remove the battery; 2. Open the vent caps on the battery; 3. Attach the red clamp of the dedicated charger to the battery positive terminal marked with a plus sign, and the black clamp to the battery negative terminal marked with a minus sign; 4. Adjust to the 2nd gear and select 12V power supply; 5. Plug in the charger power and turn on the switch. The functions of a car battery are: 1. To provide strong starting current to the starter when starting the engine; 2. To assist the alternator in supplying power to electrical equipment when the generator is overloaded; 3. To supply power to electrical equipment when the engine is idling.
I usually charge my car battery directly in the vehicle, which is quite convenient as it saves the trouble of removing it. Before each charge, I turn off the engine and open the hood to locate the battery's positive and negative terminals. The positive terminal usually has a red cover, while the negative is black. When connecting the charger, I first attach the positive clamp, followed by the negative clamp. This simple procedure helps prevent battery drain and ensures smooth starts. I prefer using a smart charger that automatically adjusts the current, so I don't need to monitor it constantly. Of course, it's important to choose a charger with the correct voltage, such as a standard 12V charger. Modern vehicles have numerous electronic systems, and charging might interfere with computer modules, so it's advisable not to use any electrical devices during charging. If the battery is severely aged, charging in the vehicle might be less effective, in which case I check if the connections are secure. It's normal for the battery to get warm during charging, but if it becomes too hot, I stop the process. I've done this myself several times in the past, saving money on repair shops, but for beginners, it's best to read the manual carefully—safety first, don't rush.
