Can a car charge the battery while idling after starting?
1 Answers
Yes, it can charge. When the battery charging indicator light on the dashboard is off, it means the car is charging. If it stays lit, it indicates a charging fault (when the ignition switch is turned on, the dashboard charging indicator light will briefly illuminate for a few seconds before turning off, which is a normal system self-check and nothing to worry about). In such cases, it is necessary to visit a repair shop for inspection. Here is some additional information: 1. How car charging works: The car charging process essentially involves the engine driving the alternator (generator) to produce electricity, which is then rectified and regulated to provide a certain voltage to the battery. Typically, this voltage is slightly higher than the battery voltage (e.g., 14V, whereas a normal battery is usually 12V), achieving constant voltage charging. 2. Why it can charge: At idle speed, although the engine RPM is low, it still drives the alternator to work, thus outputting a stable DC voltage. Since the battery power is relatively not that large, the car can charge even at idle speed, albeit at a slower rate. Modern cars use AC generation, and the battery power is mainly used to start the car, which consumes a significant amount. However, once the car is running, the battery power is no longer consumed.
