Can a Car Charge While Idling?

[LaMaggie]

Yes, a car can charge while idling. Idling refers to the engine running while the vehicle is stationary with the gear in neutral, a state often described as "working without output" where fuel is consumed without the car moving. The charging duration can be affected by various factors, such as the use of high-power devices inside the car, turning on the air conditioning, or external USB power supply, all of which can increase the charging time. Additional tips for car battery maintenance: 1. Avoid using high-power electrical devices: During idling, refrain from using high-power electrical devices to prevent overburdening the battery. 2. Regularly clean accumulated dirt: Periodically clean the accumulated dirt on the battery surface and the oxide on the positive and negative terminals, ensuring that the positive terminal is not short-circuited to ground during cleaning. 3. Avoid frequent starts: Do not attempt to start the car frequently, as the starting current is very high, reaching up to hundreds of amperes. If the car fails to start after multiple attempts, wait for more than 5 minutes before trying again. If it still doesn't start, check or replace the battery.

[DeLena]

Yes, a car can charge at idle, but the efficiency is not high. I've seen many cars where the alternator does work to charge the battery when the engine is idling, but the RPM is too low, resulting in minimal power generation and very slow charging speed. For example, if you're idling by the roadside, the battery might only charge a tiny bit, especially if you have the air conditioning or headlights on, which further drags it down. I remember working on a car before where the owner always charged at idle, and the battery aged without them realizing it—it was actually because the alternator wasn't working at full capacity. Doing this long-term wastes fuel and produces more emissions, which isn't cost-effective. It's better to drive a short distance after starting the engine to let it rev higher for faster charging. Checking the alternator output is also important, as sometimes a faulty regulator can affect it.

[DelRobert]

I've experienced this myself while driving. Idle charging is indeed feasible—I've used it as a temporary fix for a dead battery. That time, I forgot to turn off the lights and the battery was nearly drained. After starting the engine and idling, I had to wait quite a while before it regained some charge. However, it's not the best option; it's much slower than normal driving for charging and may consume more fuel. Now, I always remind myself not to rely on idling, especially in garages where it's dangerous due to toxic fumes. Regularly checking battery terminals and cables helps prevent issues. In short, it's okay for short-term emergencies, but don't make it a routine practice.

[VonLandon]

Yes, it can charge but don't rely on it frequently. While idling, the generator is still running and can provide some charge to the battery, but it's inefficient and wasteful. I've seen data showing that idling consumes a lot of fuel and produces significant emissions, making it environmentally unfriendly. The small amount of charge gained isn't worth the cost. If you really need to charge, it's better to drive the car—it's simpler and more efficient. Consider adding a smart charger for a more economical solution.

[TimothyAnn]

Idling can definitely charge the battery. As a beginner, I relied on this method in emergencies. When the engine runs, the alternator works, and the battery will charge slowly, but not quickly. Remember not to do it in an enclosed space to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning—opening windows for ventilation or running the engine for a short while is safer and more effective. By the way, check your battery health too.