Can Idling the Engine Charge the Car Battery?
2 Answers
Idling the engine can charge the car battery. The maintenance methods for the car battery are: 1. Charge the battery promptly when the ammeter indicates insufficient power; 2. Adjust the electrolyte density according to the standards for different regions and seasons; 3. Add distilled water or specialized replenishing fluid when the electrolyte is low; 4. The total duration of each engine start should not exceed 5 seconds; 5. If the battery is not used for a long time, start the car periodically; 6. Regularly check if the small holes on the battery cover are ventilated; 7. Inspect the battery's positive and negative terminals for oxidation; 8. Check all parts of the circuit for aging or short circuits.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I've found that idling the car after starting can charge the battery, but the charging speed is quite slow. The alternator generates electricity as long as the engine is running, replenishing the battery's charge. At idle, the engine speed is around 2000 RPM, with low output power and inefficient charging. It might take 20 to 30 minutes to replenish just a little charge. If the battery is already very low, it's best to drive the car to increase the RPM, which will charge the battery much faster. A battery that's chronically undercharged is prone to sulfation, shortening its lifespan to just two or three years. Therefore, I recommend starting the car periodically during winter or when it's not used for several days, idling for 15 minutes or taking a short drive to maintain its health. Don't forget to clean the battery terminals to avoid corrosion affecting charging. Simple maintenance can save a lot of money.
