Can Idling Warm Up the Car While Charging?
2 Answers
Idling can charge the car battery. Below are relevant details about idling to warm up the car: 1. Working Principle: The principle involves the engine driving the alternator while running, converting alternating current into direct current to charge the car battery. This is also why a discharged vehicle needs to idle for about half an hour after being jump-started using jumper cables. 2. Warm-Up Duration: The warm-up time should not be too long; generally, around 30 seconds is sufficient. During a cold start, the engine speed is relatively high, and idling can be stopped once the engine speed drops to approximately 800 rpm.
Sure, idling the engine means it's running at idle speed, which can drive the alternator to generate electricity and charge the battery. However, the effect is somewhat poor because the alternator's output power is low at idle speed, and it may only slowly replenish a nearly depleted battery—don't expect a quick full charge. Having driven for many years, I've encountered situations where idling for a few minutes saved the day when the battery was almost dead, but it's not an efficient method. Modern cars don't require prolonged idling; just drive a few hundred meters after starting to save fuel and reduce emissions. If charging is slow or ineffective, check for loose or aged battery terminals, as these details are often overlooked and can affect performance. In short, it can charge the battery, but don't rely on it as the primary method—keeping up with vehicle maintenance is more crucial.
