Can the battery be charged when the car is idling with the engine on?
2 Answers
The battery can be charged when the car is idling with the engine running. Here are some tips about car battery charging and maintenance: Using high-power electrical devices connected directly to the battery: Many car appliances nowadays, such as car refrigerators and air pumps, have high instantaneous power consumption. Avoid powering them directly from the car battery. Instead, start the engine first before connecting these devices. This provides better protection for the battery. Turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine: If the air conditioning is left on when the engine is turned off, the system will automatically start working every time the ignition is switched on. This causes an immediate high power load on the vehicle, which can damage the battery over time. Turn off lights and other electronic devices when the vehicle is parked: If the vehicle's lights or other electronic devices remain on when the car is not running, the battery will continue to discharge. Prolonged discharge can significantly shorten the battery's lifespan.
Sure thing, buddy. I often leave my car idling while waiting by the roadside, with the engine running normally and the alternator still working to charge the battery, so no need to worry about draining it. It's like having your phone plugged into a charger—as long as the source is active, you're good. Just remember not to do this for too long, especially in summer or winter, as prolonged idling can lead to carbon buildup in the engine and a spike in fuel consumption, which isn't worth it. If it's just a short stop, like around 10 minutes, the charging effect is pretty decent. But if you notice the battery aging or the charging warning light comes on, it's best to check the wiring or replace the battery promptly to avoid breaking down midway. Overall, short-term charging is fine—safety first, and good habits can extend your battery's lifespan.
