Can the car battery be charged directly?
2 Answers
The car battery can be charged directly. When starting the car, the starter requires a large current, and the charger's current is insufficient to provide the starting current. If the battery is dead, the car cannot be started. If the car is running, the alternator will naturally charge the battery, making it unnecessary to use a charger. If the engine is off, the charger has no input power and cannot charge. In low-temperature environments, the battery capacity is much lower than at normal temperatures. Therefore, car owners should avoid parking their cars in open parking lots for extended periods in daily life. If the car is parked for a long time, the battery should be removed and taken away to prevent freezing damage. Car batteries should be charged regularly. If left unused for a long time, the battery will slowly self-discharge until it becomes unusable. Therefore, the car should be started periodically to charge the battery.
Car batteries can certainly be charged directly, which is the most common maintenance method. I often help my neighbors with this, and the key is to prepare properly: first, open the engine compartment and check the electrode terminals for white corrosion. If there is any, clean it with warm water and baking soda, as it can affect conductivity. Then, choose a charger with matching voltage—cars operate on a 12V system. Attach the red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to the metal frame of the car. Before charging, make sure to turn off all electrical devices in the car, and using the slow-charging mode is the safest. It's recommended to perform this operation in a cool, well-ventilated area because charging the battery releases hydrogen gas, which can easily ignite if exposed to sparks. I usually charge for 4-8 hours, depending on how depleted the battery is. A smart charger will show a green light when fully charged. When disconnecting, always remove the negative clamp first, then the positive—never reverse this order, as it can cause a short circuit. Regular charging like this can extend the battery's lifespan. My car's original battery lasted seven years and is still going strong.
