Do car batteries need regular charging?
2 Answers
Car batteries require regular charging. It is recommended to charge the battery every two weeks when the vehicle is idle. If the battery is in good condition, there is no need to remove it for charging; simply starting the car will allow the alternator to charge the battery. However, if the car battery is severely depleted, it should be removed and charged with an external charger. Below are specific details about battery charging: 1. Start the car to charge using the alternator; it should be fully charged every half month. 2. Use an external charger; it should be fully charged once a month. 3. For car battery charging, it should be fully charged every three months. The lifespan of a car battery is relatively long. Generally, if the battery is located in the engine compartment, its lifespan is approximately 2-4 years.
Having driven for over a decade, I truly believe car batteries require regular maintenance. Last time when I returned from a month-long business trip, my car wouldn't start at all—it turned out the battery was completely drained after calling roadside assistance. The mechanic explained that modern vehicles have electronic devices like anti-theft systems and dashcams that continue drawing power even when locked. This is especially problematic during autumn and winter when low temperatures accelerate battery capacity loss. I've since learned my lesson—if I know the car won't be driven for over two weeks, I either disconnect the negative terminal or use a smart charger for monthly top-ups. Daily habits like turning off headlights and AC at traffic lights also reduce alternator load. After adopting these practices, my battery surprisingly lasted five years before replacement.
