Does a New Battery Need Charging?
2 Answers
If the production date of the new battery is within half a month and it has not been used, it can be used directly without charging; if the new battery has been produced for a long time or has been used, it is recommended to charge it before use. Here is some relevant knowledge about batteries: 1. The battery has no memory effect, and the first charge is nothing special. It should not be over-discharged or over-charged, and charging can be stopped when it shows full. 2. The battery will self-discharge by 1~2% per day when not in use. Batteries that have not been used for a long time need to be fully charged once every 3 months. 3. The battery power should not be completely depleted. Generally, 20% should be retained. A battery that is deeply discharged will have its lifespan shortened by 80%.
When I last changed the battery, I also struggled with this and specifically asked an experienced mechanic. He said that nowadays, batteries from reputable brands come fully charged from the factory and can be installed directly in the car. However, if the battery has been sitting in storage for over six months, it might have lost some charge. I usually check the voltage with a voltmeter before installation—if it's above 12.6V, there's no need to charge it. Last time, I was in a hurry and installed it directly, and it worked fine for a week without any issues. It's more important to avoid leaving the car parked for long periods, especially with interior lights on, than worrying about charging a new battery.
