Does a New Battery Need to Be Charged for the First Time?
2 Answers
New batteries do not need to be charged for the first time, as the engine will automatically charge the battery once it starts. Below are the principles and influencing factors of car generator charging: Principles of Car Generator Charging: The three-phase AC electromotive force generated by the three-phase winding in the generator is rectified by diodes, outputting DC power to supply the load and charge the battery. Influencing Factors of Charging: The charging of the car battery is affected by many factors, such as whether high-power devices are used in the car, whether the air conditioning is turned on, or whether USB ports are supplying power. These factors will all increase the charging time.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have replaced several car batteries. New batteries that come with a new car are usually fully charged from the factory, so there's no need to charge them separately. However, if you store the battery in a warehouse for a month or two before installation, it may self-discharge and lose some performance. In that case, it's best to charge it. I learned this the hard way—last time I bought a car, the new battery couldn't start the engine because its voltage had dropped to just over 11 volts after sitting in the shop for half a year. So, I recommend getting a simple testing tool, like a multimeter, to check the voltage. A safe reading should be above 12.6 volts. If it's lower, charge it for a few hours to avoid getting stranded on the road. Also, a quick tip: avoid deep discharges by turning off the AC and other accessories before parking. Proper maintenance can extend the battery's life by a year or two.
