Does the car battery charge automatically after starting the car?

2 Answers
MacGenesis
07/25/25 2:47am
When the car is idling during startup, it automatically charges the battery. However, the prerequisite is to ensure that all electrical appliances in the car are turned off (except for the engine), and charging relies on the alternator while the car is running. Below is additional information: Principle: Under the hood, there is a component connected by multiple belts, which is the car's alternator. After the car starts, as the engine runs, it drives the alternator to work, generating electric current. The current flows through the vehicle's voltage regulator transformer, with part of it being used by the vehicle's electrical appliances and the excess charging the battery. Alternator speed: The output voltage of the alternator is directly proportional to its speed. The alternator's speed depends on the engine's speed. During the car's startup phase, the speed is relatively slow, and the alternator's output voltage is also relatively low. Only when the engine continues to operate normally can the battery's charge be better replenished.
Was this review help?
20
0
Share
JosiahMarie
08/10/25 4:44pm
I've driven quite a few cars in my lifetime. Every time after starting the engine, the battery definitely gets charged automatically. The alternator in the car is connected to the engine via a belt, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to replenish the battery. Friends who frequently take short trips should be careful - for example, those who only drive a few minutes daily for commuting. If the battery never gets fully charged, it can easily get damaged. I once had winter starting difficulties due to insufficient charging. Regularly checking the charging status is crucial - normal voltage should be around 14V, and you should get an alert if it's too low or high. For long trips, it's best to let the car run for several hours to fully charge the battery for longer lifespan. My experience is to never let it run low on charge to avoid frustrating breakdowns. When the alternator fails, you'll notice dim headlights and silent audio - get it repaired promptly as safety comes first.
Was this review help?
16
1
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Which gear should the car be in when waiting at a traffic light?

Detailed introduction on which gear an automatic transmission car should be in when waiting at a traffic light is as follows: 1. Waiting for less than 30 seconds: If the automatic transmission vehicle is expected to stop and wait for less than 30 seconds, keep it in D gear with foot brake applied. 2. Waiting for more than 30 seconds: If the expected stop and wait time is more than 30 seconds, shift to N gear with handbrake applied; 3. Waiting for more than 2 minutes: If the expected stop and wait time is more than 2 minutes, shift to N gear with handbrake applied and turn off the engine. For manual transmission cars when waiting at a traffic light: For manual transmission vehicles during waiting periods, directly press the clutch and brake in first gear. For longer waits, shift to neutral and apply the handbrake. If the stop time is short, the gear lever can remain in D position.
2
0
Share

Why Does the Car Shake Violently After Starting?

Severe shaking after starting the car may be caused by excessive carbon deposits, insufficient cylinder pressure, and other reasons. Here is an analysis of the possible causes related to car shaking: 1. Excessive Carbon Deposits: Excessive carbon deposits can lead to low fuel pressure, resulting in insufficient fuel supply and lack of power. It is recommended to clean the fuel injectors and check the fuel pressure. Additionally, poor ignition may cause incomplete combustion and noticeably higher fuel consumption, which can be resolved by replacing the spark plugs. 2. Insufficient Cylinder Pressure: This commonly manifests as misfiring and shaking, along with a lack of power. It is necessary to test the cylinder pressure. Finally, visually inspect whether the balancing weights on the rims are missing or if the wheel hubs are noticeably deformed.
20
3
Share

Are Driving Licenses Universally Valid?

Driving licenses are valid nationwide, but the license review must be conducted at the place where the license was originally issued. For convenience, vehicle owners may also choose to replace their license. According to national regulations, if the household registration of a motor vehicle driver is relocated outside the jurisdiction of the original vehicle management office, the driver should apply for a license replacement at the vehicle management office of the new location. If a motor vehicle driver resides outside the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office where the license was issued, they may also apply for a license replacement at the vehicle management office of their current residence. License transfer can be categorized into two types: license transfer-out and transfer-in. This refers to the procedure where vehicle owners, due to reasons such as job transfers or moving, relocate from their original place and transfer their driving license to their new residence to avoid the hassle of annual license reviews. Whether transferring out or in, the vehicle management office of the final residence jurisdiction serves as the licensing authority. License transfers can be summarized as local residents transferring in with an out-of-town license and non-local residents transferring in with an out-of-town license.
19
0
Share

Which Light to Observe When Making a Right Turn?

When facing a circular red traffic light, you can generally make a right turn even if the intersection displays a red light, unless there are specific traffic instructions prohibiting it. However, with arrow signal lights, you may only turn right when the right-turn arrow turns green; otherwise, it constitutes running a red light violation. Below are relevant details: When there is a dedicated right-turn signal light or right-turn sign, you must follow the signal's instruction. In the absence of a right-turn signal or sign, you can turn right when the straight-through light is red. At intersections without dedicated bicycle or pedestrian signals, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle traffic signals. When the light is red, right-turning vehicles may proceed provided they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Another often overlooked violation when making a right turn is failing to yield to pedestrians. If pedestrians are crossing the road during your right turn, you must stop and wait; otherwise, you may face a fine. Similarly, if left-turning vehicles are approaching during your right turn, you must yield to them. In case of a collision, the right-turning vehicle typically bears greater responsibility.
2
1
Share

What to Do If You Fail the Subject 2 Driving Test for the First Time?

If you fail the Subject 2 driving test on your first attempt, you are allowed one retake. If you do not take the retake or fail it again, the current test session ends, and you must reschedule the test after ten days. Within the validity period of your driving skill test permit, you can schedule the Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skill tests up to five times. If you fail the fifth attempt, any previously passed subjects will be invalidated. Additional Information: Passing Criteria: The test is scored out of 100, with deductions of 20, 10, or 5 points for various mistakes. To pass: (1) For large buses, tractors, city buses, medium buses, or large trucks, a score of 90 or above is required; (2) For other vehicle types, a score of 80 or above is needed.
3
4
Share

Which Light to Watch When Making a Right Turn in a Car?

When making a right turn at an intersection, the driver should first check if there is a dedicated arrow signal for right turns and follow the rule of stopping at red and proceeding at green. Precautions for making a right turn in a car: Before changing lanes for a right turn, the driver should signal in advance. This serves as a warning to vehicles behind as well as to electric bikes, bicycles, and pedestrians. Always check for oncoming straight traffic from the left and yield to them. Observe traffic signals carefully and follow traffic rules. Car turning techniques: Follow the outside-inside-outside principle for turning. To navigate a curve quickly and minimize centrifugal force, make use of the full width of the road and take a wide arc, making the turn as straight as possible. For uphill curves, ease off the throttle and downshift before entering the curve, then accelerate quickly to exit. Before entering the curve, release the throttle to allow the car to enter at a higher speed along the outside of the curve, then downshift one or two gears. Choose the best line and correct the direction while gently applying the throttle.
19
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.