How long does it take to charge a car battery before starting the engine?

2 Answers
SanAdalynn
07/28/25 11:55pm
A typical car battery is 12V. When completely discharged, it takes about 8 to 10 hours to charge before the engine can be started. Most modern cars use battery-powered ignition systems, allowing the engine to start within 3 seconds. Precautions for charging car batteries: 1. Charging location: Generally, charging at home with 1/10 of the battery capacity (around 5A) is recommended for faster charging, usually taking 8-10 hours. 2. Battery type: Before charging, check the battery type. For water-filled batteries, ensure the electrolyte level is sufficient. For dry batteries, avoid using too high current as it may damage the battery. 3. Charging duration: Do not exceed 1/5 of the battery capacity current, especially for old batteries, and avoid prolonged charging. Calculate charging time based on capacity - for example, a 50A battery charged at 5A would require 10 hours.
Was this review help?
20
1
Share
MacEllie
08/12/25 4:14am
How long it takes to charge a car battery for starting depends on several key factors. As an experienced driver with years behind the wheel, I compare battery charging to raising a pet – it requires patience. First, charging duration depends on the battery type and capacity. A standard lead-acid battery that's completely dead may need 8-12 hours with a slow home charger (like a 2-amp unit), while a quick charger could get it engine-ready in 1-2 hours. Secondly, charger power matters significantly – low-power units crawl like turtles, while high-power ones work faster (but avoid overcharging to prevent battery damage). An aged battery requires longer charging times, sometimes necessitating replacement. My personal advice: when facing a dead battery, don't rush to charge – first check if it's severely depleted. For safety, don't rely solely on charging – keeping a portable jump starter is wiser. Maintain your alternator's proper operation while driving to prevent frequent charging needs. Ultimately, wait patiently until reaching proper voltage (typically around 12.6V) to ensure successful ignition, combining convenience with safety.
Was this review help?
15
4
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Differences Between Parallel Import Car Dealers and 4S Stores

Differences between parallel import car dealers and 4S stores include different import channels, sales processes, and after-sales services. Below are the specific differences between parallel import car dealers and 4S stores: Different Import Channels: Parallel import cars are purchased directly by traders from overseas without authorization from the general distributor in China, while cars in 4S stores are directly sold to China and comply with Chinese market and traffic regulations. Different Sales Processes: Cars in 4S stores are imported in bulk by the general distributor in China from the production site, passing through regional distributors, local distributors, and 4S stores before reaching the end consumers, involving multiple intermediate steps. Parallel import cars are imported directly by dealers from overseas to the domestic market and then sold to end consumers, with fewer intermediate steps. Different After-Sales Services: Cars in 4S stores, being sold under manufacturer authorization, naturally enjoy the manufacturer's after-sales warranty services. Parallel import cars, not authorized by the brand manufacturer, cannot directly enjoy the after-sales warranty services provided by the manufacturer.
12
1
Share

Is it necessary to honk the horn when overtaking?

When overtaking a vehicle, it is necessary to honk the horn to signal the vehicle ahead. Before overtaking, increase your speed, approach the left side of the vehicle being overtaken, reduce the following distance, turn on the left turn signal, and honk the horn (except in areas or sections where honking is prohibited; at night, use the high-low beam switch to signal the vehicle ahead). After confirming that the vehicle ahead has yielded or signaled to yield, slightly steer to the left, maintain a certain lateral distance from the vehicle being overtaken, and accelerate past it from the left. Precautions for overtaking: Before overtaking, check the overtaking lane for any following vehicles using the interior rearview mirror and the side mirrors; always be aware of whether the vehicle ahead has any intention to overtake—if so, abandon the idea of overtaking; do not overtake if the vehicle being overtaken signals a left turn or U-turn; also, do not overtake if there is a possibility of encountering oncoming traffic during the overtaking process.
8
2
Share

How to Check if a Car is China 5 or China 6 Standard?

To determine whether a car meets China 5 or China 6 emission standards, check the vehicle acceptance sheet. The acceptance sheet includes details such as the model, color, emission standard, engine number, and chassis number. The China 5 emission standard is marked with a Roman numeral 'V', while the China 6 emission standard is marked with a Roman numeral 'Ⅵ'. Here are the relevant locations for the acceptance sheet: Nameplate: There is usually a nameplate located below the passenger side door. Labels: Relevant labels displaying the vehicle model number can be found in places such as the lower left corner of the windshield, the driver's door pillar, the left side of the dashboard, and the engine compartment. For used cars, you can check the vehicle model number on environmental protection websites. The method is as follows: first, find the vehicle model number on the car's nameplate; then, visit the official website for motor vehicle environmental protection, enter the vehicle model number and verification code in the input fields, and click 'Query' to get the results.
7
5
Share

What engine does the Lavida use?

Lavida has a total of 3 engines, which are a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, and a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power of 83 kW and a maximum torque of 145 Nm, with the maximum power speed at 6000 rpm and the maximum torque speed at 3900 rpm. The 1.2-liter turbocharged engine delivers 116 horsepower and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, with the maximum power speed at 5000 rpm and the maximum torque speed ranging from 2000 to 3500 rpm. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine produces 150 horsepower and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, with the maximum power speed at 5000 rpm and the maximum torque speed ranging from 1750 to 3000 rpm. The Lavida's body dimensions are 4541 mm in length, 1806 mm in width, and 1488 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2688 mm.
15
0
Share

Does the Lavida belong to the B-segment car category?

The Lavida does not belong to the B-segment car category; it is classified as an A-segment car. Generally, car classifications are divided into six levels: A00, A0, A, B, C, and D, corresponding to micro cars, subcompact cars, compact cars, midsize cars, full-size cars, and luxury cars, respectively. The classification of car segments depends on multiple factors, such as the vehicle platform, wheelbase, body dimensions, vehicle configurations, and powertrain, rather than being determined by a single parameter. The Lavida is positioned as a compact car, available in both hatchback and sedan body styles. In terms of powertrain, it is equipped with three engine options: 1.2T, 1.4T, and 1.5L, paired with manual, automatic, and dual-clutch transmissions.
3
2
Share

How to Pass Vehicle Inspection with an Electronic Insurance Policy?

Methods for passing vehicle inspection with an electronic insurance policy: Print out the electronic insurance policy and follow the procedures to obtain the inspection sticker. The process for obtaining the inspection sticker: 1. If the vehicle is eligible for the six-year exemption from inspection, the vehicle does not need to be driven over. Simply bring the vehicle registration certificate, the ID card of the person named on the registration, and a copy of the valid compulsory insurance policy; 2. Check the traffic management website to see if there are any traffic violations. If there are, they must be resolved before proceeding with the inspection; 3. Upon arriving at the service window, pay the fee and obtain the inspection application form. Fill in the circled sections with the information from the vehicle registration certificate; 4. After filling out the form, submit the copy of the valid compulsory insurance policy, ID card, and vehicle registration certificate to the staff; 5. The staff will review the documents. If all documents are complete and there are no unresolved violations, they will print the inspection sticker for the owner and also note the expiration date of the current inspection on the duplicate of the driving license.
12
4
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.