How long does it take to charge the battery by starting the engine?
2 Answers
To charge the battery by starting the engine, taking a 12V60Ah battery as an example, the charging method adopts constant voltage current limiting. Charge for 16 hours at a constant voltage of 14.8V and a current limit of 15A, followed by 4 hours of constant current charging at 3A, totaling 20 hours. The required charging time is relatively long. If the car owner finds that the battery is dead, it is recommended to use a battery charger to fully charge the battery. Generally, the battery capacity of a household car is around 60Ah, and the required charging current is one-tenth of the battery capacity, which is 6A. With this current, it usually takes about 3 to 5 hours to fully charge the battery.
I've been driving for over a decade, and battery drain is my biggest worry. Generally, it takes at least 20 minutes of engine running to recharge. If it's just slightly drained, idling for 20 minutes might barely be enough to start the engine; but if completely dead, you'll need to drive for over half an hour. Remember, don't just watch the clock—keep an eye on the voltmeter! After starting, the alternator should show around 14V. Here's a tip: turning on headlights charges faster, but avoid power-hungry devices like AC. Last time my battery aged, 40 minutes of driving only charged it to 70%, so I ended up replacing it. Adjust based on battery age and drain severity—roadside charging is far less efficient than driving.
