How long does it take to fully charge a car battery at idle speed?
2 Answers
The charging time depends on the battery capacity and alternator power. The fastest charging can be completed in just over ten minutes, while the slowest may take nearly an hour. Idling is to overcome the engine's own operating resistance, maintain engine speed, and make it more convenient for the driver during driving and temporary parking. Precautions for charging a car battery at idle speed: Check whether the charger is dual-purpose for 12V and 24V. If it is not dual-purpose, a 24V charger cannot be used; For water-added batteries, the cover needs to be opened during charging, while maintenance-free batteries can be charged directly. The functions of a car battery are: To provide power for the car starter and ignition system; To provide a stable DC power source for car electrical appliances. Battery maintenance methods: Avoid parking the car in an open parking lot for a long time: If it must be parked for an extended period, remove the battery and take it away to prevent freezing damage; Car engines are harder to start in winter. Each attempt to start the car should not exceed 5 seconds, with an interval of at least 15 seconds between attempts; Start the car periodically to charge the battery: Car batteries need regular charging. If left unused for a long time, the battery will slowly self-discharge until it becomes unusable; Clean the battery terminals periodically: Apply special grease to protect the wiring harness and regularly check the battery accessories and connecting circuits.
Last time my car battery was dead and I called for roadside assistance. The technician helped me jump-start it and told me to idle the engine for half an hour. He said this would basically ensure the next ignition, but to fully charge it, I needed to drive on the highway. The alternator only outputs about 15 amps at idle, so a 60 amp-hour battery can't be fully charged this way. I tried idling for 2 hours—short trips were fine, but the next day it wouldn't start again. Later, I found out the battery was five years old and needed replacement. It's recommended to drive to an auto repair shop for a full check-up while the battery has some charge, and always remember to turn off the headlights when parking.