How long does it take to fully charge the battery after starting the car?
2 Answers
It takes about 4 hours of driving to fully charge the battery after starting the car. The alternator in the vehicle needs to operate at over 2000 RPM to reach full load capacity, at which point its power generation reaches the standard value indicated on the nameplate. However, it is not recommended to use the car's alternator to charge a completely dead battery. Daily precautions for battery usage: 1. Turn off all lights before shutting down the engine; 2. Turn off the air conditioning and audio system before shutting down the engine. The air conditioning system involves the compressor and blower, and the audio system is a high-power electrical device. If not turned off before shutting down the engine, they will automatically start the next time the car is started, placing a heavy burden on the battery and potentially causing damage; 3. Avoid leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods. It is recommended to drive the car at least once a week for a trip lasting more than 20 minutes to facilitate battery charging while driving; 4. Close all windows before shutting down the engine.
After driving for so many years, I've found that how long it takes to fully charge the battery after starting the car is not a simple question. It depends on many factors, such as the battery's capacity, the degree of discharge, and the driving conditions. If the battery is severely depleted, starting the car and driving a short distance, like 10 minutes in the city, might only charge it about 20%, which is far from enough. Once, with an aging battery that was low on charge, I started the car and drove for half an hour on the highway, feeling like it charged quickly, but when I checked with a voltmeter, it was only up to 80%, still far from fully charged. Generally, a new car battery can get close to fully charged after 40 minutes to an hour of highway driving, but an old battery might take over an hour and a half. Also, pay attention to the weather; charging is slower in cold winter conditions. I recommend avoiding frequent short trips and instead taking regular highway drives or checking the battery's health to prevent breakdowns and ensure safety.
