How long does it take to fully charge the car battery when the engine is running?
2 Answers
It takes more than 30 minutes of engine running to fully charge the car battery. The battery is a type of storage cell that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The functions of the battery are: 1. To supply power to the starting system, ignition system, electronic fuel injection system, and car's electrical appliances when starting the engine; 2. To power the car's electrical equipment when the engine is off or at low idle; 3. The battery acts as a voltage stabilizer for the vehicle's electrical system; 4. The battery stores excess electricity generated by the alternator. Methods for battery maintenance include: 1. Avoid parking the car in open parking lots for extended periods to prevent the battery from freezing and getting damaged; 2. Clean the battery terminals periodically and apply special grease to protect the circuitry; 3. Avoid using car electrical appliances after turning off the engine, as using the battery alone when the engine is not generating electricity can cause damage to it.
I'm a novice driver who just bought a car not long ago, and I was also confused about this issue at first. The time it takes for a car to charge the battery after starting is actually quite complex, and I've learned this the hard way. For example, if the battery is severely depleted, it might take half an hour to an hour of driving to get it nearly full; if the battery is in good condition, a daily commute of 10-20 minutes can top it up a bit. But the key factor is driving style: low-speed city driving isn't very efficient for charging, you need to maintain speeds above 60 km/h on highways for faster charging. I used to frequently take short trips, which kept draining my battery, until I learned that I should take medium-length weekend drives lasting 40-50 minutes to keep it properly charged. Charging speed also depends on alternator output - older cars charge slower while newer models are faster. If your battery consistently won't hold a full charge, it's best to visit a repair shop to check for wiring issues or battery deterioration, to avoid embarrassing roadside breakdowns.