How Long Should You Charge a Dead Car Battery?
2 Answers
After a car battery is dead, it needs to be charged for about 20 hours. Here are some details about car batteries: Charging Method: Connect the positive terminal of the charger to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the charger to the negative terminal of the battery. Then press the charging button to start charging. However, you don’t need to wait until the battery is fully charged before disconnecting it. As long as there is enough power to start the car engine, the engine will drive the alternator via the belt once started. The generated electricity, after rectification and voltage stabilization, will directly charge the car battery. Just driving normally for one to two hours can restore the battery to its normal charge level. Charging Precautions: After prolonged use or multiple overcharges and discharges, the lifespan of a car battery will decrease, affecting the vehicle’s performance. At this point, you should use a car battery tester to measure the specific remaining lifespan percentage and decide whether the battery needs replacement. The normal service life ranges from 1 to 8 years, depending largely on the vehicle’s condition. If the vehicle’s alternator charges normally and there are no electrical leaks or grounding issues, the battery can generally last for more than 3 years.
I remember last time when the battery was dead, I connected it to a charger. Generally speaking, the charging time depends on the type and size of the battery. For regular car owners like me, it usually takes about 8 to 12 hours, especially if the battery is completely dead. Using a standard slow charger is safer; if the charger has insufficient power, it might take over 12 hours. I often check the charger to ensure the indicator light is functioning properly and avoid overcharging, which can cause overheating. It's also important to monitor the voltage—fast charging a regular lead-acid battery can damage the internal electrodes. I regularly clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion and leakage, which helps extend its lifespan. For beginners, I recommend not rushing and being patient during charging to restore the battery properly. It's best to remove the car key, turn off all electrical devices, and avoid any accidents while charging.
