How Long Should You Idle to Charge After Battery Depletion?
2 Answers
After the car battery is depleted, idling for 10 to 15 hours is required for charging. Below are the maintenance methods for car batteries and precautions for charging: Maintenance Methods for Car Batteries: Start the car periodically to charge the battery; replenish distilled water or specialized replenishing fluid when electrolyte is low; regularly check if the small holes on the battery cover are ventilated during daily driving; inspect the positive and negative terminals for signs of oxidation; check all parts of the circuit for aging or short circuits; turn off electrical devices when leaving the car. Precautions for Charging Car Batteries: A battery voltage 10% below the rated voltage will lead to battery depletion; avoid water entering the battery during charging; charge the battery directly without removing it to prevent data loss.
The other day my car battery died while driving. After jump-starting, I idled for about 45 minutes to recharge it enough to start the car. Actually, the required time varies - for mild discharge, 30 minutes may suffice; for deep discharge, over an hour might be needed. While idling to charge is convenient, it wastes fuel and causes carbon buildup that affects engine longevity, so I only use it in emergencies. Normally, I recommend regularly checking battery condition and alternator voltage output - prevention saves trouble. For long-term parking, you can disconnect the negative terminal or use a maintainer to charge. Remember not to over-rely on idling charging - using a professional charger when necessary is more efficient and extends battery life.
