How much charge can a car battery get from idling for 10 minutes?
2 Answers
Idling for about ten minutes can charge the battery by approximately five percent. If the car battery is low on charge, it is recommended to use a professional charger for charging, as idling charges the battery relatively slowly. Without a battery, the car will not be able to operate normally. Here are some maintenance methods for car batteries: Regularly clean the battery: During daily use, car owners must pay attention to the condition of the battery. After prolonged use, the battery may be covered with dust, powder, grease, etc. To ensure the battery works properly, it is necessary to immediately clean the battery panel and the dirt on the positive and negative terminals to extend its service life. Avoid long-term parking: When the vehicle is not in use for an extended period, the battery discharges itself while parked. When the owner wants to use the car, the battery may be severely discharged and unable to function properly. Therefore, it is recommended to start the car once a week and drive it to ensure the battery always has sufficient charge.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I remember when the car battery was low, people would suggest idling for ten minutes to try charging it. But the truth is, when idling, the engine runs slowly and the alternator doesn't generate enough power, at most charging just a tiny bit—about 0.1 ampere-hours, equivalent to a small flashlight's worth, far from enough to start a deeply discharged car. Looking back now, this method is too fuel-consuming, wasting gasoline unnecessarily and increasing exhaust pollution. If the battery is deeply discharged, idling won't fully charge it and could easily harm the engine. It's better to maintain a normal driving speed, around 1500 RPM, for efficient charging. If battery issues persist frequently, it's advisable to replace the battery or visit a repair shop to check the alternator, saving the hassle of repeated fixes.
