What is the correct charging method for a car battery?

[PaulFitz]

The correct charging method for a car battery is: 1. Connect both ends of the prepared red jumper cable to the positive terminal posts; 2. Connect both ends of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal posts, ensuring metal wires do not touch the car body to prevent short circuits; 3. After successfully starting the vehicle, remove the grounding cables and let the engine run for about half an hour. The function of a car battery is to store and supply electrical power, and it can be divided into lead-acid batteries and maintenance-free batteries. Methods for maintaining a car battery include: 1. Avoid multiple uninterrupted starts; 2. Regularly check accessories and connection lines; 3. Do not use electrical devices after turning off the engine.

[MacAmir]

When charging the battery myself, I make it a habit to first check the battery status to see if the voltage is normal (if it's below 12.4V, it's time to charge). Then, I put on gloves for protection since battery acid is quite hazardous. I find a suitable charger—setting the current to about 10% of the battery's capacity is safest—and turn off the car engine, disconnecting the negative cable to avoid accidental short circuits. Next, I connect the positive clamp to the battery's positive terminal first, followed by the negative clamp to a grounding point on the car frame. After turning on the charger, I make sure not to overcharge it—usually 4 to 8 hours is enough. During the process, I check for bubbles, which indicate a reaction. Once charging is complete, I turn off the charger first, remove the negative clamp, then the positive clamp, and finally reconnect the negative cable to test starting the car. Regular maintenance like this can extend the battery's lifespan by two to three years. If your battery is aging and shows signs of overheating or leakage during charging, stop immediately and seek repairs—safety first!

[LeGianna]

I didn't know how to charge a car battery before and once nearly had an accident. Now I've learned: first make sure the car is turned off and remove the key. Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage; if it's not over 12 volts, prepare the charger (buy a smart one for more convenience) and set the current lower for safer slow charging. Wear rubber gloves and long sleeves since the battery is in the engine bay—avoid touching the electrodes or metal tools. First, attach the red clamp to the red terminal, then the black clamp to a metal part of the car body or the engine. Turn on the charger and don't stay too close to the car. Charge for two to three hours while monitoring the temperature rise. After charging, remove the black clamp first, then the red one. Reconnect the battery cables and try starting the car to see if the lights come on. If you often forget to charge and the battery drains, buy a battery maintenance solution to clean the electrodes regularly.

[KaydenFitz]

I often help people with car battery charging, and the method is quite simple: Check if the battery is discharged (dim indicator light or weak starting), choose a compatible charger (current set between 2A to 10A), and always prioritize safety by turning off the vehicle and disconnecting the negative cable. Attach the positive clamp to the battery's positive terminal and the negative clamp to the car body; start the charger and monitor voltage changes, typically taking about 6 hours. After completion, disconnect the charger, remove the negative clamp first, then reconnect the cable and test. Avoid operating in damp areas and ensure proper ventilation.