When should the battery be charged?
3 Answers
Engine speed must meet the power generation requirements to drive the alternator, and the battery will only start charging after achieving stable output power. Below are specific details about automotive batteries: 1. Function: The battery stores electrical energy. Without it, the vehicle cannot operate normally. 2. Charging during driving: Typically, household car batteries are 12V, with no-load voltage around 13V and load voltage not lower than 11V. Falling below this voltage may cause starting difficulties. The battery charges via the alternator while driving. Prolonged parking can easily lead to battery discharge, preventing the car from starting. Therefore, during long-term parking, it's advisable to start the vehicle at least once a week for over 5 minutes to recharge the battery. 3. Charging precautions: Generally, 4-5 hours of charging is sufficient to fully recharge the battery, avoiding overcharging.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I've noticed that the battery charges while the engine is running, thanks to the alternator's work. After starting the vehicle, the engine drives the alternator to rotate, which converts some of the energy into electricity and delivers it to the battery for storage. So during daily commutes or road trips, the battery naturally gets fully charged. If the vehicle remains parked for an extended period, such as several days without use, the battery will slowly discharge because onboard electronic devices like the alarm or clock continue to draw power. In this case, it's best to start the car and drive for a short while at least once a month, ideally for 20 minutes, to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. If the battery is completely dead, you'll need to use an external charger connected to a charging station. Avoid keeping headlights or the stereo on for extended periods after turning off the engine, as this can help prolong battery life. In short, make it a habit to regularly check the battery's health to prevent it from disrupting your travel plans.
My over ten years of car repair experience tells me that the main time for battery charging is when the vehicle is running and the alternator is operating. In fact, as soon as the engine starts, the alternator belt rotates to generate electricity, replenishing the battery's energy. At other times, such as when the vehicle is turned off, the battery is usually in a power-consuming or standby mode, especially during cold winters or hot summers when self-discharge occurs faster. It is recommended that car owners drive at least once a week for more than 30 minutes each time to ensure the alternator fully charges the battery. Additionally, if the vehicle is unused for an extended period or a newly purchased car has been stored for too long, the battery may suffer severe discharge, requiring a professional charger for slow charging and recovery. I've seen many cases where forgotten lights or aging batteries caused power shortages. Regularly testing voltage and cleaning battery terminals can prevent such troubles.
