Will the car charge when idling?
2 Answers
When the car is idling, it can charge the battery. All vehicles are equipped with a generator, which starts producing electricity as soon as the engine is running. Below is more related information: 1. Introduction to the battery: A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Typically, the term 'car battery' refers to a lead-acid battery, which mainly uses lead and its oxides as electrodes and a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. A car battery is a rechargeable battery that can be reused after discharging. Types include lead-acid batteries, nickel-iron batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries. In a lead-acid battery, the positive electrode is lead dioxide, the negative electrode is lead, and the electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution. During discharge (use), the positive and negative electrodes react with sulfuric acid to form lead sulfate. When the sulfuric acid concentration drops to a certain level, the battery must be recharged. Using an external power source for charging can restore the electrodes and electrolyte to their original state, allowing the battery to be reused. 2. Principle of charging: After the vehicle is driven, because driving requires pressing the accelerator, the engine speed increases. As a result, the generator receives more power, leading to an increase in the generator's output. Consequently, the charging amount to the battery also increases. However, this charging is not unlimited. The battery is equipped with a sensor; if the sensor detects that the battery is fully charged, it stops charging the battery. At this point, the generator supplies power to the vehicle's electrical equipment.
Yes, the car does charge when it's running but not moving. Since I drive frequently, once the engine starts, the alternator begins to rotate, driven by the belt to generate electricity and charge the battery. At idle, the engine speed is lower, so the charging rate is slower than when driving, but it won't drain the battery. I used to leave the air conditioning and music on while waiting in the car, and the battery remained fully charged. However, if the battery is aging or faulty, the charging efficiency will be reduced, so it's recommended to check the battery's condition regularly, especially in winter when cold temperatures can decrease charging efficiency. Avoid prolonged idling as it's neither environmentally friendly nor fuel-efficient; it's best to limit it to a reasonable duration. Overall, there's no need to worry about the battery running out—as long as the engine is running, it will charge. In special cases, such as when a warning light appears on the dashboard, there might be an issue with the alternator that needs inspection.
