How to Use a Car Battery Charger

A portable car battery charger can be a lifesaver if you find yourself stranded in Milford, but how do you use it? Learning how to use a car battery charger on the road isn’t difficult, but there are several different types on the market today. Find out what type of portable car battery charger is best for you, along with tips and tricks from Kent County Motors on how to use it the most effectively.

What Are the Types of Portable Car Battery Chargers? 

There are three main types of car battery chargers: charger, maintainer, and restorer.

• Charger: Chargers use a low-amp charge to bring your battery to full power in up to 24 hours. This is a great all-purpose choice to bring on road trips around Smyrna, and it can save you in case of an emergency. You’ll need to actively watch the battery charge level to make sure you don’t overcharge, or you risk serious battery damage.
• Maintainer: A maintainer also tops off your battery like a typical charger, but it has a feature that prevents overcharging. You can find a variety of models on the market today, including solar-powered devices. This is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts in the Middletown area, because there’s no risk of damaging the battery.
• Restorer: Restorers use a chemical to prevent the buildup of lead sulfate crystals. These crystals form over time and eventually prevent your battery from charging fully. A restorer is a good maintenance accessory to have on hand, and many provide additional battery charge as well. 

How to Charge a Battery 

Be sure to familiarize yourself with your particular portable car battery charger. Different models have different directions, so read up on how to charge your battery before you take your device on a trip. Many models require you to remove the car battery before charging, so make sure you know where to look. Your owner’s manual is a great resource to have on hand!

Once you’re ready to go, make sure the charger is off. Then simply follow these instructions:

• Attach the charger’s positive cable to the battery’s positive terminal.
• Attach the charger’s negative cable to the battery’s negative terminal. 
• Adjust the charger to its slowest charge rate.
• Then, power on the charger and set a timer.
• When you’re ready to disconnect the charger, make sure it’s off first. 
• Then, detach the cables. 

How Long to Charge a Car Battery 

How long to charge a car battery will depend on the output of your charger, the condition of your battery, and the number of cold-cranking amps in your battery. Let’s go through an example with a car battery with 400-500 cold cranking amps. If your battery voltage is under 11.85 and your charger has a 5-amp charging rate, you can expect to charge in around 12 hours. If you have a 10-amp charger instead, your charging time drops to 6 hours or so.

Get Battery Service at Kent County Motors! 

If you find yourself in need of a charge frequently, this might be a sign of a more serious issue. Schedule your battery service at Kent County Motors or contact us with your questions! We’d be happy to help you with any automotive needs in the Dover area.