How to Use a Car Battery Charger

Did you know you can use a car battery charger to start your car when the battery dies or has a reduced charge? If you find yourself in a situation where your car battery isn’t working as it should and doesn’t have enough juice in it, you can use a battery charger to give it enough charge to start it. Some battery chargers are portable, giving you an opportunity to make it to your destination safely even if you’re in the middle of nowhere without another car in sight for a jump-start. 

There are a few kinds of car battery chargers. All of them serve different purposes. If you’re wondering how to use a car battery charger, the service team at Superior Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Of Northwest Arkansas is here to help. We’ve got a guide on how to use a car battery charger, the different types of chargers available to you, and how long to charge a car battery. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your car ownership in Fayetteville!

Prep the Car Battery Charger 

If the battery still has some juice left in it, a good jolt from the charger should get it going again. Before you get started, however, you may have to remove the car battery in order to charge it. This will depend on the vehicle you drive. Many car batteries are easy to access. But others, not so much. 

If you have a vehicle battery located under the fender, in the trunk, or under the seat, you may need additional tools or help from a service technician to remove it. If you’d rather have a professional take a closer look at your car battery, schedule service with us today near Springdale. Our battery service shouldn’t take long.

What Are the Types of Car Battery Chargers? 

There are three main types of car battery chargers you can purchase for your personal use: charger, maintainer, and restorer. 

Every type of car battery charger serves a specific purpose: 

• Charger: Typically, chargers use a low-amp charge to fully recharge a car battery in up to 24 hours. You can find these in different outputs, so you can charge the battery faster. Some chargers can fully charge the battery in around six hours. You can also find portable car battery chargers to keep on hand during long trips. When using a car battery charger, you’ll need to keep an eye on the battery’s charge level as it gets more juice. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage by overcharging it. 
• Maintainer: As the name suggests, maintainers will keep tabs on the battery’s charge level. A maintainer will stop charging your car battery when the charge is full. These are great for providing continuous power without overcharging the battery. If you’re an outdoorsy type, look for a solar-powered maintainer. Solar-powered maintainers help you listen to music on your car’s stereo system while keeping your battery fully charged.
• Restorer: Car batteries eventually make lead sulfate crystals when they run low on charge or begin to fail altogether. It’s an inevitable process from the lead and sulfuric acid inherent in the battery. This build-up of lead sulfate crystals can prevent the battery from ever reaching a full charge again. Restorers are designed to prevent the build-up of lead sulfate crystals. They detect battery sulfation and use a desulfator to restore the battery to its former glory. A restorer is a great accessory for your battery, and most provide an output to charge your battery as well as restore your battery.

Important Note: If you find yourself relying on a battery charger often, that’s a sign of a bigger issue that should be addressed. Make sure to schedule service with us, and we’ll diagnose the problem and suggest a fix. Typically, this means you need a new battery altogether.

How to Charge a Car Battery 

First, make sure the charger is off. Then, follow these general instructions or the instructions that come with your charger for best results. It’s important to follow the instructions of your car battery charger precisely as you learn how to use a car battery charger. Using it wrong can cause permanent damage to your car battery.

The instructions are thus:

1. Attach the charger’s positive cable to the battery’s positive terminal.
2. Attach the charger’s negative cable to the battery’s negative terminal. 
3. Adjust the charger to its slowest charge rate to prevent possible damage and overheating.
4. Turn on the charger.
5. Set a timer to know when to turn off the charger.
6. Turn off the charger first when you’re ready to disconnect it. 
7. Detach the cables. 

How Long to Charge a Car Battery 

The time it takes to charge a car battery depends on the output of the charger and the condition of your car battery. We’ll go over some examples of how long it takes to charge a car battery. You can charge a car battery in a few hours or half a day.

• If the voltage of the battery is less than 11.85, and you have a charger that supplies a 5-amp charge rate, it’ll take about 12 hours to fully charge your battery. 
• If the charge rate of the charger is 10 amps, however, it’ll take about 6 hours to fully charge the battery if it has less than 11.85 volts.

These time estimates are for car batteries with 400 to 500 cold-cranking amps. The number of cold-cranking amps, as well as the battery’s voltage, will affect charge times. You should also take into account if you need a portable car battery charger when you take family vacations and road trips to your favorite lake or camping destination. Or, come to the service center at Superior Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Of Northwest Arkansas to look over your battery before you leave on vacation! We’re happy to help.

Get Battery Service or Replacement Near Bentonville! 

If you’re having battery troubles, the service team at Superior Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Of Northwest Arkansas can fit your vehicle with a brand-new battery designed for your make and model. Contact usor call to learn more about our services. In the meantime, browse our service specials for offers on much-needed services!