The process of charging a dying car battery is more complicated (and could be more risky) than trusting your phone. Being shocked or accidentally touching the battery acid isn’t a good idea. It is also not a good idea to end up with an uncharged battery (again) If you don’t allow the battery to recharge for long enough. Find out how to charge your car battery in a safe manner and the length of time you should let the battery in your car charge.
While reading, be aware that you’re not the only person on the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is just a phone number away. Roadside Support personnel are available 24 hours a day for tows, jumpstarts, and many more.
WHAT DOES A CAR BATTERY DO
Before we begin charging ahead, we need to know the function of a car battery. It has two parts:
- IT GIVES YOUR CAR THE POWER IT NEEDS TO START.
The battery provides voltage to the starter, changing chemicals into electricity.
- IT KEEPS YOUR CAR RUNNING.
The car battery supplies a constant voltage to keep your vehicle’s engine and all accessories operating (like your headlights, radio, and any computers on board).
If your battery is fragile or old, it’s unable to accomplish either of these. It could be necessary to charge the battery in your car if your engine is slow or sluggish to begin or if the battery is dead.
In addition to starting your vehicle and charging your battery, it will help you determine whether it’s time to replace one. For instance, leaving the internal light on for too long will draw out your battery, but when the batteries are “healthy,” then it should be able to recharge quickly. If it’s a battery that requires to be replaced is, however, unable to retain a charge and will need to be renewed repeatedly.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE CHARGING A BATTERY
Let’s dive into the essentials. Follow these five steps before you attempt to recharge or jumpstart the car battery.
- REFER TO YOUR MANUAL.
Every car is unique, and your vehicle’s manufacturer may have specific guidelines for your particular model and make.
- BE SAFE.
Charging the battery in a location free of sparks, flames, or smoke is essential. Also, remove all jewelry because it could harm your safety. In addition, wear safety glasses and gloves.
- SNIFF AROUND.
Do you get a smell that reminds you of eggs with a rotten odor? If so, your battery could be leaking gas, which is dangerous, and it is not advisable to recharge the battery. Keep your car away and have it towed and have a professional look.
- CHECK THE HEAT.
The temperature rising in the battery’s case could mean that the battery is doing more work than it needs to. Keep the hood closed and allow the battery to cool before charging it.
- LOOK FOR CORROSION.
Generally speaking, corrosion appears like an emerald-colored, greenish substance surrounded by the battery ports. It’s caused by acid gasses from batteries that come into contact with the air. It’s a common occurrence in the majority of lead-acid batteries. However, it could compromise the electrical system in your car and make it more difficult for the storm to take in power. It is possible to eliminate this damage with a clean brush and a paste-like blend of baking soda and water.
HOW TO USE A PORTABLE CAR BATTERY CHARGER
After you’ve prepared your battery, it’s ready to go! If you’re lucky enough to have an electric battery charger in your car or access it, you can follow these steps. (You can purchase basic portable battery chargers for cars at various automotive parts retailers for as low as $25.) Be aware that based on the circumstance (and the charger type), you may use the charger to charge or jumpstart your battery.
- CONNECT THE CHARGER TO THE BATTERY.
The procedure is similar to the system for jumpstarting the battery. First, ensure the vehicle and charger are turned off. Attach your positive (red) clamp to the positive post of the storm.
Then, attach the clamp’s black clamp to the negative (black) clamp onto a secure location on the vehicle’s body or the chassis. You can also fix the clamp black on the battery’s negative terminal; this is not the best option. The battery might leak hydrogen gas; in this case, even the tiniest spark can result in an explosion or fire.
The Chicago Tribune notes that linking the negative wire to the terminal for negative could trigger sparks. Boom.
- PREPARE THE CHARGER.
You’ll have to adjust the amps and volts when you charge the device. Lower amps will lead to more time for setting; however, it could also provide a more stable charge. For speed, if that’s what you’re searching for, then change the switch or adjust the dial up to high. Ensure you adhere to the instructions that came with the charger and any advice provided in the user’s guidebook.
- TURN ON THE CHARGER.
If your charger has to be connected to the power source, ensure it is. If not, switch the switch and allow it to do its work. Based on the type of charger you own, it could shut off immediately when the battery is full, or it might shut down after a predetermined time.
- DISCONNECT THE CHARGER.
When the battery is back to its power to start cars, turn it off and, if required, disconnect the charger from the energy source. The time has come to unhook the clamps! This might sound contradictory; however, this must occur in reverse order: the negative (black) clamp should be the first clamp to be removed, and then another positive (red) clamp.
HOW TO JUMPSTART A CAR BATTERY
For those who don’t have access to an electric battery charger, you’ll have to learn how to charge your vehicle battery that doesn’t have one. Jumper cables will be the best option. Check out our complete instructions on correctly jumping to start your vehicle and follow the steps below.
- PHONE A FRIEND.
You’ll require assistance from a different vehicle (one that has a strong battery) when you want to restart your vehicle. It is best to park the cars with their backs to each other and as close to each other as you can!
- TURN EVERYTHING OFF.
The car’s engine, radio, and other components that require power shouldn’t be running. The entire power source should be concentrated on the engines.
- BEGIN WITH THE POSITIVE JUMPER CABLES.
Have jumper cables on the bag? Attach the positive line, typically red, on the negative terminal of the dead battery. Please attach it to the positive terminal on the good battery. Make sure that the clamps don’t touch one another.
- CONNECT THE NEGATIVE JUMPER CABLES.
Connect the clamp for the negative; generally, black connect it to an end of a good battery. Next, click the cables to the vehicle’s chassis or engine block. Most of the time, the most convenient location is near the body of your car. Where you place another clamp must be as far away from the battery as possible.
As we have mentioned earlier, the battery could emit hydrogen gas. Even a tiny spark could cause an explosion or fire.
