Everything you need to know about charging your car battery

Nina Geuskens
11 October 2023

In the world of cars, the battery is a crucial component that is often overlooked until it starts to malfunction. Normally, a car battery recharges itself, but what happens when your battery unexpectedly runs out of power? How do you charge your car battery? In this blog, you will find everything you need to know to get your car battery full again.

What does the car battery actually do?

Normally, the car battery charges itself while driving. This is done by means of the dynamo in the car. When you turn on the engine, the charging process actually starts immediately. A battery can suddenly become empty for several reasons. Think of things like leaving your lights on or making many short trips. Cold during the winter can also quickly drain a battery. Large temperature differences can also cause moisture to form in the headlight. Read more about it here. Also check the oil in your engine block more often. How to do this, you can read here.

charging car battery

Charging your car battery yourself

You can charge your car battery yourself in case of a breakdown, but you need to know about cars. Charging the battery incorrectly can lead to dangerous situations. If in doubt, it is better to call in a specialist. A flat battery is one of the most common ways of car trouble, but it can also happen that your car no longer wants to shift. There can also be enough problems with the timing belt. Read here how you can recognize problems with this.

Charging a car battery with a special charger

If you end up on the side of the road with an empty battery, you can try to recharge your battery with a special battery charger. However, this is only an option if you are somewhere for a longer period of time, because this charging takes time and requires some preparation. For example, you must have the same charger as your battery type. In some cases, you even have to remove the battery from the car to be able to charge it. Before using the charger, also read the user manual to prevent dangerous situations.

Charging a car battery with jumper cables

Of course, you don't always have a battery charger in the trunk of your car, so it is often better to try to charge your battery with jumper cables when you have a breakdown. However, this is only a temporary solution. The jumper cables only ensure that your battery gets an energy boost, which enables it to start the car. This can cause peak voltage, so be careful when starting it in this way.

charging electric car

How to charge a car battery with jumper cables

To jump start a car, you need two cars. Place both cars close to each other. Then first connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the battery of the working car. The red cable also goes to the positive terminal of the car with the flat battery. Then take the black cable and connect it to the negative terminal of the battery of the helping car. In the car with the flat battery, the black cable is connected to the ground of the car. The working car should now run for about five minutes at an increased speed. Now also start the car with the flat battery and let it run for five minutes as well. Then turn on both the rear window heating and the blower. Finally, remove the jumper cables in the opposite way of placement.

Charging a car battery: how long?

After starting it is important to let the car idle. After this it is also important to drive around with the car, because that is how the alternator gets working again. Drive around for at least half an hour. In total with jumper cables and all you will need about three quarters of an hour to an hour. With a battery charger charging takes longer. To get your battery completely full, you will need at least nine to twelve hours.

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