Charging a battery time?

[mike]

Does anyone know how long it takles to charge a car battery? I have the battery in the hallway so its off the car and also its switched to fast charge.Is it best to switch to normal charge? Just wondering how long it usually takes to give the battery and full and good charge?
The problem i had,car been off road for bout 3 month,I jump started it off my polo.left it runnin for while and went around the bloack a few times so engine was nice and warm but i cudnt leave it running for ages as there was hardly any fuel left in it..I went to start it up this morning and it fired up once then died and now the batt is flat.Well i can get ignition lights on dash but there not enough power to start the car.Hence the reason borrowing the neighbours charger.Im also hoping my battery or alternator arnt on their way out.(Ill be back using the car as from tomoz so im hoping the car should be fine once fully charged))

 

[Matt]

This happens to my brother all the time, every year he has to buy a new battery because it doesn't hold a charge (he doesn't use it for months at a time).

 

[Carroll]

A slower rate of charge is always better than the fastest one.

It helps to think of a battery working like a human being - it needs food/fuel, (charging) but also needs work/exercise, (be used) to be able to function well long term.

No charging of course means no power, quick charge, or lots of charging with no use is like binge eating or always stuffing yourself without moving from the sofa - not a healthy option

 

[Mike]

Carroll thansk for that i get what your saying.I wernt sure wetehr to slow charge it overnight so i just put it on fast charge.Its been on since 11am.It started off buzzin very quiet where u cud only hear it close to the batt,now its buzzin full whack lol Does this mean its done?
Ill be using my car regulary again as from 2moz so im hoping itlll be fine once charged.Its not been used for 3 months(This is 1st time cars not been used basically).
What if i were to unplug it then b4 i go bed put it on slow charge ready for morning?

 

[Carroll]

I personaly would'nt risk leaving a battery on charge overnight/unattended purely for safety reasons - just resume trickle/slow charge first thing in the morning if needed.

Modern chargers indicate when charge is complete and all should have a safety cut-out.
I assume that you've already checked the fluid levels above the cells inside the battery before you started charging?

 

[Mike]

"Modern chargers indicate when charge is complete and all should have a safety cut-out.
I assume that you've already checked the fluid levels above the cells inside the battery before you started charging?"

Hi,it has got a 3 light indicator on it but i dont get it :s Red and orange were light brightly an green was dull.When i turned the plug switch off all that was lit was the green light which said max So i presumed it was done..
However i did put battery back on car,left it running till it was near half way then went on a short few laps round the block and then put car away.Im hoping its gona start 2morrow,if not then ill know the battery is dead buggard and not keeping its charge.
Oh and i didnt check the fluid levels no..?

 

[Buzz]

Solar powered trickle chargers. They're the dogs danglies.
If you are laving your car standing any length of time, these will save you from the flat battery in the first place. Assuming its not kept in a garage, and is kept in daylight, lol

Buzz
If you see a bandwagon, its already too late!

 

[mike]

ahh just googled them and brought up 1 from maplins.They seem alright they do,good idea,price is ok aswell
But i didnt get this question...
"Q) Hello Does the trickle charger affect the alarm/immobilizer(activated) of a car? My car''s cigaratte lighter plug has electricity cut off when the ignition is off, will the charger still work? Thanks - K So

A) The potential is there to effect the current sensor of the alarm causing problems with the alarm/immobilser yes"

Also went to start car bout hour ago and started 1st time with no slow turning over,was quite fast tbh,so all seems ok

Cant use car till 2moz now,went to tax it and start date wuda been feb,sod that id lose a month so waiting till 2moz then i get 6 full months worth

Mike

 

[Buzz]

some cars have the cigarete lighter on a switched circuit, but i dont think this is true of the bravo? i cant remember. if your ciggie lighter works when the key is not in the car, you can charge via that. Alternatively, it comes with battry clamps, so you can run the thin wire thru the door shut, and under the bonnet. On my skoda i used the ciggie lighter, but on the punto, i had to connect with the croc clips. Its a maplin one i have. dont buy their smallest one though, its only a fiver more for the next one up thats twice as powerful.

Buzz
If you see a bandwagon, its already too late!

 

[Mike]

yer i noticed those battery clamps And thanks for that info on those chargers mate

Mike