How to Use a Car Battery Charger

There’s nothing worse than driving around Warren, parking your car, and then coming back to it later only to find that your battery is dead or low on power. If a jump-start won’t work, then you might need to charge your battery, but how does it work? Learn how to use a portable car battery charger or any similar kind of charger with the service team at Apostolakis Honda. We’ll go over how long to charge your car battery, how to use a charger, and everything else you need to know!

Battery Charger Types

There are several different kinds of chargers that you can use to maintain your battery’s power levels, and you can visit our parts store at Apostolakis Honda to find what you need. The main three types of chargers are a charger, a maintainer, and a restorer. The different kind of charger you have will have a slightly different function:

• Battery Charger: Battery chargers are most common and use a low-amperage charge to recharge the battery of your car. You can usually charge up a battery in up to 24 hours, but different kinds of chargers will charge your battery at different speeds. There are also portable car battery chargers available for Boardman road trips and more convenient types of travel. It’s important to monitor your battery’s charge level so that you don’t damage your battery when you charge it.
• Battery Maintainer: This tool monitors the charge level of your battery and automatically stops charging when the charge level is full. These types of chargers are ideal for maintaining power on the battery without overcharging or damaging it. They make solar-powered battery maintainers as well as other kinds of convenient maintainers.
• Battery Restorer: As you use your battery more often, your battery can start to develop lead sulfate crystals, especially when they run low on power. Too much build-up of this sulfate can keep the battery from reaching a full charge. Restorers are made to prevent that from happening. The watch out for any battery sulfation that may occur and use a desulfator to remove any sulfate and keep the battery in good condition.

Keep in mind that if your battery needs to be charged often, then you should schedule service to have it diagnosed. Needing to charge your battery too much can be a sign that it needs to be replaced.

Charging Your Battery Step by Step

Now that you know about the different types of battery chargers, let’s go over how to use a car battery charger. Simply follow these steps:

1. Locate your car’s battery. In some cases, you may need to remove the battery or parts surrounding it depending on what kind of vehicle you drive. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
2. Take the positive cable on your battery charger, and attach it to the positive terminal on your car battery.
3. Take the negative cable on your battery charger, and attach it to the negative terminal on your car battery.
4. Make sure the battery charger is on its slowest charge power rate.
5. Once everything is ready, turn on the charger, and set a timer.
6. Once the battery is charged, turn off the charger first.
7. With the charger off, disconnect the charger from the battery.
8. Disconnect the cables from the battery.

For anything else related to the health of your car’s battery, reach out to our service team at Apostolakis Honda. We’re just a short drive from Youngstown, and our team can help you get your battery working like new!

How Long Should You Charge Your Battery?

We mentioned earlier that when you’re charging your battery, you should set a timer. Not sure how long to charge your car battery? The amount of time you should charge your battery will depend on the charger’s output and how much your battery needs charged. If your battery’s voltage level is anything under 11.85, and your charger gives off a 5-amperage charge rate, then you can expect about 12 hours before your battery is fully charged. With a 10-amperage charge rate, then that time bumps up to about 6 hours.

For a more specific number, check with your owner’s manual as it will have specific information and recommendations for charging your battery. If you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, then we don’t blame you, and we’d be happy to help. We encourage you to check out our service specials before you visit us to see how much you can save!

Service Your Battery in Cortland!

If your battery constantly needs a charge or has other issues, then contact Apostolakis Honda. Our experts will take a proper look at your battery and find out what it needs. In the meantime, feel free to check out our additional service and parts tips on our website!