Depending on the type of charger you have, it may stop automatically once the battery's full or it may power off after a set period. If not, flip it on and let it do its thing. If your charger needs to be plugged into a power supply, make sure it is. Just be sure to follow the directions that come with the charger and any guidance offered in your owner's manual. If speed is what you're looking for, though, flip the switch or turn the dial to high. Going with lower amps will result in a longer charging period, but it may also lead to a more reliable charge. On the charger, you'll need to adjust the volts and amps. The battery could be leaking hydrogen gas, in which case even the smallest spark could lead to an explosion or fire.Īs the Chicago Tribune notes, connecting the negative cable to the negative terminal could cause a spark. While you can also attach the black clamp to the battery's negative terminal, it's not the safest thing to do. Now attach the negative (black) clamp to a stable area on the vehicle's body, or chassis. Then, attach the positive (red) clamp to the positive post on your battery. First, make sure the charger and your vehicle are off. This process is similar to the one for jumpstarting a battery. (You can find basic portable car battery chargers at many auto parts stores for as little as $25.) Note that depending on the situation (and type of charger) you can use the charger to quickly jumpstart or fully recharge your battery. Once you've prepped your battery, you’re ready for action! If you’re fortunate enough to have a battery charger in your trunk or you have access to one, take these steps. How to Use a Portable Car Battery Charger You can remove the corrosion by cleaning it up with a brush and a paste-like mixture of water and baking soda. However, it can compromise your car's electrical system and make it harder for the battery to receive the charge. It's a product of battery acid fumes coming into contact with the air-and it’s pretty common in most lead-acid batteries. Generally, corrosion looks like a greenish, crusty substance around your battery ports. Keep the hood up and let the battery cool before trying to charge it. Heat rising from the battery case might mean it's been working harder than it should. Stay away from the car, get it towed, and let a professional take a look. Sniff around.ĭo you smell something that reminds you of rotten eggs? If so, the battery might be leaking dangerous gas and you should not try to charge the battery. Additionally, slip on safety gloves and glasses. Also, take off any jewelry, as it can be a safety hazard. Make sure you're charging the battery in an area where there aren't any flames, sparks, or smoke. Refer to your manual.Įvery car is different and your manufacturer might have specific instructions for your make and model. Start with these five steps before you try to charge or jumpstart a car battery. A battery that needs to be replaced, however, won't hold a charge or will need to be recharged multiple times. For example, leaving an interior light on overnight will drain your battery, but if the battery is "healthy" then it should quickly recharge. You might need to charge your car battery if your engine is sluggish or slow to start, or if your battery is completely dead.īeyond starting your car, charging your battery can help clue you in to whether or not it's time for a new one. When your battery is too weak or old, it can't do either of these things. The car battery provides a steady stream of voltage to keep your engine and accessories running (like your radio, headlights, and any onboard computers). The battery delivers voltage to the starter by transforming chemical energy into electrical energy. It gives your car the power it needs to start. What Does a Car Battery Doīefore we charge ahead, you should know what a car battery does. Our Roadside Assistance folks are available 24/7 for jumpstarts, tows, and more. Firestone Complete Auto Care is only a phone call away. Follow along to learn how to charge a car battery safely and how long to let your car battery charge.Īs you read, remember that you're not alone out there on the road. You also don't want to get stuck with a dead battery (again) if you don't let the battery charge long enough. You don't want to get shocked or accidentally touch battery acid. Charging a dead car battery is a bit more complex (and potentially more dangerous) than charging your smartphone.
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