Download Article Show Download Article Car batteries stay charged by harnessing the extra power of the car's engine, and most can go for at least five years without needing to be replaced or recharged.[1] But even the best car batteries will run out of power eventually — or lose their charge prematurely when you leave your lights on too long. It can be a serious inconvenience to find yourself with a dead battery, but recharging one can require very little in terms of tools or mechanical experience.
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ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX If your car battery is dead, you can charge it using a car battery charger. Start by locating your car's battery under the hood or in the trunk. Look for the positive terminal, which will be marked with a plus sign, and the negative terminal, which will be marked with a minus sign. With your battery charger switched off and unplugged from the wall, connect the red clamp on the charger to the positive terminal on the battery and connect the black clamp to the negative terminal. Then, plug the charger in and turn it on. If the charger has a digital display that allows you to set the desired voltage, set it to the voltage that’s listed on the battery or in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. It can take at least several hours to fully charge your car battery. Once it’s charged, turn off the battery charger and unplug it from the wall. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, followed by the positive cable. If the battery doesn’t hold a charge or dies again shortly after you charge it, take it to an auto parts store and have it tested to see if you need a new one. To learn how to charge a car battery by connecting it to another car, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 704,214 times. Reader Success Stories
Did this article help you?How do I charge a car battery with a wall outlet?How to Recharge a Car Battery: Tips for Optimal Charging. Use a Trickle Charger. This device delivers electricity to your battery from a power outlet in a slow, steady stream. ... . Clean the Battery Terminals. ... . Remove the Cell Caps. ... . Attach the Charger Cables. ... . Turn on the Charger. ... . Check the Battery.. Can I charge a car battery with jumper cables?Jumper cables can supply power via a functional battery from another car. Keep a set in your vehicle. Connecting your car's battery to another car's battery with jumper cables is a common way to recharge a battery. Park the vehicles so their batteries are as close as possible.
How do you jumpstart a car without a battery charger?Push-Starting. Direct your friends to the rear of the car and have them get ready to push.. Hop into the driver's seat and turn the ignition to “on.”. With the parking brake still engaged, push the clutch in and shift to second gear. ... . Press the brake pedal and release the parking brake.. |