How long does it take to charge a car battery? What are the ways to charge it quickly?
If your car is having starting trouble, the problem is likely with the battery. For instance, you may have left the lights on in your car for some time, or the battery may have gone weak over time. Or maybe you have not driven your car for a long time.
Nonetheless, if your car battery is dead, you have to do something about it. You may be thinking about charging your battery. So, how to charge a car battery? How long does it take to charge a car battery?
Usually, it takes about an hour and a half to charge a fully dead battery. Moreover, it depends on various factors, which we shall discuss below. So, please keep reading to find more about your question.
What Causes a Battery to Go Flat?
A flat battery is when the electrical energy in the battery is completely lost. There are numerous for why a battery will go flat. We have listed below some of the most common reason:
Alternator Defect
An alternator is a small device that is near the engine. It charges the battery when the engine is running. Usually, alternators last for several years, but they can fail sometimes.
You may see an indicator light on the dashboard and know enough charge is not flowing to the battery. Then, you can take your vehicle to the workshop immediately.
High Electrical Load
If you use too many electrical accessories in your parked car when the engine is off, it can run down the battery. Therefore, it is important to turn off all the electrical accessories when the engine is not running.
It is especially true in the case of high-drain electrical appliances. Also, remember to switch off all the interior lights in your car when not in use. However, many cars can automatically turn off the interior lights; if not, you need to be extra mindful.
Faulty Battery
Even though chances are slim, some new batteries do come with a manufacturing defect. Some manufacturers’ batteries have up to 6% to 7% defective rates in the first year of usage.
However, the chances of a faulty battery are really low, as mentioned earlier. Nonetheless, it is important to consider this factor. You can check up with mechanics and claim for the warranty if applicable.
The Battery is Old
Car batteries can function perfectly fine for up to three to five years. In some cases, they can survive for seven years as well under ideal conditions.
You can see the signs of an aging battery when your vehicle does not start properly and the car stalls. In the case of an old battery, recharge is a temporary solution, and you will have to replace the battery soon.
Environmental Factors
If you live in a place with extreme temperatures, the battery may fail sooner than you expect. If the area is too hot or too cold, the battery will lose its ability to operate at maximum capacity.
Long-term exposure of vehicles to extreme temperatures can impact your car battery’s longevity. Therefore, it is important to park your vehicle in the right spots.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery?
The time it takes to charge a car battery (generally, 12 V) depends on the number of amps. Generally, we use 2, 4, 10, and 40 amps chargers.
So, how long does it take to charge a car battery with these amps? Here is a breakdown of the time requires to charge a battery based on amps:
Time for Two Amps
If you are charging your car with a 2 amp battery, it will take about 24 hours to 48 hours. This type of amp power is for trickle charging. It will help in maintaining the battery at a specific level.
You can use it by leaving the charger for a long time. Moreover, it is the best solution if you do not use your car regularly.
Time for Four Amps
It will take about 12 hours to reach full charge when you use four amps. Generally, a battery holds up to 48 amps; therefore, it takes 12 hours with four amps.
It is a good choice for your car if you want to maintain a certain battery level for some time. Moreover, if you want to maintain the level and trickle charging takes too much time for you can use this.
Time for Ten Amps
You can charge a half-discharged battery in less than 3 hours with a ten amps charger. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to charge a 50% discharged medium-sized battery. If it is fully empty, you have to double the number to check the time.
Also, it takes up to 4 hours to 7 hours to charge a large RC 85-190 battery. It is one of the fastest ways to charge your car battery.
Time for Twelve Amps
You can use a 12 amps charger when you can get five miles range per hour of charge. It takes lesser time to charge than a 4 or 10 amps charger.
However, you must ensure that you are not charging using a circuit with multiple outlets. Therefore, take a look at the wiring and circuit before using a 12 amps charger.
Time for Forty Amps
Forty amps chargers are the quickest way to charge your car battery. It takes only a few minutes to charge completely.
However, please ensure not to overcharge your battery since it is quite common with a 40 amps charger. Overcharging can damage your car battery and shorten its lifespan.
Final Words
It will take about 2 to 4 hours to boost your battery enough to start your engine. Although it is possible to charge the battery rapidly, it is best to recharge it slowly. It will ensure better performance in the long run.
So, the answer to the question, how long does it take to charge a car battery is as discussed above. The time it takes to charge a dead battery completely depends on the charger.
