Can I trickle Charge a Car Battery Without Disconnecting it?
You do not need to disconnect a car battery before charging it with a trickle charger.
Gas bills are steady on the increase, making more people consider alternate transportation options. In the same vein, it is not uncommon to leave your car parked for a significant period. But every responsible car owner worries about the battery – these vital car components are famous for their discharge cycle when they are not in use.
A trickle charger can be used to maintain the amps in the battery by slowly charging it. But can you use it to charge your car battery without disconnecting it first?
Can I charge my battery without disconnecting it?
The short answer we will provide is yes. You can charge your battery without disconnecting it, and it will not affect the charge capacity. However, it depends on the type of car charger you are using. If it is a conventional one, devoid of a microprocessor, then we recommend disconnecting it.
You do not have to disconnect your car battery if you will be charging it with a modern or smart charger. Provided you will be leaving your car parked for a significant period, attaching a smart trickle charger is great because it will calculate the precise amount of current needed to make up for the discharged loss.
This is akin to the float mode of most smart chargers, where the charger supplies just enough current to keep the battery above its usual voltage.
You can charge your battery without disconnecting it, but only if you are dealing with chargers that can regulate the charge cycle.
If you are worried about your safety, this is quite common. However, a car battery charger has been designed to act as an alternator. The alternator is the car part that facilitates charging the car battery. As such, these two components have unique structures, which means it is also safe for you to charge your car battery without disconnecting it.
But again, we cannot ultimately eliminate the possibility of a shock or spark if the battery is connected while the charger functions. So, care is also needed.
Safety measures when charging a car battery without disconnecting it
If all your battery needed was a little current from the charger, disconnecting it would be a bother. For this reason, and many other people opt for charging while the battery is still connected.
Again, this is only advisable when it is dealing with a smart charger. These devices contain computers that calculate how much current is needed to bring the battery to a full charge and maintain it to prevent it from discharging.
Charging your battery while it is still connected is possible, but you need to take some precautions. For instance, wear protective gear. Avoid exceeding 14.7 volts when charging, and ensure the vehicle is parked in a well-ventilated place.
You also want to avoid the sun, to prevent the battery from overheating due to a high temperature.
Finally, always inspect your battery before charging it. If there are cracks and swollen parts, these are indications that it needs a replacement.
How to charge a car battery workout disconnecting it
When you must charge a battery that has not been disconnected, this is how to do it properly:
Turn off the ignition
Without turning off the ignition, the chances of sparks and shocks increase. Your car accessories and wires are in danger of being fried. You also need to remove the keys; it is not enough to turn off the ignition.
Attach the clamps
Different charging clamps exist, so you will have to follow manufacturer instructions to specifically determine how to connect yours. You may also have to remove your battery’s connectors, if your car has them, to reveal the battery terminals.
Verify the voltage
Check the battery charger to ensure the right voltage has been selected. Ensure it is unplugged at this point. Experts recommend a slow charge. A fast charge will damage the battery in no time.
Connect the cables
The positive cable must be connected to the positive terminal, which is symbolized with a red plus sign. The negative cable of the car battery charger then goes on the negative terminal, indicated by a black minus sign.
Disconnect the cables
You can disconnect the cables when your battery has charged satisfactorily. Remove the black one before the red.
How to trickle charge a car battery without disconnecting it
The primary function of a trickle charger is to slowly charge a car battery, dead or otherwise. You use it when you are not in a hurry to drive your car. Often, people purchase it when they are not using their batteries for a long time.
A car battery is notorious for self-discharging when it is not in use, albeit slowly. The trickle charger stays connected throughout, regulating the current the battery receives and keeping it slightly above the usual level. That way, you will not return to meet a corroded and bad battery.
Trickle charging a car battery without disconnecting it is akin to using a regular car battery charger. However, the difference is the charge speed – a trickle charger is much slower, designed for long-term use.
To get started, ensure the car is properly tucked away. It should be in a ventilated space, devoid of direct sunlight. The ignition should also be off, with all the vehicle accessories also turned off.
Raise the hood and connect the trickle charger. The red cable should first be attached to the positive terminal, followed by the black to the negative terminal. Follow additional manufacturing instructions before you turn on the charger and leave it to function for as long as you want.
When should you disconnect the car battery before charging?
It is ill-advised to use an older car battery charger while your battery is still connected. They tend to produce too much current, enough to damage the vehicle’s electronic system, because they cannot regulate themselves.
If your car also uses an old lead acid battery, trickle charging it while it is connected is not a good idea. It is unsafe! This is because they contain hydrogen gas, capable of exploding.
