If your car won’t start, one of the first things you should check is the battery.
If the battery is dead, you’ll need to charge it before the car starts. Connecting a battery charger is a simple process. Still, following proper instructions is important to avoid damaging the battery or charger.
We’ll explain everything about how to connect battery charger to a car battery. We’ll go over all the steps you need to take to ensure a safe and successful connection.
Why Do You Need A Battery Charger?
Your car battery is the power source of your vehicle. Over time, it loses its charge and dies eventually. It mostly happens during prolonged storage and when you use the vehicle for too many short trips.
During a short journey, a battery needs to work harder, but the alternator cannot refill that power because of the short duration. Hooking up battery charger can save the battery from dying in these situations. There is a type that can even bring a dead battery to life.
There are a few different types of car battery chargers:
Trickle Charger
It’s one of the most popular charger types that slowly charges the battery over time. So, it’s an excellent option to keep your car idle or in storage for a long time. It can also save a battery from deterioration caused by short journeys.
Solar Charger
A solar battery charger is a device that harnesses energy from sunlight to charge rechargeable batteries. It typically consists of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in batteries for later use. This eco-friendly and portable solution is commonly used to power various devices, from smartphones and laptops to camping gear and emergency backup systems, without relying on traditional electrical outlets.
Heavy-Duty Charger
This deep cycle battery charger works effectively in bringing dead batteries to life. There are automatic versions that can monitor the power level without any external interference. You will find models with various power outputs, so choose the one that suits your needs.
Jump-starter
A jump-starter is not technically a battery charger but also recharges a car battery. It gives a dead unit a power boost to start the vehicle. Jump starters are great for emergencies but are not meant for long-term use. You should only use a jump starter if you absolutely need to and recharge the battery as soon as possible.
How to Connect Battery Charger to a Car Battery
You may need a battery charger hookup to keep a battery from dying slowly or recharge a dead unit. Whatever your need is, we’ve covered everything about how to connect a battery charger to a car, from preparation to connection and disconnection.
Preparation for a Battery Charger Hookup
Before you connect a battery charger, you must check and prepare a few things ahead of time. Lack of preparation can lead to many problems.
Check the owner’s manual
Read the owner’s manual and learn about the voltage requirements for your battery and what type of battery it is or if you need to remove your batteries before charging.
Learn the specs
The next step would be to learn the specifications of your charger to use appropriately. You can also get this information from the manual provided with your charger. Make sure that this is the correct charger needed for your batteries.
Inspect and comprehend the meaning and use of every switch, dial, or reading used for the charger or the batteries.
Ensure your safety
Use protective gear to protect yourself from probable causes. Make sure your area has a healthy ventilation system and is dry and safe. This will help with dissipating the hydrogen gas that batteries generate.
Also, keep flammable materials away from your battery at all times.
Clean the battery
If needed, mix baking soda with water to clean the terminals and neutralize any sulfuric acid or corrosion that may have splashed on them. Apply the mixture with an old toothbrush. You can also use a wired brush to clean the terminals.
Remove the connections
Before connecting the charger, turn off all vehicle accessories and remove both battery cables from the battery terminal. Begin with the negative (Black) cable and then with the positive (Red) cable.
How to Attach a Battery Charger to a Car Battery
After taking the necessary measures, you are set to charge your car batteries. Follow these steps to learn how to connect battery charger.
- Position the charger away from the battery as far as the cables allow. This will ensure that the unit is protected from any possible airborne sulfuric acid vapor.
- The first step is connecting the disconnected clamp on the negative (Black) terminal and then on the positive (Red) terminal. You can do this by either removing your car batteries or charging them while it is still in the car.
- Next, you must adjust the voltage and amperage on the charger with the voltage output selector, which is usually located on the front of the charging unit. Check your vehicle owner’s manual if you do not find the required voltage anywhere on the battery case.
- It would be best to start at the lowest rate if your charger has an adjustable charge rate. It is also called a trickle charging method, but this way of charging takes time, even though it is considered a better method. But if you are trying to start the car quickly, you must use a higher amperage.
- Now you can plug the charger into a power source and wait. The time to fully charge can vary depending on the size of your battery. After it is fully charged, the charger may automatically shut off. Remember not to fiddle with the cable while it’s charging.
So, this is how to connect battery charger to your vehicle’s battery unit.
Disconnecting a Battery Charger Connection
Once the battery is fully charged, remove the plug from the power source or wall socket. Disconnect the clamp by starting with the negative terminal (Black) and moving on to the positive terminal (Red).
Reconnect the car’s wiring to the proper battery terminals, first to the Red and then the Black one. Now your battery is charged and set for you to start your ride!
Final Words
Following the how to connect battery charger guide will help you do the task without any issues. Practicing caution and taking measures before connecting your car’s battery charger is a must.
If there is something you do not understand about the battery or the charger, take a look at the owner’s manual.
