You are all set to go, holding a cup of coffee in your hands, you turn the key and notice your car didn’t start. This is usually a sign of a dead car battery. But do not worry and think your day is ruined, as it is not. There is no need to panic or call a tow truck as charging a car battery is not a daunting task. Do you want to know how long it takes to charge a car battery? It entirely depends on the type of charger and the condition of your battery.
In this blog, we will guide you on how to charge a car battery, how much time it takes, and how to get back on the road quickly.
How long does it take to charge a Car Battery?
Charging a car battery depends on some factors, such as the type of charger and the condition of the battery. If you choose a charger with low amperage, it can take more time to charge your car’s battery as compared to using a charger with high amperage. Let’s explore further the estimated time to charge a car battery.
| Charger Type | Estimated Time | Source |
| Trickle Charger (2 amps) | 12–24 hours | Battery University |
| Standard Charger (10 amps) | 4-6 hours | Autozone |
| Fast Charger (20+ amps) | 1-2 hours | Halfords UK |
| Jump Start & Drive | 30 minutes to several hours driving | RAC |
Point to Consider:
Prefer fast charging a car battery in case of emergencies only. It can impact our car`s battery health. For long-term battery health, opt for slower and safer charging methods.
Steps for Charging a Flat Car Battery
There are some important steps to take while charging a flat battery. Let’s discuss them in detail below.
Prioritize Safety
Safety should be the top priority when you plan to charge a car battery. Make sure the battery charger is unplugged and switched off before you connect it to the battery. Be careful in this matter to face any incident later.
Connect the Charger
Be careful while connecting the charger. Identify the negative (-) and positive (+) terminals on the battery and connect them wisely. Attach the positive clamp (red) to the positive terminal and the negative clamp (black) to the negative terminal of the charger to charge a car battery.
Power Up
After connecting the clamps to the terminals, plug the charger into a power outlet and turn it on. Set the charger mode according to the condition of the battery. Must follow the instructions of the charger to avoid any inconvenience later.
Complete Charging & Disconnect
After your battery gets charged, completely turn off the charger and unplug it. Unplug the negative clamp first and then the positive. Start the car and let it turn on for a while. Unplug the charger after the completion of charging as soon as possible to avoid acid leaks. Overcharging can cause issues with your battery. Modern chargers shut down after the battery gets charged completely.
But if you have the traditional charger, monitor it carefully to save your battery. After reading these steps, you must know how to charge a car battery.
Factors That Affect Charging Time
Besides the charger, some other factors also influence the charging time of your battery. For instance:
Battery Size: Keep in mind that larger batteries take more time to charge.
Battery Age & Condition: If your car’s battery is old enough and worn out, it can take more than expected time to charge.
Weather: if the weather is cold in your area, it can slow down the charging process of the battery.
Need help with your Car Battery? Trust the Experts at London Motor Sports
Don’t let a flat battery ruin your day when London Motor Sports is there to assist you. Whether you are dealing with a dead battery or want to replace your battery with a new one, our expert technicians provide tailored solutions, battery replacement and reliable charging solutions so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. We provide the best solutions to our clients according to their queries.