Advice On Keeping My Stationary Car's Battery Charged ...

[ladybirder]

while self-isolating please.  Calling all AB car engineers;-) I don't want to let it go flat in case of emergency plus I may want to take a ride now and again and park up and look at a lovely view instead of walls without contact with anyone.  Will sitting in the car and running the engine for 15-20 minutes mean it will start a week later?  Also is it better to drive the car rather than just sit running the engine?  Thanks.

[TheDevil]

Yes your car battery will charge when idling. Your car battery will be charged by your alternator which will provide electricity to charge the battery.

[TheDevil]

Ladybirder it's important to know that idling won't sufficiently charge your battery, but it will charge it. It would be best to go for a half a hour drive.

[ToraToraTora]

start once a week and run for at least 20 mins, also may be worth getting a solar charger.

[Arrods]

Or buy a charger that can 'trickle charge' the battery?

[MargoTester]

https://www.confused.com/on-the-road/driving-law/fines-for-idling
Very bad for the environment and illegal

[retrocop]

If you intend to self isolate for some time I would seriously suggest a solar battery charger.I have two and they are brilliant. Just leave the solar panel on your dash board and plug into the aux.socket/cigar lighter. They supply a second set of leads with crocodile clips also. Not that expensive. I've had mine for about 5years and still going strong.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AA-Essentials-12V-Solar-Powered-Car-Battery-Charger-Solar-Panel-EOBD-Version/283487966962?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item42013316f2:g:Ri0AAOSwz7hc3t-p&;enc=AQAEAAAC

[bhg481]

It's much better for your car to drive it rather than just let it idle. The engine warms up more quickly, it stops the tyres getting "flat-spots" by just sitting in the same place, the brakes get use (which stops the cylinders ceasing).

[bhg481]

If you do go down the solar-charger path, make sure the auxilliary socket you plug it in to is live without the ignition being on (not all are), otherwise you'll be wasting your time.

[retrocop]

Yes. I forgot to mention that. That's partly why they supply the crocodile leads as well.

[woofgang]

I am currently unable to use my car at all. I took advice and run the engine on my drive for 2 hours ish every 4 to 5 weeks. This may be a bit overkill but I have been doing this since november all all fine so far. Something which hasn't been mentioned is that if you leave the car undriven then there is a risk that the tyre will flatten on the bit taking the weight. When I run my engine I move the the car slightly so that the weight of the car rests on a different part of the tyre. I can't disconnect the battery because If I need the car it will be an emergency. I have also bought one of these as a back up. Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[TheDevil]

Just so people know.. there are way to charge batteries without having an engine idling.

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/battery-maintenance/battery-chargers/halfords-automatic-battery-charger---vehicles-up-to-2.0l-329075.html?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Motoring%3EBattery+Maintenance%3EBattery+Chargers-_-Motoring%3EBattery+Maintenance%3EBattery+Chargers-_-329075&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=62b447cf-331e-4fec-a47a-9985ff72d404&istItemId=xiqwpqml&istBid=tztt&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:8979078122|agid:94446539727|tid:pla-329023466368|crid:412800843095|nw:g|rnd:16069181974870309306|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:1006837&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6sHzBRCbARIsAF8FMpVH2cOuM1XD_eFxhGM-VIroqK_OKJMbLkcjuPhf9GMDLoKyUd8YzcAaAiyCEALw_wcB

[fiction-factory]

I don't see any thing to stop you taking the car out for a drive every now and again. It will do you and the car good. The idea of self isolation is to reduce your exposure to other people and to viruses left by others in public places. Going for a walk or drive by yourself is fine

[bhg481]

ff is absolutely right - the best thing for the car is to be driven.

[ladybirder]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Margo, I believe it is illegal only on public roads so that doesn't apply here as my car is on my block of flats' car park. But being worse for the environment than driving does apply to me so I shan't do it anymore. Thank you.
Next door has a trickle charger I can borrow if I want but I think that having a drive round will do me good so I'll stick with that for the moment. I shall refer back to this thread if that changes and choose one of the options suggested here. Thank you all again.
Woofgang I am astounded that your car will start after being left standing for 5 weeks. Have I misunderstood you?

[woofgang]

no not at all, as I said I run it for 2 hours ish every 4 weeks or so. Its in a private space so not illegal and yes I know its not good for the environment but I don't drive it at all at present so that will surely offset at least some of the emissions.

[bednobs]

really? wont most batteries still work after 5 weeks?

[woofgang]

ps not 5 weeks, almost 5 months.

[MargoTester]

Hi Ladybirder sorry I thought you meant on a road. It's just that I was told off myself for leaving engine running whilst waiting for my OH to pay for an MOT (well it was January and freezing cold) :-)

[bednobs]

why cant you drive woofers? that must be a pain!

[ladybirder]

No need to apologise Margo you didn't know.