Flat Battery Prevention

[Im a BusyBee]

i know there is a gadget available that will prevent my sports car getting a flat battery due to irregular use. Please can someone tell me what its called and where to get one - is it available in Halfords? or argos even?

[Batman7070]

The one ive seen is called a battery charger. Halfords sell them.

[pauln90]

Probably better off with a Trickle Charger this keeps the battery topped up when the car is not in use.

Here is an example but shop around to see which suits you.

http://www.motocare.co.uk/product.asp?strParen ts=&CAT_ID=117&P_ID=657&gclid=CM7NzLSPo5ACFRMX QgodURPghQ

[funkymoped]

try the solar trickle charger from Maplin electronics.
theyre on special offer at the moment.. �9.99 !!!
connect to the battery with clips, or charge from your ciggy lighter !
www.maplin.co.uk
sorry, i dont know how to add a link !
:-)

[Panic Button]

Or carry a jump start pack

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumb er/7505979/Trail/searchtext%3ESTART.htm

[Toureman]

I use one of these..........

http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?fro m=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=solar+battery+charge r

[mechanimick]

its called a battery isolator switch, tho i havnt seen one for years. try google it.

[sarah_louise]

I notice that nowadays most cars say never connect a battery charger with the car battery conected to the car as you may damage the car electronics. (yet they permit a jump lead connection). Does this make sense ?

[davros89]

a trickle charger would be the best thing to buy as it charges the battery much slower rate than a conventional charger or jump pack. By charging at a lower rate the battery will have a much longer service life than if you keep letting it run flat and then jump starting.
Most trickle chargers cut out when the battery is fully charged so you can connect it up and leave it until you want to use the car again.

[sarah_louise]

I saw this on the Maplins FAQ's re solar charger
If this is correct it is a bit of a waste of money ?

Q) If I have a 12v 110amp Leisure Battery, how long would it take to fully charge the battery?
A) Aprrox 880 hours in sunlight, so approx 3 months