- Joined
- 17 Apr 2007
- Messages
- 2,432
- Reaction score
- 120
- Country
This is something I've always done when jump starting cars.
When started, I check for 13.5+v across the terminals to be certain the alternator's working.
However, I've had a look at the RACQ website and its advising the following -
"
After leaving the car's lights on and flattening the battery, going for a drive will recharge it
FALSE
You won’t fully recharge your battery by going for a drive, idling the engine, or going for a short stop-start trip. In fact, ‘surface’ charging or continuous undercharging will lower the capacity of the battery over time and shorten its life. You could also void the battery warranty by not recharging it correctly.
The only way to reliably restore a flat battery’s charge is to use an appropriate multi-stage battery charger. The charger voltage needs to be high enough to mix the battery acid evenly in the electrolyte to prevent ‘stratification’.
"
I've never had bother with the alternator charging the battery!
When started, I check for 13.5+v across the terminals to be certain the alternator's working.
However, I've had a look at the RACQ website and its advising the following -
"
After leaving the car's lights on and flattening the battery, going for a drive will recharge it
FALSE
You won’t fully recharge your battery by going for a drive, idling the engine, or going for a short stop-start trip. In fact, ‘surface’ charging or continuous undercharging will lower the capacity of the battery over time and shorten its life. You could also void the battery warranty by not recharging it correctly.
The only way to reliably restore a flat battery’s charge is to use an appropriate multi-stage battery charger. The charger voltage needs to be high enough to mix the battery acid evenly in the electrolyte to prevent ‘stratification’.
"
I've never had bother with the alternator charging the battery!