Having trouble, does a new car battery need to be charged or not?
Well, you have reached the exact place. This is one of the most common questions about new car batteries because many people start the engine after installing it.
The answer is very simple. A new car battery doesn’t need to be charged to run the vehicle. Most of the batteries arrive fully charged and the alternator works to charge the battery while the car is running.
In this tutorial, we shall be sharing accurate data on everything you need to know about car battery charging. Not only that, we shall be looking at additional information on what to do after installing a new car battery, and more.
Does a New Car Battery Need to Be Charged
A new car battery is the new life of the car. Guess how? Without a perfect or active battery, a car doesn’t run as needed. Most of the brand-new batteries are sealed and come with enough charge. The less or more fully charged supports starting your vehicle fast. And the capacity is probably 90 percent for riding. In this case, you don’t need to charge it before its first usage.
However, modern cars have many better-charging circuits that can prevent exaggerated charging voltage. If you have a rusty car, you don’t need to charge a new battery while installing it. Just clean the terminals before connecting the battery. Then, settle it in your car and run.
Another important thing, you can verify the voltage of the charging. If the voltage is about 14 volts, your engine can run properly by using the new battery. Do you notice the charging voltage is lower? The problem is your car, not the new battery.
You know, maximum car batteries are charged automatically while the engine is running. That means you drive your car and the alternator works for charging your battery at the same time. Remember, all cars have generators or alternators.
The amount of alternating current charge is enough to run as soon as possible. But, if you have any confusion, you can see the battery’s manual directions.
On the other hand, some new car batteries aren’t able to provide power without charging. Or, they are not charged sufficiently to begin your car. There are several battery chargers designed for charging car batteries. You can use one to fully charge.
Moreover, you use jumper cables and connect the positive to the positive terminal as well as the negative to the negative terminal to start the vehicle.
What to Do After Installing a New Car Battery?
When you install a new car battery, you have to consider some things. Typically, car batteries have 40% to 90% charged while getting. This amount is not bad for starting your lovely car. Now, place it in the tray and secure it with a clamping device. For this reason, you can reduce vibration. It is also the major fact in failing the car battery. If you need to clean the battery cable, you will do it before installing it.
Perhaps, 10 minutes or more of normal driving can provide you with a fully charged battery when first installed.
Want to Last Your Battery as Much as an Extra Year?
You have to take some time after installing the new car battery. You can put a trickle charger on the battery and wait until it is fully charged. The alternator allows 50 Amps to charge the battery. If you only depend on the alternating current, your battery can damage or reduce its life by 20%.
It is also important to check the battery’s state of charge by using a voltmeter. To quickly charge, the battery requires 13.8 to 14.2 volts.
The 12-volt battery is the standard and more usable in today’s vehicles. This kind of battery is considered at 12.6 volts or higher to be fully charged. Somehow your battery’s voltage falls, and you notice the difference in engine performance.
How Often Does a New Car Battery Need to Be Charged
A new car battery typically does not need to be charged, as it is charged at the factory before being installed in the vehicle. However, if a car battery is not being used or is not receiving a charge from the alternator while the car is running, it may need to be charged. It is generally recommended to check the battery’s charge level at least once a month and to charge it if necessary. In general, how often a car battery needs to be charged will depend on the usage of the vehicle and the condition of the battery.
Should I Run My Car After Installing a New Battery?
The best way is to idle your car for at least 20 minutes after installing a new battery. Most of the riders like this easy process. Another way is to ride the car a five-mile to fully charge the battery. Yes, you can apply this procedure frequently if it doesn’t work.
Do New Batteries Come Charged?
Yes, new batteries come fully charged or 80 percent charged depending on the models. In the past, batteries didn’t provide this feature. Before purchasing a new battery, you should check all the features.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a New Car Battery?
Generally, a new battery doesn’t need to charge when first used. But, some new car batteries require a charge to start your vehicle. If the charge amps are from 4 to 8 amperes, you can wait 10 to 24 hours to charge the battery fully. It requires 2 to 4 hours for boosting your battery along with starting the engine.
Can a New Car Battery Be Recharged?
When your battery goes to die, it can be recharged by applying the jumping method. This is the most usable way to charge the dying batteries. In this case, you should use a high-end charger. It is not necessary to charge it for a long time. Just you have to plug in the charger in less than 24 hours. Then you get a fully rechargeable battery.
Is It Safe to Charge a New Car Battery?
Yes, it is safe to charge a new car battery. However, it is important to use a charger that is specifically designed for car batteries and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging the battery. Overcharging or undercharging the battery can damage it and reduce its performance and lifespan.
Some Final Words
So, we stand at the dead-end of the writing on whether a new car battery needs to be charged or not. When you drive your car, a new battery charges technically. Hopefully, you are smart enough to understand that the battery has charged fully. If it has no sufficient charge, you need to add a charger.
A new car battery does not typically need to be charged before it is used, as it should have a sufficient charge from the factory. However, it is recommended to check the battery’s charge level and charge it if necessary before installing it in the vehicle. Additionally, if a new battery is going to be stored for an extended period of time before being used, it should be charged periodically to maintain its health.
Good Luck and Happy Riding!
Featured image credit: sinastartyre.ae
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About This Writer
Hi, I am responsible for the 'Homeowners Power Solutions' category. My name is Liam Jaxon and a licensed technician with 7 years of experience in vehicle batteries, electrical gadgets, and home appliances. My working experience in different residential & light commercial electrical sectors and the automobile industry helped to acquire vast knowledge in this industry.