2007-01-01 05:06:37 · 10 answers · asked by peter1406x 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
A battery will charge better with the engine anywhere above idle.
2007-01-01 05:10:19 · answer #1 · answered by gdwrnch40 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The alternator on a car does produce a charge to the battery at any engine speed and the vehicle does not need to be moving, if everything is operating normally.
But, At idle, charging systems are not doing the best job they can, meaning the faster the engine and in turn the alternator turns the more charging capability the unit has, to a point.
Also,there is alot of heat generated when you are working the unit hard which can be dispersed easier at higher engine rpm's and also with the movement of the entire car.
Hope I didn't get to technical.
2007-01-01 06:03:34 · answer #2 · answered by AlwaysLearning 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Car batteries will charge while idling as well as while the car is moving.
A voltage regulator on the engine maintains the battery charge at a certain level whenever the engine is runniing.
With a 12 volt system 14.5 Volts is normal. This prevents both over charge and undercharge. As you turn on your headlights and or accessories the regulator will adjust the amount of amperage to keep the car operating normally.
Keep in mind that a fully discharged battery will need to be placed on a battery charger to replace lost voltage. A car altenator purpose is to replace amps.
2007-01-01 05:32:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the vehicle is idling the battery will get some charge from the alternator depending on if you have accessories running i.e, radio, a/c, heater etc. If you do have accessories running the battery can actually be discharging, just watch your voltage meter if your vehicle is equipped with one or if a battery light comes on then you should rev the engine up to overcome the discharge or turn off accessories.
2007-01-01 10:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by Bill S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to get a battery charger. I just picked up at WalMart for $18, works like a champ.
But as long as the engine is running, the battery will get charged unless you have a bad alternator.....
2007-01-01 05:19:44 · answer #5 · answered by coop67n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the alternator is working properly it will recharge in idle.
2007-01-01 06:23:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will charge at an idle...but will take longer than if you are using the vehicle!
2007-01-01 06:39:00 · answer #7 · answered by Nibbles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will charge on and off, when the voltage drops to a certain level the alternator will charge it.
2007-01-01 05:17:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it's running it's charging
2007-01-01 05:09:01 · answer #9 · answered by powerstroker_18 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will charge if you start it no matter what..
2007-01-01 05:11:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋