I do not drive the car very often. Usually once in a week and only for very short distances (i.e. 3 miles or so). Lately, I need a jump start to get the car started and the mechanics say I do not need battery change either. The prescription is to drive the car once in a while for 40 minutes or so. I also heard AAA people saying starting the car and set the car idling will do which means I do not even need to drive it around to get the battery charged. Is it true? Many thanks.
2007-01-03 09:00:52 · 8 answers · asked by confusedA 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
A lot of alternators don't put out good voltage while the engine is idling. There are other reasons to take it for a good drive occasionally. The engine has to get hot enough to burn off condensation and for the coolant to circulate to to keep the system healthy. The exhaust has to get hot enough to burn off all the water that combustion leaves as a byproduct. Not many things are worse for a car than a lot of too short drives.
2007-01-03 10:03:25 · answer #1 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Car batteries are charged at a very low rate while idling; and even less if you are using lights, radio, heater etc. If it is cold where you are you need to buy either a trickle charger or a solar charger to keep your battery topped off. Discharged batteries can and do freeze, which will ruin it and if it bursts an expensive mess or explosion. You can try to chain your trips so that you can drive for longer periods of time. Short trips of less than 10 minutes total; are also hard on the engine and transmission because they don't get up to operating temperature long enough to burn off internal condensation. If your battery is in good condition, one 20 min trip every 3 to 4 weeks is usually enough to keep it charged.
2007-01-03 09:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by Albert F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm no mechanic but I believe that it's hard on the exhaust system if you just let the car idle or only drive for short periods of time. The battery will charge if the car is idling.
2007-01-03 09:04:05 · answer #3 · answered by blueskies_14 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will charge at an idle. But you really should drive it around a bit and get it up to speed. Lots of short trips are very hard on vehicles. A longer trip will take it up to proper operating temperatures and help to clear things out. (Condensation and the like)
2007-01-03 09:07:47 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a car will charge while at idle. If if does not then the alternator is shot and needs to be replaced.
2007-01-03 09:03:28 · answer #5 · answered by Biker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 volts , but it sounds like you have a problem with the voltage regulator, or some of the wires have gone bad . you really need the charging system checked out by a pro.
2016-05-22 23:41:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think as long as the car is running,the battery will be charging but i would still have the battery tested. you can go to any auto parts store and they will test it for you for free
2007-01-03 09:09:08 · answer #7 · answered by ken s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it will charge, but not much, not fully. Youre better revving it up.
2007-01-03 09:14:15 · answer #8 · answered by bahhh 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋