How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery?

by Joshua Thomas

Many car owners rarely think about their car batteries. It only struck them hard when the battery dies. Jump starting is a common technique used by many people.

So, how long does it take to charge a car battery? Well, it ranges from 30 minutes to 24 hours. But this depends on the type of battery and charger.

Charging car batteries is a daunting experience. The process requires certain expertise to save your battery and improve its lifespan.

We have done thorough research to answer all the questions relating to the car battery charger. The information will help you reduce the risk of getting stuck in the wilderness.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery?
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery?

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery While Driving?

The safest method to charge a car battery is through driving. The engine generates power while driving and sent to the battery through alternators.

There is no risk of overcharging the battery since the excess power generated can be used elsewhere in the electronic car system.

So, how long does it take to charge a car battery while driving? A fully charged battery takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, this tends to vary depending on the battery type and charger.

Research shows that a car engine with a higher revolution per minute tends to charge a battery faster. It generates a higher amount of power that is enough to charge a battery regardless of the brand fully.

Keep in mind that city speed is enough to charge your car battery fully. That's not all. You can hit the road with a minimum of 55 miles per hour to enhance better battery charging.

We also recommend turning off the headlight and audio electrics while driving to shorten the period of charging. Never turn off the headlights while driving at night.

If your car battery is not charging, then it might be old or worn out. Most car batteries tend to last about 5 to 7 years. We recommend replacing the battery ASAP (Check the Prices on Amazon).

Besides that, bad alternators can hidden battery charging. The best solution is visiting the nearest garage for the correction though it is too expensive.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Dead Car Battery?

The type of battery and charger tends to play a huge role. Getting the right charger and battery will determine the exact time it will take to be fully charged.

So, how long does it take to charge a dead car battery? The approximate time will range between 4 and 24 hours. But this depends on the amperes of the charger and size of the battery.

Research shows that a high amperes charger takes a shorter period than a low amperes charger. But the low amperes charger is the best for maintaining the car battery to last longer.

That's not all. The size and brand of the battery play a crucial role when it comes to the period of charging. Mid-size car battery with 40-80 Ah tends to take a shorter time than large size battery for trucks.

Besides that, the Gel battery tends to charge a bit faster than regular wet batteries. There are numerous car battery brands in the market, and the best brand is Optima Batteries ( Check the Best Prices on Amazon).

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery While Idling?

The car engine tends to generate power while running. The duration of charging the battery tends to depend on many things.

So, how long does it take to charge a car battery while idling? It will take about 2 hours, depending on the size and type of charger.

Research shows that an idle car can charge a flat 80 amps battery to 80 percent within 2 hours. But this is dependent on the functionality of the alternators. These components should be able to produce 14 volts at the battery terminal the whole time.

Keep in mind that cars are not meant for being idle. They should be driven to remain in good condition and improve the lifespan of the battery.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Car Battery with a Trickle Charger?

The time is taken to charge a battery from flat to the full depending on the size and type of chargers. Besides that, other factors need to be put into consideration.

So, how long does it take to charge a car battery with a trickle charger? Charging a dead battery with a tickle charge may take about 10 to 24 hours.

The average time taken to charge a battery to start a car is about 2 to 4 hours. But this depends on whether the device is a faster charger.

We recommend paying a lot of attention when using a trickle charger to strike a balance between speed and safety.

Trickle chargers rated at 40 amps tend to charge car battery faster, but they normally increase the risk of overcharging.

Low trickle chargers tend to take longer to charge a battery fully. It is regarded to be the best since it is not associated with the risk of overcharging.

How Long to Charge a Car Battery at 2, 6 and 10 Amps

The speed of charging the car battery depends on the charging device and size of the battery. Besides that, the overall goal tends to play a vital role.

So, how long to charge a car battery at 2amps? It takes about 24 hours and more. Keep in mind that the amount of amperage used when using a trickle charge plays a crucial role.

That's not all. How long to charge a car battery at six amps? The total time taken to charge a car battery fully is about 8 hours. You should note that six amps are not the best option for quick charging.

Lastly, how long to charge a car battery at ten amps? It approximately takes 4 to 11 hours to charge a battery fully. Keep in mind that you do not need to charge a battery to start the engine fully.

Final Thoughts from Expert

How long does it take to charge a car battery? Well, it is quite difficult to state the exact time. Car battery charging is dependent on a lot of things, such as the type of charger and size of the battery.

Driving around daily helps to keep the battery charged enough to start the engine. Leaving the car idle for weeks will force you to invest in trickle chargers ( Check Best Prices on Amazon).

Driving the car often is the safest method of charging the battery. It will help increase the lifespan and also reduce the extra cost of buying new car batteries.

About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

Leave a Reply