How Long Should I Run My Car to Charge the Battery?

We’ve all heard that leaving a car battery idle may cause it to deteriorate. Driving is the most efficient way to charge your car battery. The amount of time required to charge a battery is dependent on the last time it was recharged. So, how long should you drive your car in order to charge the battery?

How Does A Car Battery Charge

The alternator maintains a steady supply of alternating current (AC) electricity to the battery. Every time the vehicle starts, the alternator generates power. As a result, the battery gets charged the entire time the car engine is operating.

How Long to Run A Car To Recharge the Battery

The time it takes to charge a vehicle battery is determined by two factors: the amperage of the charger and the capacity of the battery itself.  A higher amperage charger will charge the battery in less time, it is recommended the charger be at least 10% of the battery capacity.

The longer the battery has been depleted, the longer it will take to recharge. However, if you drive for around 30 minutes, your car will most likely generate some charge for the battery to function, although to fully recharge your battery it will need to be placed on the appropriate independent battery charger.  

How Often To Drive A Car To Recharge Battery

There is no definitive answer to this. Many vehicles may sit for two weeks and still start the first time they are turned on. Others may fail in less than a week. The vehicle, the battery’s health, and the surrounding environment all have a role. In general, it is suggested to drive the car at least once a week to maintain optimum battery health. It is a good practice to get your battery tested by experts to know about its conditions and how to maintain it. At SW batteries, we offer free battery testing using the latest digital diagnostic equipment.