charging an automotive battery BEFORE there is a problem

[john keyes]

seem like a good idea?

I don't want to overcharge, I have a big interstate about a year and a half old. seems like the time to do it. no problems so far though.

[R.W.Dale]

seem like a good idea?

I don't want to overcharge, I have a big interstate about a year and a half old. seems like the time to do it. no problems so far though.

If you don't already own a Schumacer computerized batter charger this is your excuse to buy one. In fact I'll go so far as to say that if overcharging is a concern then it's time for you to buy a more modern battery charger

[P.A. Myers]

In any type of normal use a battery should never require an external charge. For cars that sit for long periods, use an automatic charger. These cost about 40 bucks. If you worry about a battery's charge status buy a cheap hydrometer, instructions come with it.

[Bugflipper]

I bought a solar trickle charger for my atv (1.5 watt). Those little batteries are $80-100. They weren't lasting me long enough by not getting used often. I have 5 years on this one and it cranks fine every time. I went ahead and bought one for a truck that sits quite a bit. Harbor freight has them on sale for $10 if you watch for them. They are usually $20. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44768

[hillbill]

i use a brand of charger called the "battery tender". it is a small trickle charger that turns itself off and on as the battery requires.i have probably 10 batteries in use at all time in bikes, atvs, farm equipment, vehicles etc.some of them are only used occasionally and the battery tender charger is moved from one to another as i happen to walk by or think of it. since i started useing it ive been able to get as high as 6 yrs out of motorcycle batts, that is pretty darn good.mowers and stuff git charged periodically all winter.there is one school of thought that says occasionally "hot" chargeing, say at 15 amps or better, can cause the bubbleing and internal activity need to keep a battery from sulphateing, or growing corrosion on the lead plates that is the end of almost every lead acid battery.i would like to try one of those solar chargers one poster talked about. they sound perfect for my farm tractor and backhoe that are often parked away from electricity.

[Dave in WV]

It depends on how much you use your vehicle. I use a Schauer battery maintainer on my truck and ATV. My truck sits long enough the battery builds up sulfur on the paltes and ruins it. My ATV sits sometimes for several weeks before I ride it. My riding mower seems ok without being charged but it has no constant battery drain.