How To Charge A Car Battery
Want to find out how to safely charge a car battery? You’re in the right place!
There is nothing worse than feeling your car limp along, losing power. Whether you’re facing a dead battery, or simply want to maintain its health – charging your car battery really is a straightforward task. To save you time and money, this step-by-step guide will help you safely charge your car battery with ease, using easily accessible tools and supplies. So, let’s get started…
Things you will need
Battery charger (with appropriate voltage settings)
Safety goggles and gloves
Adjustable wrench or pliers
Clean microfibre cloth
Step 1
Safety First
Before beginning the process of charging your battery, take some time to put safety precautions in place. Put on safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from potential hazards. Then, ensure your workspace is free of clutter for a smooth process, and park your car in a well-ventilated area with enough space for safe access.
Step 2
Turn Off Everything
Now that you are well prepared, it’s time to get getting going. First things first, ensure your car is turned off, including the car’s lights, accessories, and the engine. This prevents any electrical mishaps during the charging process. Be sure to take extra caution, ensuring the engine has cooled down before moving onto the next step.
Step 3
Locate the Battery
Next up, it’s time to locate the battery. Release the bonnet latch and then open it to access the engine compartment. Once open, identify the battery. It is usually a rectangular or square-shaped box with two terminals – one red (positive) and one black (negative). If you are unsure, consult your car’s manufacturers manual.
Sometimes, a battery will be located underneath a clamp which keeps it in place. To remove this, use your wrench to undo the bolts and gently remove the clamp. If the bolts are stiff, or seized, use a spritz of WD-40® Multi-Use Product to help release them. The innovative formula instantly penetrates rust, corrosion, and build up to loosen them effectively.
Step 4
Attach the Battery Charger
Once you have located your car’s battery, you can connect the charger. Firstly, read the manufacturer’s instructions for your battery charger to find the right voltage. Set the charger to the appropriate voltage for your battery (typically 12V for most cars).
Now that the charger is set correctly, take a look at the terminals on your battery. If you notice any build up, it is best to use WD-40 Specialist® Contact Cleaner before charging. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the terminal, and also helps to remove any condensation for more efficient electrical contact. Simply spray a squirt of the product directly into the terminal, allowing it to dry completely before continuing with the next steps.
Once dry, connect the red clamp of the charger to the positive terminal (marked ‘+’) of the battery and the black clamp of the charger to the negative terminal (marked ‘-‘) of the battery.
Step 5
Power Up!
Once the charger is correctly connected, it’s time to power up. Plug the charger into a power outlet and turn it on. Follow the charger’s instructions for the recommended charging time. Some chargers have a “trickle charge” mode for maintaining battery health. If available, use this mode after the initial charge.
Step 6
Re-attach Clamps
When the charging time is complete, re-attach the battery clamps in the correct order: positive clamp first, then negative clamp. Then, tighten the screws securely to ensure good electrical contact.
Before turning the engine back on, double-check all connections and make sure the clamps are tight.
Step 7
Re-start the Engine
Once you have completed your final checks, it’s time to test your work! Start your car and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the battery is properly charged.
Now you know!
Charging a car battery is a simple DIY task that can help keep your vehicle running smoothly. By following the above step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to safely and effectively charge your car battery. Remember, safety always comes first, so take your time and ensure all connections are secure before starting your vehicle.
Found this blog useful? Why not discover more ways that WD-40® can help with all of your car’s needs.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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