How Many Times Should You Charge an Auto Battery?

Proper battery care will keep your car's battery working longer.

Charge it Often

Automotive batteries are designed to be fully charged almost all of the time. When you start your car, your charging system immediately goes to work to recharge the battery to replace the energy used to start the car. Your car's battery gets charged thousands of times during its normal life.

Charge as Needed

Though the car's charging system can restore a lightly used battery, don't rely on it if your battery was drained by leaving a light on or connected to an electronic device. A fully charged battery will measure 12.6 volts. Any time the battery's charge drops below 10.7 volts, charge the battery with an external charger.

Bottom Line

Though the car's system will keep a battery charged sufficiently in normal conditions, use an external charger whenever the car battery's charge drops to 10.7 volts or lower.

References

• Edmunds: A Shocking Expose: Your Car's Battery

Resources

• Schauer Battery Charger Company: Instructions for your Safety