How to Charge a Car Battery Using a Battery Charger

If you find yourself with a dead battery in your car and have access to a battery charger you are only some time away from being on the road again. Whether you are using a small charger known as a trickle charger or a larger unit on wheels, you can charge your battery effectively. There are safety concerns though. Be sure to check the warnings

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Battery charger
• Safety glasses
• Extension cord
• Gloves

1. Locate the battery or remote charging point by consulting the owner's manual. You can also open the hood to find the battery. The battery may be under a seat, in which case a charging point may be provided under the hood.

2. 
   Installed car battery

   Remove any plastic covers that may be protecting the positive and negative posts of the battery. Just push the covers to the side as they are usually pliable. Note the location of positive and negative terminals signified by a plus and a minus sign respectively.

3. Locate the battery charger so that its cables will reach the battery. Make sure your charger will reach an electrical outlet. Add an extension cord if needed.

4. 
   Battery With Charger Clamps

   Place the clamps of the charger on the battery making sure that the red handled clamp goes to the positive battery post and the black handled clamp goes to the negative battery post. If you are not sure, trace the cable attached to the clamp back to the charger and look for a positive or negative designation. If you are still not sure, stop and seek professional advice.

5. Plug the charger in, making sure that the selection switch is set to off.

6. 
   Charger's Rate and Timer Dials

   Select the appropriate voltage and or rate (almost all cars have a 12 volt system). If time permits choose the slower rate and plan on charging the battery for two hours. This selection will turn the charger on. If the charger has a timer, set it.

7. After charging the battery, unplug the charger, disconnect the charger's cables and start the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to charge the battery for the maximum time as opposed to a boost. Test the battery (out of the car) after an attempt to charge it. If the car doesn't start, the battery may be defective or there may be a problem somewhere else in the starting system. Consult a professional.
• Double check the clamps and battery posts to make sure you're connecting them properly. Beware of an odor, often described as a rotten egg smell, as it may be a sign of a dead short in the battery and a threat of explosion. The presence of sparks when connecting the charging clamps means that you are attempting to place the clamps on the wrong terminals.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Need Cash For An Emergency? Auto Repair, Medical or Home Emergency—CashNetUSA.com is here to help you take control.